a mom’s day giveaway not to be missed!
Since Mother's Day is just around the corner, we're putting a twist on our normal giveaway package. This time we're giving away 10 pearls of wisdom necklaces to 10 special winners! (32.95 value)
So how can you score one of these pretties?
1. We want to know…
What pearls of wisdom has your mother passed onto you? …or
What pearls of wisdom do you hope to pass onto your children?
Simply share your wisdom at the bottom of this post by Thursday, May 7 (no registration or sign-up required)
2. On Friday, May 8 each firefly team member will choose their favorite wisdom comment and we will post the 10 pearls of wisdom winners on the blog Friday afternoon.
We'd love for you to spread the word about our Pearls of Wisdom Giveaway on your Facebook page by clicking the Share on Facebook link below or posting it on your blog… because I figure a little extra wisdom can go a long way in this crazy world we live in.
And remember, not all wisdom has to be serious. It can be sweet, sentimental or just plain silly. Have fun! We can't wait to share your wealth of wisdom with the rest of our firefly fans.
Don't want to miss out on future fantastic firefly giveaways? Then be sure to get them delivered to your email inbox by signing up here!
Remember, you don’t have to start it…but you better finish it!
The pearl of wisdom I most hope to pass on to my children is the wisdom of just “being” without thinking, doing, commenting or criticizing. Enjoying each present moment.
My mother has passed on many pearls of wisdom to me! I think one of my favorite ones is when she said this to me—
I want so bad for you to be happy. You deserve happiness. I can not make it happen however. You are the only one who can make that happen for yourself. It has to come from within.
I love my mom so much and all of the pearls of wisdom she gives me!
While Mom taught me to be true to my convictions, she also understood how intense peer pressure could be. Early on, she told me if I were ever in a situation that I wasn’t sure how to get out of, I could always “place the blame” on her (for example: saying she would never let me do that!) While I was strong enough to do what I knew was right, I always knew I had “back up” just in case. She gave me peace of mind.
My mother taught me about financial responsibility – pay your bills every month, don’t buy or borrow what you can’t afford to pay for, and don’t let bills carry over into the new year (we always go as a family and mail the bills on New Year’s eve). The pearl I hope to give my two wonderful daughters is sometimes being simply good enough is better than making yourself nuts to be perfect — because there is NO perfect. And, that having people in your life who love you is all that matters, much more than things or wealth.
My mom taught me “if you’re going to get fat, get fat on things that taste good”
The pearls of wisdom I have given to my precious daughter and now my wonderful grandson is our love for each other is stronger than anything and good or bad I am here for you. To be a responsible and and never comprimise your morals. To savor the little thing in life. And to know that you are Loved and Deserved to be Loved and Honored.
My mom taught me that a self-reliant woman is a strong person who can do anything. My mother-in-law has taught me that family is the most important thing there is. As the mom of boys, I would like them to learn from me that women are to be respected and treated well – just as much as they expect and deserve to be respected and treated well.
Wow..how about “you had better get that look off your face or it will freeze like that”, “always wear clean underwear, you may get in a car accident” and then complain about how much laundry she had to do…”Stop crying or I will give you something to cry about”…I could go on and on. A couple others stand out in my mind though. Enjoy “these” days because these are the good old days (hey, someone should write a song..I guess Carly Simon took my mom’s advice..ha) and I married your father forever but not for lunch. That was her line when he came home and expected a mid- day meal.
My mom’s favorite saying when she sees something on sale at a good price is “can’t leave it on the rack for that price”. Now it’s my favorite saying (and all my girlfriends)- all our husbands are so grateful to my mother for those words – our closests are sooo full!!!
Mom said never date a man with 2 first names, like John Henry, Christopher Lloyd, Barney Frank etc…(you get the picture!) They can’t be trusted!
I could make a pearl necklace 100 feet long with the pearls of wisdom that have fallen from my mother’s lips. But I will choose just one: “Always put the cap on the vanilla bottle right after you use it!” Happy Mother’s Day to all women, even those of us who are not mothers in the traditional sense. Thank you, Catching Fireflies, for bringing joy to our lives!
“It’s always your choice. So choose to be happy”
My mom taught me strength, not so much in a little saying or jingle but more so by her actions. I’ve admiringly watched her demonstrate her strength for as far back as I can remember with all the challenges she gets thrown her way. More recently, she jokingly said, “oh, come on ya wimp” when I got choked up having to shave her head during her chemo treatments. Not long after that, she held me together when we got stuck in Hurricane Katrina. When most people break-my mom keeps right on going, never complaining…and always, ALWAYS looking out for others over herself. I hope to pass this on to my twins which will be born very soon!! :)
As Abe Lincoln said, “All that I am or hope to be, I owe to my Mother” Couldn’t be more true.
!.When life comes at you fast, and you are starting to feel overwhelmed,just remember to hit the snakes one at a time as they come out of the hole.
2.No matter what, you will always have your sisters. Treat them well.
There are many pearls of wisdom that I want to pass on to my two children but the one that comes to mind this morning is that I want them to know that it’s okay to laugh at themselves when they make mistakes and not take life too seriously!
What I’d like to pass along to my son is that life is a gift and it should never, ever be taken for granted. He had open heart surgery at two months of age (is now two years) and there is no way he’ll remember what he, or we, went through. My husband and I have such a profound appreciation for life (with all of it’s ups and downs) now and we hope to instill that in him. He has the scars that will hopefully remind him during bad times.
Wow, Pearl’s of Wisdom given to me by my Mom! There are so many to mention. When I was 20 I let a family take my new born baby girl and raise her as their own. My mother always told me that I would definately not regret this decision, and that helping others is the greatest gift in itself. Carma is not always a bad thing. My Daughter found me 4 years ago and her family has allowed us to reunite. My daughter is thrilled to know she has a baby brother (by 2 years). She says now she has more people that love her. Family reunions now are huge as her family is our family. I wish to pass onto my children that helping others is in fact the greatest gift you can give. and that no matter how hard it is on tough decisions you will definately be repaid in full plus for a wise choice. I love you Mom! Thank You!
My mom, she was an amazing woman named Grace. Her life literally gives definition to the word grace. She passed on ten years ago but the little pearls she left with us continue to reveal themselves to her children, grandchildren and now I’m sure her greats will learn them as well. One of our favortites ‘you never know what a day will bring’ keeps us hopeful, yet ‘you make my ass tired’ gives us the perfect expression for exasperation. We can use that word, right? She also reminds us to ‘choose our battles’ and ‘don’t make a threat you can’t keep’ Great info for raising our kids. She also said when trying to help us with life decisions, raising kids, etc. ‘I made plenty of mistakes so I know now what not to do, what doesn’t work, I can share that with you’ Really, a mom that was willing to share her mistakes with you in the hopes that it would make it easier for you, how selfless is that? That was our mom and still is, she was and is Grace.
If nothing else, make sure you put on lipstick. :)
Last spring, a few months before I got married my mom said to me “Don’t just marry someone you can live with, marry someone you can’t live without” A pearl of wisdom that is important for everyone to consider before taking the big plunge.
It is not a catch phrase or verbalized pearl but my mother would give someone in need the shirt off her back. She has always been like that even when she didn’t have anthing to give and has sometimes been the one in need. It seems that by giving so much kindness over the years inturn she has received kindness.
My Mom taught me the joys of serendipity and making magical memories. Celebrating MOMENTS not days and making EVERYDAY a holiday.
My favorite quote that I impart to everyone I encounter in any way I can is one I’ve never found an author to credit….
“The object of life’s journey is not to arrive at the grave safely in a well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, totally worn out, shouting, ‘Holy Shit, What a Ride!!!'”
My mom passed away 2 years ago. Despite this, the one saying she shared with me about making decisions on my own that I still hear her saying today is, “What’s the worst thing that could happen? If you can live with that then you are ok.” She taught me that taking a risk is not only ok, but will help you grow. I hope that I have been able to pass that on to my children.
How wonderful to be able to talk about my mom here… I always knew that I was so loved, which is a huge gift. She showed me how to open a honeysuckle flower and sip on the nectar. She taught me an appreciation for nature which is so important to me. Not ‘judging a book by it’s cover’ is another blessing from my mom. I lucked out big time in the parent department.
My mother always reminded me, and I will never forget as this has held true many times in my life….”Life and death is in the power of the tongue. Be slow to speak and quick to listen…choose your words wisely!” How TRUE!! Thanks mom! :)
There is so much I have gotten from my Mom; the ability to somehow be the most laid back yet high strung person, a love of HGTV, wanderlust and my creative talent. And somehow, she always was right when I brought home guys that just “weren’t good” for me. (I should have listened to her sooner!)
But the most important thing she has said to me is, “React with class.” I don’t know if she knows this, but in any situation that is upsetting, unsettling or uninspiring, I repeat that mantra in my head.
“”It is just as easy to fall in love with a poor man as it is a rich man.”
That little gem was passed down through generations. Though I don’t think we really know what it means because we alway just seem to go for love and forget to sneak into their bank statements before we get the rings! ;) :)
To chill out, never go to bed mad, kill ’em with kindness instead of stooping to someone’s level, and to be sympathetic to others…and so much more!
When I had the first of my two children, my Mom gave me a copy of this saying:
When I look at a patch of dandelions, I see a bunch of weeds that are going to take over my yard. My kids see flowers for Mom and blowing white fluff you can wish on.
When I see a homeless person and he smiles at me, I see a smelly, dirty person who probably wants money and I look away. My kids see someone smiling at them and they smile back.
When I hear music I love, I know I can’t carry a tune and don’t have much rhythm so I sit self-consciously and listen. My kids feel the beat and move to it.
When I feel wind on my face, I brace myself against it. I feel it messing up my hair and pulling me back when I walk. My kids close their eyes, spread their arms and fly with it, until they fall to the ground laughing.
When I see a mud puddle, I step around it. I see muddy shoes and dirty carpets. My kids splash in it. They see dams to build, rivers to cross, and worms to play with.
Enjoy the little things in life, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things! I wish you Big Mud Puddles and Sunny Yellow Dandelions! Best advice I ever got….thanks Mom!!
If you show your heart (love) to others, they will give their heart (love) back to you.
I always tend to take on too many things and when I am stressed out my mother always reminds me, “You can’t do it all, so do what you can today.” It doesn’t mean that everything else won’t get done, but it helps me from stressing out about all the little things and it helps me prioritize what really needs to get done.
You should make your words sweet. You will have to eat them sometime in your life.
In southern slang “better make ’em sweet,’cause ya’ll have to eat ’em.”
When my oldest son was in kindergarten I told him never to make fun of people or tease them because everyone has feelings. I know kids can be very cruel and I wanted to express how everyone should be treated with respect. I told him even though he may think it’s funny and the people around him too, the person getting made fun of has feelings just like he does. I often reminded him not to judge people. One day when I reminded him of not teasing people he said, “I know Momma, there’s this girl on the bus and she has really buck teeth and I never make fun of her.”
The Pearl of Wisdom that my mom gave me to pass along to my kids is to make sure that on every birthday they feel extra special. When your kids wake up in the morning, give them a kiss, and say “Happy Birthday, I am so glad that you were born.” It always makes us feel so special.
My old pearl of wisdom from my mom was…This too shall pass (everytime my kids were having a tantrum and all the mom’s were staring at me this saying goes over and over in my head! works when irritated with significant other also)
My new saying-stolen from the iphone commercial…There’s an app for that…(works in the same situations…better then where’s the beef? from the Wendy’s commercial…just dated myself!)
As a mother of 4, I have so many things that I wish for them. It’s so hard for kids to “just be” today as there is always some pressure to be something big, or to be someone else- and I’ve watched them struggle with bullying and scornful comments – and as we all know, it’s hard not to let it overwhelm you or often times change who you are. We tend to build a wall to protect us, and often times we lose our true selves behind that wall. For my 9 yr old son’s birthday, I gave him a necklace that adorned the Chinese character for wisdom, and gave him a card to carry in his wallet that shares many widely known words of wisdom, and one of many of the messages on that card shares my belief “that in trying times- peace, love, and kindness must prevail, and never to allow the hatred that you feel has scorned you consume you. Understand that respect must always be shown, and earned.” Always hoping to reiterate that message, and take it a step further, we have a framed quote hanging in our dining room to serve as a constant reminder. “Be the change you wish to see in the world”- Ghandi.
Reading through many of the blogs above, we have so many beautiful and inspiring women in our lives, strong and courageous. Happy Mother’s Day to all.
I don’t have any children yet, but when I do, some day, I’d like them to know how important it is to always be true to oneself.
On those days when the house is a mess, the kids are arguing and you are ready to pull you hair out my mother’s words lovingly ring in my ears “Enjoy, just enjoy! Time flies so quickly and before you know it the house is quite and you will wish for these days. Enjoy!”
I often step back and realize how fast my children are growing up and how you need to ENJOY every moment and not live in the negative! Thanks Mom!
My mother taught me amongst many many other things that relationships are whats really important in your life. Things are not what make you, nor can they support you, care for you, or fill you. I am a new mother and I will be sure to instill this love for others and kindness towards all in her as well :)
The one lesson my mom taught me that I remember vividly and have taught my own children:
“No matter what situation you find yourself in, all you need are good manners to get yourself through.”
My mother had 10 children. She was a woman of few words but her actions spoke volumes!!
We all knew that her marriage and our father came first–and that was OK. Whenever you were with her you truly believed that you were her favorite child. She made do, made over and recycled her entire life—a true child of the Depression who never forgot it. My mother always delighted in little things and never made a fuss. She died last summer and went peacefully because she always did the best she could, had no regrets and had enormous faith. Her 9 surviving children feel very blessed to have been left such a wonderful legacy.
My mom has provided me with wisdom, not as much through what she’s said to me, but through her actions. She took care of 8 kids without a complaint, living off my dad’s single salary. We never WENT without (food, clothing, love), but we learned that we could DO without (eating out, expensive clothes, the latest new toys). My mom is now caring for my Dad, who has Parkinson’s and Lewybody dementia. Tomorrow they celebrate their 59th wedding anniversary. She models patience and love every day, and I hope that I can be just like her some day.
Be true to oneself and be kind to others.
My mother said to all seven of her children-“I will always love you, but I want others to like you.” We were reminded of this on many family outings.
Guard your virgintiy because once it’s lost, you can never get it back. Make sure he’s worth it!!!
The Pearls of Wisdom I want my children to live their lives by was inspired by Ghandi: “Be the change you wish to See.” I try to teach them that they CAN Make a Difference, think of others first. Always be grateful for what you have. There are people suffering all over the world, so do what you can to make the world a better place. My son has been fundraising since he was 8 – for Make A Wish and Breast Cancer. Now I’ve started a club at our children’s elementary school that raises awareness for issues in Latin America – poverty, health, child mortality… and our club of 15 students has raised over $1500! Enough to build a well so children can go to school instead of fetching dirty water that makes them sick! Be the Change! It’s what I want my kids to live by!
Both of our sons, ages 8 and 4, have autism. Our family isn’t what most consider “typical”. Our children struggle with communication, and face new and interesting challenges every day. I secretly long to hear my youngest son say “Mommy” just once to me. I sometimes feel so lost and guilty – wondering if I have done or am doing all that I can to help our children grow and thrive to the best of their potential. On one particularly draining day emotionally for me, my Mom’s “Pearls of Wisdom” said it all. She said that life (and God) never gives you more than you can handle. These two special children were hand-picked to be given to my husband and I for a reason. Those words were all I needed to boost my spirt and to be thankful that life (and God) have such confidence in me! Thanks Mom!
A pearl of wisdom consistently shared with our children comes from our annual viewing of a special movie on New Year’s Day. We watch “It’s a Wonderful Life” every year before we head back to work and school the next day. It reminds us of important values of family and love, and to always count our blessings. It is indeed a “wonderful life,” no matter how difficult the times, and that’s what I want my kids to know.
My favorite from my mother is – “Don’t put too many wrinkles in your brain” which means don’t worry about and retain irrelevant information
“This to shall pass.”
One of the most important pearls my mother has given me is……to believe in yourself and to develop the special gifts that we each possess. She would say that every child/ person is gifted with unique talents and interests. She urged me to pursue those dreams/goals that were imbedded in my talents,interests, and beliefs. Because those are the things that bring us the most satisfaction and fulfillment in our lives, aren’t they?
I really hope to pass on to my children, to love with all of you heart and trust what your heart says when you need the answers, you can’t go wrong!
When I was in Kindergarten we had to do an activity where we had to jump over a broom stick and follow each other around in a circle. My mom practiced this with me at home because I was terrified of falling! I am 30 years old and she still uses this pearl of wisdom to encourage me to try new things by telling me to “Just jump over the broomstick!” This is something I always try to remind myself to do, and something I want to pass on to my children.
When your children are giving you the most trouble, that is when they need you the most.
Take a deep breath, and smile!!!
The following quote is a pearl of wisdom that describes every mother….
“Most of all the other beautiful things in life come by twos and threes by dozens and hundreds. Plenty of roses, stars, sunsets, rainbows, brothers, and sisters, aunts and cousins, but only one mother in the whole world.”
— Kate Douglas Wiggin
You know, It wasn’t until I got to my 30s before I grew up enough to appreciate all that my mom was teaching me. Every meal I cook, every towel I fold, everything I analyze – it’s all mom.
But, recently my mom told me something that I know I’ll never forget. I was going through some major STRESS recently (jobs, money, houses, family – you know the drill), and was feeling completely hopeless and beat down. I complained to her “I NEED HELP. I CAN’T DO ALL OF THIS ON MY OWN!” (In a whiny, stressed out voice!)
Without missing a beat she looked at me and with a clear, strong and somewhat peeved tone and said: “Yes you CAN. You’re a WOMAN!”
:) I love my mom.
My twin daughters were born at 2 and 3 pounds. Now, as 4 year olds and big sisters to their little sister, they are showing me and teaching me things each and every day as they grow into beautiful little girls. They have proven that miracles happen all the time. While at the nursery the other day selecting new flowers, they went right to the marigold flower section and said, let’s get these “miracles.” I am so lucky.
My mother, now 82 years old, has passed along many pearls of wisdom through the years and the way she has lived her life is a tremendous example of courage and grace. But here is one of my favorite pearls, “You can tell a great deal about a woman’s character based on the contents and organization of her handbag.” Now if you’ll all excuse me, I am going to go and discard any used Kleenex at the bottom of my purse.
My Mom drove me bananas withjust one sentence-full of trust-blind faith and looking back, love…
she always said,”You do what you think is right….”what/ Why couldn’t she just make me ? tell me? pushme? but oh no, I had to figure it out myself, learn the hard way, fall down only to picked up by my Mom and to wait for the next,”You do what you think is right” and now, I have teenagers of my own and as much as I KNOW what is right for them I am both haunted and guided into saying,”You do what yo9u think is right” thanks Mom!!!!!
For every action ,there is a reaction!
My Grandmother and Mom had so many pearls of wisdom, I find myself peddling out these pearls daily to my daughter, family, friends and strangers, and I love chatting with strangers. So off the top of my head I have strung these pearls of wisdom into a top 10 list. Happy Mothers day to all!
1. You are a beautiful creative being of light capable of infinite possibilities.
2. If people don’t like you there is something wrong with them.
3. You can attract more flies with honey than with vinegar.
4. These are your salad days.
5. It is better to be a shepherd than a sheep.
6. This too shall pass.
7. When you feel you can’t get over it, can’t get under it, can’t get around it, you just got to go through it.
8. Be lovely.
9. Always make your home a safe place to land.
10. It is never too late to be who you want to be.
My Mom taught me to accept imperfections in all things…the weather, animals, people, everything. I pick flowers with missing petals. I choose pottery with cracks. I adopted a senior golden retriever that tinkles in his sleep. I married a man that wasn’t perfect. I have never been happier.
I want my daughters to remember that when they are having a bad day, it doesn’t mean that is going to be bad forever, the situation or mood will pass and good days will come.
Pearls of wisdom & mothers (including my mom-in-law) are true treasures of mine! The most treasured pearls of wisdom are, “In order to have a friend, you have to be a friend” & “The ones who matter, won’t mind & the ones who mind, don’t matter” :D
LISTEN–Look at what your doing not what others are doing. LEAD when its neccessary. FOLLOW when its neccessary. And overall keep it simple. PRAY often for guidance. Our sex talk was similar “just don’t do it” That was it. My sisters and I all received the same wisdoms. They are the smartest, wittiest, and most compassionate people I know. Both Leaders in what they do, myself included. Humanistic and careing.
“You made your bed, now you have to lie in it.” That’s the one I always remember. We make our own choices, and we have to be ready to face any and all consequences. That’s what my mom told me, and what I tell my children. Good advice.
Something I say to my kids a lot as they navigate their way through school and friendships is…”You don’t have to like everyone, but you do need to be kind.” I hope that they never get caught up in the name calling and caddiness that adolesence can bring. I know from experience that nothing hurts more than to feel unloved.
Moms are a wonderful thing and their advice is to cherish….”Do the right thing..Show gratitude. Work hard. Be good at something and when given feedback listen…there is always something to learn.” THose are a few…and I always tell my children to “DANCE”..dance whenever,whenever, however….
thanks catching fireflies!
The biggest thing my mom taught me is to “pick your battles” and you will be a happier person. Not every “issue” has to be battled out. Pick the most important ones and the ones that will leave a lasting impact.
That holds true in every part of my life
Pick your battles with your kids – not everything they do is worth battling over.
Pick your battles at work – you can always go home LOL
Pick your battles with your spouse – it doesn’t always have to be an argument.
Her words play over and over in my head when I am not picking my battles correctly!
My mom could always make us laugh like nobody else. So my pearl is, “Laugh hard and often.”
I hope to pass on to my children the fact that happiness is not a destination, its a journey. It its a wonderfull saying and I hope if I have children, they will remember it always.
Some of the pearls of wisdom from my mother are: “children are your greatest joy as well as your greatest pain”
“little people/ little problems
big people/big problems”
My mom has given me many pearls of wisdom. She has been there for me throughout everything in my life and I am so thankful for her. She is always thinking of others and never puts herself first which she should. I owe her the world for teaching,guiding, and for loving me no matter what. She has just recently gone through her final chemotherapy treatment for breast cancer. She has shown so much strength and bravery. When I start a family some day I hope that I can be half the mom that she has been to me. She’s not just mom mom she’s my best friend.
My mother taught me to care for others. My calendar is a replica of hers with dates to remind me to send a card. I would hope my children will always think of others before they make judgement.
I’ve always told my children to be kind, be considerate, but be no one’s doormat. Respect goes both ways, and if you can give it, you certainly deserve to get it. I couldn’t be more proud of my daughter and my son and the paths they have each chosen. They listened to me and respected me and loved me, just as I did them.
I grew up learning some tough lessons about friends and friendship while attending school in a neighborhood where both poverty-level and affluent families lived. It wasn’t always easy but in the end, I came out of it with some lifelong friendships and some lessons that I still practice today to great reward:
“You have to be a friend to have friends.”
“If you have any doubts about it, it’s probably best not to do it.”
“Be true to yourself…don’t put on phony airs.”
I’ve passed these pearls on to my two sons with the hope that they will learn the lessons by example and not have to endure the experience.
I think the Beatles said it best when, “All you need is LOVE!”
I remember cringing as my mom waved merrily at appreciative construction workers when she drove by in her baby-blue convertible (with the top down, naturally). She taught me to receive positive comments offered – from whatever sources – with grace and a smile, since you never know when they’ll stop coming your way!!!
my mom taught me so many things that i know i will keep each of them with me forever. i picked out this pearl of wisdom because its something i can use every day in every relationship i have,(even though she told me this in regard to marriage):
“a husband and wife is like two stones in a bag, being shaken up in order to get to the diamond inside. the only thing strong enough to break through a diamonds outer shell is another diamond, and eventually the inner beauty reveals itself. people are like that too, they fight and they argue and the scratches are painful, but they leave behind two beautiful diamonds that learned from their experience and improved on themselves in the process.”
My favorite pearl of wisdom comes from Mother Teresa. I hope that I will be able to be an example of these wise words so that my children will grow to live them out as well.
People are often unreasonable,
illogical and self-centered;
Forgive them anyway.
If you are kind,
People may accuse you
of selfish, ulterior motives;
Be Kind anyway.
If you are successful,
you will win some false friends and
some true enemies;
Succeed anyway.
What you spend years building,
someone could destroy overnight;
Build anyway
If you find serenity and happiness,
they may be jealous;
Be happy anyway.
The good you do today,
people will often forget tomorrow;
Do good anyway.
Give the world the best you have,
and it may never be enough;
Give the world the best you’ve got anyway.
You see, in the final analysis.
it is between you and God;
It is never between you and them anyway.
The most wonderful aspect of motherly pearls of wisdom is that they are usually learned through watching your mom as opposed to having your mom lecture you.
I learned to always be classy from watching my mom, who–it goes without saying–is the classiest woman I know: she holds her head high; she speaks with confidence; she exudes warmth to everyone she encounters; she knows how to laugh at life.
I strive to be just as classy as she is, not only because I know how far it will take me in life, but also because a classy lady like my mom wouldn’t accept anything less from her daughter!
I live about an hour and a half away from my grandson. The other evening as I tucked him into bed he asked if I would lay down beside him for a minute. Falling asleep he told me, “Grandma you’re stuck with me.” I assured him I loved to spend time with him while his mom and dad were out for the evening. He said, “No, grandma. Where ever you are, you are always in my heart.”
Thinking this was something my daughter told him, I shared the discussion with her. She assured me she had not said that….pearls of wisdom from a five year old?
One of the most important pearls of wisdom my mother passed on to me is something that was never said. Without realizing it, she helped bring out the big heart within me. My mother has the biggest, kindest, heart of anyone I know. Times can be difficult, but even when they are she is still so caring and giving, even if she deep down finds herself out of “things” to give. She constantly puts others first, whether it is family, friends or even her community. The more I grow as a person, I find that remarkable quality of hers, in myself. I find that in my relationships, I want to share my love and desire to give with these people, never expecting anything in return for it. The giving has never been about spending lots of money or anything like that. It’s just the little things here and there, that I find myself doing for people because of the way she has been so loving in her life, that now I don’t ever think about; I just catch myself making efforts to see those that I care about, happy. And I have her to thank for rubbing off on me in such an inspiring way!
“Never be afraid to ask, all they can do is say no…
I heard this one quite a bit in high school: “Dress for the weather.”
I have found that there is nothing that can’t be solved without my girlfriends and some wine. You better be able to laugh at what life throws at you, because the options aren’t that appealing.
I’m dancing as fast as I can…..
The pearl of wisdom my mother has given to me is, “Get over it!”. She is very honest and tells you how it is..
The pearl of wisdom I want to pass on to my daughters is to treat others how you want to be treated. A little kindness goes a long way.
My mom has always taugh me through her actions to have fun and make the best out of situations. She has taught me to celebrate every little accomplishment and to make other people feel special. I hope to pass this onto my daughter!
Spilled milk/water/soda, once cleaned up now means we now have a clean spot on the kitchen floor…make the best out of what life give you!
(Sorry if this is re-posted, my internet connection is goofy today and I wasn’t sure it went through.)
My mother has been, and continues to be, a treasured blessing and I consider her my very best friend.
One pearl of wisdom from her that has stayed with me (even now) is the advice: “Never put something in writing that would embarrass you or hurt another person if someone else happened to discover it.” It’s advice I have tried to instill within my own children–especially during those turbulent middle school years, and now the Facebook generation!
And on the humorous side:
This “pearl” from my mother was long surpressed until I was potty training my own little ones. I wrote about it on my blog not long ago:
By the time the job came around for potty training our 4th kid, with the busy schedules of her 3 older siblings I really found it easier just to use diapers. We spent so many days at ball fields and car lines and grocery stores and practices and other places with limited facilities, I had to find a way to survive. You moms know the drill– the entire world must stop when your 2 year old has to “go”. And I’m not even going to mention the less-than-sanitary conditions of some public restrooms–or frantically trying to cover the toilet seat with t.p. before the “waterworks” begin. . . or worse, trying to dangle a 2 year old over the noxious surface when urgency trumps germ-a-phobia. In those days before Purell, echoes of my own childhood came crashing back as I found myself repeating these same words my own dear mother had spoken an eon before, “Don’t TOUCH ANYTHING!!” I am probably the only mom on the planet who said to her little one, “Oh, honey, wouldn’t you just like to wear a diaper today?”
Thanks for letting me share!
As an only child of a single mom, there were many points in my life where wisdom was bestowed, and in many cases, not listened to, but the one life lesson I have learned from my mom that sticks with me no matter what is happening in my life is that as women we must be self reliant, yet open to assistance when it’s offered. We are strong but not invincible.
My Mom was a sweetheart and I can honestly say I never in my life heard her say an unkind word to, or about, anyone, ever.
She taught me (as her mother taught her): “If you can’t say something good about someone, don’t say anything at all.”
The Pearl of Wisdom I most hope to have passed on to my son is to live each day as though it were your last, enjoy what comes your way and find something good even out of the bad. There is always something good that comes from the bad. Learn it, live it and love it.
JD
visionquest2020@msn.com
My mom taught me to be open and accepting of people of all cultures and backgrounds. The doors to our house were always open to our friends from all over the world whether it was a holiday or a weeknight dinner. It’s a part of me now, my moral fabric, and I will raise my own boys this way.
My mother in law taught me that if you put men’s dress shirts in the dryer for like 10 minutes and then pull them out and hang them, you don’t have to iron them! More importantly, she once told me to pick my battles when I was complaining about my husband’s socks on the floor. She didn’t say this as HIS mother, but as mine, and fellow wife.
When my mom was diagnosed with cancer she told me “no matter what, I have lived a wonderful life and have no regrets”. This pearl of wisdom directs me to this day. I live each day asking if it were my last could I say this. My mom lived 7 more wonderful years after that diagnosis.
One of many of Mom’s pearls of wisdom was “you do not always have to return a favor, but you need to always pass it on”, and “if at the end of the day, you can say you have made someones life better by a smile, a touch, a listening ear…then your day was well done”.
My pearl of wisdom which I have passed on to my son, who is now 37, is this: when you find that special woman in your life, love her for her faults, because if you can love her for her less attractive qualities, you KNOW you can love her for the good ones!
My Mom is gone and wish every day that we
could talk. My Mom advice to my daughter
is that life goes by like a shooting star.
Bright,beautiful but fast.
Enjoy the uniqueness and beauty that it brings,
Mom taught me: If you ever lose something, clean up. You will find it AND you will wind up with a clean room/car/house etc.
It works like a charm!
“Jesus Christ will get them in the end.” That’s what my mom used to say to me when she thought people were giving me a bad time.
Something my mom has taught me is to always remember that even when I’m having a hard day and the kids are acting up, that they are only this young once and to enjoy this time with them now because they grow up fast. It is so true because these past 4 1/2 years have flown by!
My Mother is a very wise woman with a strand of pearls of wisdom a lifetime long.
I remember one thing and have repeated it to all 3 of my children. It has sat with me every day since she said it. I was dating my husband at the time and she said.
Just remember for every one thing about him you might like to change he might have 10 he would like to change about you. Accept him with it all or not at all.
Blessings,Pea
I love ‘easy now, hard later – hard now, easy later’ I unfortunately didn’t learn that until my forties but ever since I’ve shared that with my sons and anyone else who is listening.
Mom always told me not to get into a fight with the neighbors over the kids because while you are in the backyard arguing over the fence, they will be out front playing together!
We lived in a small community so I think you can understand why I told my kids never to do anything they didn’t want me to hear about. I learned this while I was standing at the meat counter in our local store and overheard two women talking about the kid who ran the bases at the local park with his car….and mentioned his name. Everyone knew everyone in our town. So there it is!
I would like to pass on several pearls of wisdom to my son but the most important would be to always be generous with others…with your time, your money, your abilities, your attention and your affection. I think we all need to be more generous with one another. That is one way we can make this world a better place.
-Amy
(Crafting by Candlelight)
That I can do anything I set my mind to, and she was right.
This pearl came to me from my best friend’s Italian grandmother. Taken literally or figuratively, it’s just good advice:
“Never let a man see your whole ass.”