 I remember one week our living room was three different paint colors. I was a teenager at the time. We had just gotten a new couch, and my Mom, being extremely artistic, wanted to get the right match that would harmonize the look of our family area. When the newest coat of paint went up, my Mom declared it was not “right.” So, she proceeded to buy more paint and give it another go, because that’s how my Mom is. She taught me the importance of going back and getting what I want and making it right, no matter how seemingly insignificant “it” is. (Obviously, within reason. We clearly have restraints on our time and resources.) Her desire is to be proactive, even about the details. Even if it involves retracing my steps and doing something again. I’d come home tired from a full day of clothing shopping (which any gal knows can be challenging and discouraging) only to realize I should have gotten those black pants that were on sale. Without hesitating, my Mom would help me plan a trip back to the store, even getting up early with me so we could get to the doors right as they opened. Walls and pants are minor, but my Mom even carried this attitude with the more important things in life. When she said something she regretted, she didn’t just chalk it up as over and done. She would make a point to sit down with me and explain why she said what she said, and what she should have said instead. You can’t erase what you say, but you can try, and my Mom was determined to do so. Her attitude grew into me as I grew older. With age comes more knowledge and therefore more ability to have a “do over.” I think that it’s beneficial that as we get older, we don’t stay passive, but recognize that when we have the power to change even the little things, we should. Because our life is made up of the little things, is it not? And as my Mom demonstrated to me, our life is worth it.  What about you?
Let me know your thoughts in the comment section below. I love hearing from you!
25 Comments
Laurie
9/20/2019 09:14:02 am
Love this, Gina! 9/20/2019 05:36:07 pm
Your mom sounds like an awesome person. In many ways, like my mother. I learned a lot about living from her. And I love this post — because you and your mom are right. There’s no need to settle at all. 9/22/2019 02:14:56 am
Thanks! And yes, we can learn so much from Moms - and anyone we live with! 9/21/2019 05:42:46 am
Gina, I can totally relate to the three paint colors in the living room. So me! I agree we all have the power to change, even if it's just one tiny thing. It can make a big difference. 9/22/2019 02:15:46 am
Aw :) Thanks for your comment! Colors are super important ;) 9/21/2019 08:01:28 am
What a great attitude. Your Mum was correct, we shouldn't just settle with something if we can do something about it. And very often we can. 9/22/2019 02:16:33 am
Yes! And I have to remind myself of this. I think it's easy to forget the possibilities we have before us!
It seems that your mom has a lot of wisdom. Taking time to explain things is important to do with kids from trauma as well. That way they know why something happened the way it did and that they will be safe. We also do something called do-overs, which I need to do more. When they keep making a mistake we ask them what they should have done instead and then have them do it again the right way.
Kelly Martin
9/22/2019 03:12:52 am
Your mum is definitely right. I don’t think we should settle for second best if we have the ability to change things. 9/22/2019 05:30:21 am
I love the mindset your mom has. If we have the chance to change things why not go for it instead of letting it be? It's great that she takes time to explain why she did what she did. 9/22/2019 08:55:41 am
Yes! Thanks for your comment! And you are right - it's easy to settle! 9/22/2019 01:01:52 pm
We learn new things from our parents everyday, especially our mothers. My mum is 49. but dont let aging stops her from living her life. I'm just trying to learn from her. 9/22/2019 06:11:16 pm
Life is what you make out of it and sometimes stepping out of our comfort zone brings out the best out of us. Your mum is a great woman! 9/26/2019 05:12:08 am
It's so true - stepping out of our comfort zone can be a good thing. But a hard thing! :D 9/23/2019 04:10:08 pm
I find it incredible that you grew up in an environment that fostered creativity and growth. As humans, we are full of failures and mistakes. But, it seems that your mom didn’t grow them as failures but moments to learn, grow, and educate. 9/26/2019 05:10:43 am
Thank you - yes! She did model that. Unfortunately I still have lots of room for improvement! 9/24/2019 07:49:19 am
Life is made up of little things. I love this, because it is so true! Every little thing is put together to make the big things. Your mom sounds like a very wise woman, and obviously so are you. Personally, I have loved aging because of the wisdom I've gained as I go. Thanks for the great reminder. 9/26/2019 05:13:03 am
I am so encouraged when people tell me they love aging!! Thanks so much for sharing this! Leave a Reply. |
Author: GinaCreator of Love, Auntie. 
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