Mother knows best. It is true. Mothers give advice for just about any situation you can think of. Relationships, school, money, clothes, friends, and just about any other aspect of life. They give advice, sometimes when it isn’t asked for, but it can be helpful when you need it later in life. Our intern, Katie, put together this list of advice from her mom that has gotten her through college and life until this point.
1. Just because you can doesn’t mean you should.
This one was hard to listen to because as a teenager you want to be a part of everything. You hear YOLO and then you get FOMO and next thing you know UH-OH you’re in trouble. As simple as it seems, this piece of advice can apply to just about anything. You just have to ask, “I know I can, but should I?” Example: I know I can go out tonight, but should I? I know I can procrastinate on this assignment, but should I?
2. Live within or below your means. It makes life less stressful.
This one seems so simple, but it is a simple reminder that living above your means is so easy to do. Don’t get caught up in having the newest version of everything. You have needs and wants, so make sure you know what is what.
3. You are a product of your surroundings. Make sure those surroundings are supportive and help you grow.
It is easy to stay in something because it is comfortable, or you do not know what else you would do if you left. This piece of advice can be about a multitude of things. In a social sense, this says to avoid toxic friendships. In a work sense, this says if you are not growing then something should be done.
4. You never know someone’s story. Always show grace and try not to judge.
This is one that takes practice every day. It is always important to remember that everyone does not have your life or even a life similar. Kindness goes a long way in this world, and people will remember how you made them feel.
5. Life is short. Eat dessert first!
This one I like to take both metaphorically and literally. I take this to mean indulging in what you enjoy. Following your heart in some situations instead of overthinking. Life is made up of small moments, and if you don’t take time to enjoy and savor them then they are just gone. You should do what you enjoy and enjoy what you do.
My mom was right about a lot of things, yes, I admit it. These are just a few, but these are things that everyone should know. What is the best piece of advice that your parents have given you?