Words of Wisdom

“When people show you what they are really like inside, believe them.” This, of course, comes in handy when you need to evaluate whether someone should be “kicked out” of your life, but it has also served me well the other way around. Sometimes strangers will say or do the nicest things, prompting me to strike up a conversation with them. Sometimes we just spend a few pleasant moments together; sometimes I make new friends out of the deal. My mom was right: When people give you that rare look inside themselves, you had better be prepared to evaluate it right then. You are bound to win if you pay attention.
Kristen Backlund
Harper Woods, Michigan

From my nana to my mother and, finally, to me came four of the most calming words: “This too shall pass.” Regardless of the situation, whether it be embarrassment or stress, my momma reminded me that everything passes with time. Throughout some of the worst moments in my life thus far, my mother’s words have comforted me.
Katharine Kantorik
Champion, Pennsylvania

My mother always told me I could have everything I wanted in life, but it might have to come in phases. She should know: She raised three kids, became a university professor, and authored several books — just not all at the same time.
Ann Feldman
Barrington, Illinois

When I was younger and did not know of life’s problems, I remember my mom saying, “If everybody you knew threw their problems into a basket, you would grab your own back,” because you know what your problems are and how to deal with them.
Sharon Hubbard
Oviedo, Florida

Mom taught me at a very early age how valuable women’s friendships are to her. She is still friends with her kindergarten classmates, and she taught me how to stay in touch with my friends even when life gets a little too busy with work and family. Today my friends are my favorite part of my life. They are my cheerleaders and support system — thanks to my mom, my role model and good friend.
Jill Tracy
Long Beach, California

When I was a teenager, my mom earned a degree in psychology, and I was the recipient of her newfound enlightenment. When things did not turn out as I hoped, mom would remind me that “life is not fair.” With that advice came the love, support, and guidance to see my way through pain and disappointment to a better place. Thirty years later, I am so fortunate to still be able to share my “life’s not fair” moments with her and to pass that wisdom and example of resilience on to my two now teenage children. Using my mom’s advice, I have been able to see the bright side of most every bump in the road.
Sharon Middleton
Ponte Vedra, Florida

My mother is a proper British lady with a sharp sense of humor. She has given me helpful advice throughout my life, and I trust her implicitly. When I was in college, she told me simply, “Every woman should have one secret.” I still can’t keep a secret from anyone, but a little mystery would be great sometimes. I often ponder what her one secret is. Of course, I realize I’ll never know.
Lieu Woodhead
Salt Lake City, Utah

Whenever one of my five siblings would balk about doing something or going somewhere when the majority had already agreed on it, my mother would use this expression: “One monkey don’t stop no show.” It meant for us to be cognizant of the fact that the world did not revolve around any individual; that being petulant for no legitimate reason would cause the parade to pass us by. Needless to say, it irritated me no end when I was a child, but when I grew up, I understood exactly what she meant.
Glenore Weal
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

My mother’s favorite adage was “Start out as you mean to go on.” This has saved me so much time and frustration over the years. In relationships, parenting, friendships, jobs, if you establish boundaries and goals at the outset, hurt feelings and confusion are kept to a minimum later on.
Melissa Ullom
Las Vegas, Nevada

The best advice my mother gave me is to “bloom where you are planted.” Life will undoubtedly bring low moments, but it is in those times that you have the ability to let your true character shine. That wisdom has brought me through bad jobs, unfamiliar cities, and lonely nights.
Leigh Sullivan
Cincinnati, Ohio

As I was working through a difficult time in my life, my mom told me, “If one person tells you you’re an ass, you can ignore him. But if many people tell you you’re an ass, turn around and look for your tail.” The advice really hits home and is a great reminder for me.
Sam Becker
Heron Lake, Minnesota

Smart Cookie

Denied an education in her native country due to her gender, my mother, who raised four daughters, always encouraged us to feed our minds and never waste an opportunity to learn something new.
Hoa Tran
Long Beach, California

My mother always told me a quote from the Bible: “My people perish for lack of information.” It’s what has helped guide me through many decisions in life. I research everything, from cars to laundry detergent. It’s part of the reason I am a pharmacist: so I can empower others to make informed decisions about their health care.
Jennifer Johansen
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Whenever I asked my mom for advice, she would say, “What do you think?” After listening to my answer, she would remind me that she raised me to be a smart, independent thinker and that I should pay attention to whatever my gut was telling me.
Natalie Mastro
Trussville, Alabama

My favorite advice from my mother was to always read banned books. From an early age, I was a voracious reader. I would sneak a flashlight under the covers at the age of four. My mother always encouraged my reading and explained the power of knowledge. When I was in junior high, certain books (author Judy Blum, for example) were off-limits in the library and were placed behind the librarian’s desk. When I asked my mom about them, she explained about small-minded people and promptly went about finding the books for me to read. I have never forgotten the empowerment I felt. To this day, I read any controversial book so I can form my own opinion.
Dawn Brown
Valparaiso, Indiana

My mom told me, starting from a very young age, “The dumbest question is the one you didn’t ask.” As a multiple-business owner, I know how valuable it is to get all the information I can up front. I have saved time and untold amounts of money by digging in and asking those one or two important questions.
Cheyenne Mendel
Moffat, Colorado

Whenever I think I cannot do something or a project is too difficult, Mom always tells me this: “If you cannot impress them with your intelligence, then baffle them with your bull.” It makes me chuckle and then relax enough to conquer the task.
Jamie Conover
Las Cruces, New Mexico

Famous Last Words

“The trouble with trouble is that it always starts out as fun.”
Lauren Busby
Memphis, Tennessee

When I was a teenager, my mother told me, “Don’t do anything you don’t want on the front page of the Oregonian,” our local newspaper. I am 55 now, but those words have always stayed with me.
Marsha LaFarge
Cathlamet, Washington

“Get an epidural!”
Chari Nordgaard Knueppel
Milwaukee, Wisconsin

“It’s not what you make that makes you rich — it’s what you spend that makes you poor.”
Betty Ann Peed
Madison, Tennessee

“If you need a helping hand, the first place you should look is at the end of your arm.”
Pam Segni
El Cajon, California

In the last summer of her life, my mother told me, “If I had known I would only live to be 67, I would have eaten more lobster,” a philosophy I try to live by.
Karen Aasgaard
Lake Mills, Iowa

My mom warned us kids to “stay away from the schmoes,” the people who hurt themselves and others through their stupidity and recklessness. By using a funny Yiddish name for them, she made it easier for us to identify the harmful losers in our lives and steer clear of them.
Lisa Wells
Vancouver, British Columbia

When my brother and I were little and we went to bed late, my mother would tuck us in and say, “Sleep fast — tomorrow morning the night is over.” And we would always promise to do just that. When I had my own little girls, I caught myself saying the same thing to them late at night. Now they are grown and laugh about it. It makes no sense, but it seems to work: Sleep fast —tomorrow morning the night is over.
Rosemarie Kravits
Trucksville, Pennsylvania

"Never pass up an opportunity to use the ladies’ room."
Sharon Walker
Hagerstown, Maryland