In Honor of Mother's Day

Although I did not have the opportunity to do so yesterday, I want to dedicate this to my wonderful mother, who has done anything and everything for me that I could ever ask for. Her words have taught me so much and her example even more. I am completely convinced that I will always and forever hear the voice of my Mom in my head, telling me what is and isn't okay, what I should and shouldn't do and reminding me that I should go to bed at a decent hour.

She has taught me that it is alright to have my own opinions and to voice them, even if they are contrary to what the popular belief is or what everyone else is saying.

She has taught me that sometimes things that are hard to say must sometimes be said - but the tone that the message is delivered in makes all the difference.

She taught me that a little creativity goes a long way and that brainstorming with others is always more effective than going it alone.

She has taught me about leadership and going above and beyond what is expected and what is required in order to make a situation the best it can be.

She taught me the importance of thinking things through and being level-headed, of considering all the possible outcomes, all the potential consequences, before making a decision.

She has taught me that frugality and being conscientious about money is crucial to leading a happy life without the stress of debt and whatnot weighing us down.

She has taught me the importance of recording and preserving memories for future generations, instilling in me the desire to make sure that those who follow me have a knowledge of what this world was before they came into it and a history of their ancestors.

She taught me that I must wait my turn, that I am not always the most important or most pressing matter and that there are others out there that need time and help as much as I do.

She has taught me how to keep the Sabbath day holy.

She taught me how to have perspective, how to always look to Heavenly Father and his guidance to make decisions and to find the silver lining. It's alright to get upset about things, like haircuts, as long as we don't get stuck there and we move on to realize that it isn't really that big of a deal.

She taught me how to be safe, how to look out for myself and to always be cautious of how much I share about myself with strangers and over the internet.

She taught me that water bottles at church are tacky.

She taught me to pursue what makes me happy and what I love, to surround myself by it, and to be self-driven in order to achieve my goals.

She taught me to never get caught up in sadness, to never wallow in self-pity. She taught me that I have to make decisions, fix mistakes, move forward and find solutions.

She taught me how to recognize my talents without being full of myself and vain. She taught me that I need to develop my talents, but not flaunt them or let them go to my head. I am just as good as anyone else, I am their equals, not better.

She taught me that family is one of the most important things in this life and we must stick together. Spending time together as a family should be central to my life.

And there are so many more. She has taught me so many things in this life and I am so grateful for her and her example. She is an incredible woman and I hope that one day I can be as great of a mother as she is. And then maybe, if I'm lucky, my kids will turn out just as great as well ;)