What did you learn from your mother?
Mom taught me many things. The most important were the basics: treat others with respect, honor other people’s possessions, work hard, give to others, save your money, volunteer, go to church, tell the truth, to name a few.
I grew up in the hood. I’m lucky I had a strong street smarts loving mother who taught me how to not only survive, but thrive in spite of my dangerous environment.
The most important lesson she ever taught me was to carry on.
I don’t remember my age at the time. Maybe a tween or a bit older. I was going through a rough patch. Something which seemed like the end of my world. It couldn’t have been a significant life changing event in that I can’t even remember what I was all bent out of shape about.
Mom, with her radar like intuition, while busily wiping down the stove, clearing the table, and washing the pots, pans, and dishes, said to me:
Steven, turn the page to the next chapter.
I knew exactly what she meant though I refused to buy into her thinking. I was a young man with a thick head.
Over the years, I can’t tell you how many times I’ve used this thought for myself or as a jump start for clients.
You can choose to waddle in the muddle and cry “why me?” Or, you can reflect on what’s happened and ask “what’s next?” Future focused keeps you in the game vs. being on the sidelines.
I’ll end this weeks post with the chorus of my current favorite song, “Carry On” by Fun. I know Mom would approve.
If you’re lost and alone, or you’re sinking like a stone
Carry on
May your past be the sound, of your feet upon the ground
Carry on
Happy Mother’s Day to all Mom’s past, present, and to be.
Photo by Lina Pitucci