This April, my sweet mom passed away after a short illness.  She was simply amazing.  In all the cards and comments we got after she passed, people said over & over how kind and caring she was.  She was a Kindergarten teacher, if that gives you any idea of her kind (and patient) nature, and after she died many of her former students posted on Facebook that she was still their favorite teacher to this day!  People just loved her.  And I was lucky enough to call her my MOM!

Naturally I have been doing a lot of reflecting over the past few weeks, and in honor of Mother’s Day, I want to share 3 of the best life lessons I learned – through loving example – from my mommy.   I realize I’m biased, but I think they are pretty awesome lessons for all of us, at any level, in any role, at any point in life.

1. Be a good listener

Mom was a talker, no doubt!  I paid her phone bill for a while and I saw it first-hand.  😊  But she was also a fabulous listener, who didn’t feel the need to solve your problem. She just knew how to empathize and validate your feelings.  She made people feel heard and valued.  It’s a true gift, and something the world needs more of today.  Next time you’re tempted to solve someone’s problem, try mom’s greatest trick: listen, tell them you understand, and give them a great big hug.

2. Follow your heart

Mom knew the value of following your heart.  When I chose Luther College over other, less-expensive schools, I told her “I don’t know why I like Luther, mom, it just feels right.”  She said “You have to follow your heart.”  At age 80, she remarried and chose to move away from our hometown to her new husband’s house, which was out-of-state.  Most people thought she was crazy.  Some were even upset about it.  But she prayed about it, and she followed her heart.  They had a wonderful 5 years together before she passed and I don’t think ever seen her happier!  This is something we can all learn from.   Our hearts know the good stuff, if we can just trust them.

3. Sparkle

That smile!  My mom had a smile and positivity for miles.  She never took herself too seriously and had a great sense of humor when being teased (which, with my brothers and me, was a lot).  She simply sparkled.  She loved to laugh, cheer loudly at TV baseball games, act like a giddy schoolgirl at a concert, get into fits of giggles with her friends, teach kids silly songs, and sing along to anything, anywhere.  She loved fully, and never held back in sharing her joy.  By example, she taught me to have fun, be silly, and be me.

I’m already miss my mom so much, but I take her beautiful lessons with me wherever I go.  Those lessons weren’t just for me, they were for everyone, so please take them with you, too.  Listen and hug someone.  Follow your heart.  And never, ever take yourself too seriously .  Be you – get out there and sparkle!

Peace, love and revolution!
Nancy