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Celebrating The Wisdom Of The Advice Passed On By Moms

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Tuesday May 6, 2014

By Cookie Steponaitis

Most of us are not quite sure what to make of our parents when we are growing up. They are at times funny and often serious beyond belief. We go through phases where we lean on them, depend on them, pull away from them, listen to them and if we are lucky reach the moment in our lives where we acknowledge that for the most part they were in fact not only right but pivotal in shaping our lives and futures. Sunday, May 11th is the official Mother’s Day set aside to honor the bond that mothers share with their children and the influence they have had in our lives. The Valley Voice asked its readers to send in tidbits of wisdom they received from their moms that still hold true today.
“Don’t settle for less” came through loudly and clearly from several readers who expressed the power this simple phrase had in their lives. Many readers applied this advice to situations in their lives from relationships to careers and dreams and felt empowered to believe that it was their right to reach high and not accept mediocrity.
 “Sweep your own porch before you sweep others” or mantras similar to this were showcased several times. Moms always seem to know that while other people’s lives may seem intriguingly in need of fixing judging others is not often the path to take.
“Live life with humor.” Moms across the Champlain Valley have shared this one for generations. No situation is so dark there cannot be found some glimmer of light or humor. “People who laugh live longer” was another way one reader reflected this sentiment.
“Family dinners are sacred.” Twenty readers shared wisdom directed at the family getting together nightly to share a meal and their day. One reader commented that the phone was off the hook and cell phones were not permitted during the family dinner hour. Others spoke of eating together at least three times a week.
“See the best in people and celebrate with them their successes and be the last to criticize.” Many readers’ moms offered the wisdom of not being critical of others and finding celebration in life even in small amounts.
“If you are looking for something it is where you left it last.” All of us remember that fateful day mom stopped showing us where we put things and decided we needed to know ourselves.
“Common sense is not all that common.”  Above all else our readers found this motherly advice the best when it comes to thinking things through and using common sense.
So, grab your mom and hug her tightly. Call her if she is across the nation or stop your busy life to let her know what impact she has had on yours. Mothers have created part of the essence in each of us in small or big ways and have given us the roots to ground us and wings to fly. ‘Mama says’ is more than a phrase that provided the soundtrack of your younger life. Mom’s advice are pearls of wisdom and solid reminders for us all of how to live our lives and remember that mama does often know best.

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