My Mom is a really amazing woman. No, I'm not just saying that because I was lucky enough to be born to her more than half a century ago.
A whole lot of people whose lives she's touched think she's awesome, too. (This is Mom with my son Tristan on his wedding day).
I’m not sure she would identify herself as a creative, though she has lots of creative energy and hobbies. She has come to discover that she’s a “natural Pagan,” or in other words, one who lives her connection to Mother Earth, rather than studying it or operating within a particular pantheon.
That said, the things I’ve learned from her have definitely impacted my creative magick in a powerfully positive way.
Here are 11 key life lessons I've learned from my Mom.
No guilt. This is one of Mom's favorite sayings, and it's so true. Life is short enough. You're going to mess up sometimes, so apologize, make amends, and move on. Why waste time on past regrets?
Enjoy life's little pleasures. The smell of fresh baked bread. Flowering trees. A cat purring. A sunny day. Notice the little blessings that are all around you, and revel in them. Let them inspire you.
It doesn't cost anything to be kind. This is another favorite saying of Mom's, and she lives it. She's kind not only to her family and friends, but to all the people she encounters - even the ones that annoy her.
Document the joys. People in our family sometimes roll their eyes when they see Mom coming with the camera again. But they also appreciate the photo calendars she makes every December, and being reminded of the fun times we've had throughout the year.
Family is a treasure. Mom has made us, her family (which also includes a bunch of people we've informally adopted), a priority throughout our lives together. She appreciates our positive qualities and overlooks our flaws. This attitude of caring has rippled outward, and we all have each others' backs. It's a lovely way to live.
Reading is wonderful. Mom is as much of a bookwyrm as I am, if not more so! She gifted me with the love of stories. I am forever grateful.
Women are people too. Mom taught me that there are still injustices in the world, and that we can work to change them. One of her favorite ways to do so is to lift up, encourage, and celebrate women. We're part of a lineage of women - and others - changing society for the better.
Don't follow the herd. Trying to be like everyone else is boring. It also dulls our innate creativity, which is one of our biggest strengths. Mom revels in her unique interests and passsions. She is one of a kind!
Make your own fun. I often say about my family that we're the ones laughing together even in the Emergency Room. Literal truth. We choose to see the bizarre humor in even the toughest situations. She has led the way. She brings the fun wherever she goes. I strive to do that, too.
Be a good listener. Mom has been blessed with lots of friends of all ages. People know her as a good listener, one who will compassionately hear you out. This is a good quality to have in life.
You are tougher than you think. My Mom, now in her 80s, has survived more health challenges throughout her life than 4 or 5 people put together. She is strong, even when she's fragile. Granite rock strong. She's shown me that even when I'm feeling weakest, I can endure, and even thrive.
Thanks, Mom, for always encouraging and uplifting me!