When you think about the important things your mom taught you growing up, what are some of the first things that come to mind? For me, I don’t have a lot of memories from when I was a small child, but I do remember the things that matter most.
I can think back to my childhood and what I see is a mom that struggled with all the things that I now struggle with as a mom myself. She wasn’t perfect and thank goodness for that, because I learned that not being a perfect mom was okay. The truth is I’m glad she wasn’t afraid to show me her imperfections. It’s actually exactly what made her the best mom God could have given me.
The lessons my mom taught me by watching her were things that went so much further than I ever could have known. She taught me invaluable things like that saying you were sorry when you were wrong was not a sign of weakness, but instead that of strength.
She showed me how to be kind and compassionate to people, even those that were complete strangers. To this day, I make it my goal to smile at those people I come in contact with on a daily basis.
By watching her I learned that times were not always easy and that sometimes they would be downright tough. However, over time I saw my mom become a stronger and better person for the things she overcame. Through her I recognized that I too could find strength in my darkest times.
My mom taught me about giving as a parent. I never realized (or maybe I did and just didn’t care) growing up the sacrifices that my mother made for us to have the things we needed as kids. As a parent myself now, I understand the things you give up to make sure that your children are provided for.
Most of all, the thing I picked up on from my mom over the years was that love was a guarantee when it came to how she felt about me. There were times growing up that I am pretty sure both my parents wondered what they had gotten themselves into. However, never once did I doubt their love.
My mom could be tough and at times I may not have liked what she said, but it was all part of being my MOM. I comprehend as a mother myself now what she meant when she would say, “I’m not your friend, I’m your mom”.
Thank goodness she was strong enough to be that for me back then, because it allows her now to be not only my mom, but my best friend as well.
This post was inspired by Olay’s Facebook Page. They are currently encouraging people to sign a declaration that says your mom is or was your “Beauty by Example”. My mom was definitely that for me and hopefully I was able to show you that in my above post.
I have signed the declaration and would love if you would join me. For every person who signs the declaration, P&G will donate one ounce of Olay product (up to one million ounces) to look good feel better – a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the self-esteem and quality of life of women undergoing treatment for cancer.
While we all know the importance of inside beauty, it sure makes us feel better to look nice on the outside too. Olay products are a great way to keep the appearance of your skin looking and feeling its best.
Giveaway: In honor of MOMS who showed up “Beauty by Example“
My mom taught me about hard work and always trying to do your best; she’s still the hardest working woman I know in her 60′s; she hasn’t slowed down a bit.
My mom showed me beauty by always being compassionate and loving no matter what
My mom made it her priority to always compliment me as a girl– it brought up my self esteem and taught me to do the same to others.
By loving who she was and who I am, no matter what
Wow, this was a really special post (all the more so since I count your mom as one of my personal friends). Great pictures!! Wonderful thoughts expressed!
Thanks so much Barbara. I know she feels the same about you. Thanks for taking the time to read the post:)
My older sister is often like a mother to me and she is the one who taught me to love God and loving myself and others would be much easier.
she showed me beauty by example by showing me that I don’t need crazy makeup to look great
My mom always took good care of her skin – sunblock & moisturizing.
Thank you.
My mom took great care of her skin,moisturizing, SPF. This was a good example for me.
by just being loveing and careing is how my mom shows it.
my mom told me to always wear SPF
My mom has the soul of an angel, and she taught me to always turn the other cheek, put God first, and love thy neighbor. If you do all that, your beauty just flows outward!!
My Mom’s in her 90s, living on her own and has always been about caring for others. It shows in her face and countenance!
That is sooo wonderful!! I sure miss mine.
You are always beautiful if you be a good honest person.
My mom taught me compassion.
bebemiqui82(at)yahoo(dot)com
My mom is very generous and that’s always beautiful.
she doesn’t wear much makeup and showed me you don’t need much makeup to show beauty
My mother showed me that kindness is a form of beauty.
My mother showed me that beauty was on the inside. I started high school a geek and ended up growing into myself, but knowing early on that beautiful begins on the inside helped during those early yrs.
My mom showed me that beauty is how you treat others and take care of your family.
My mom was the sweetest kindest person I knew and showed me that true beauty came from inside by the way she treated others.
Mother’s Day is a wonderful time to celebrate.
My mom always told me to wear sunscreen.
My mom showed me ‘beauty by example’ by accepting everyone, regardless of how they looked, where they came from or their disabilities. I am forever grateful for that!
My Mom taught me the same thing! I am so grateful for the love she gave me and the lessons she taught me!
I miss my mom every day but especially on Mother’s Day, but I know she is watching over my kids and smiling.
My Mom taught me that never giving up your dream will help you accomplish it. She gave of herself to all and was loved by many.
My mom showed it by working hard, providing for us. She looked nice, wore makeup, wore nice clothes to work. She worked so hard for us.
My Mom was great about teaching me how to be compassionate towards others.
my mom always told me to smile bc a first impression is everything
She showed me how to be nice to everyone.
My mom made me a confident woman, seeing her struggle to raise my sister and I showed me how to be a great mom just like she was and she also showed me to be proud of who I am no matter what.
by teaching me how to smile even if something goes bad
My mom was an army wife and we were alone a lot when i was little, as my father was always away. She taught me self reliance and autonomy, confidence and self worth just bt being the strong women that she was. She could cope with anything and managed to saty beautiful doing it.
My mother never really used makeup and when I asked why she stated that makeup just covered up the beauty inside