Happy & Healthy
6 important lessons i learned from my mother
When I call her about one hell of an opportunity but I’m too big of a wuss to make the decision on my own, she always reassures me that I’d be crazy not to do it. “Know your worth Kiki, don’t let others make you feel insecure. I bet it’ll be amazing!” And it will be.
Mothers are special beings. Advice canons in human form. As a kid, you’ll never understand why they would efface themselves for years for their offspring, until you’ve got your very own mini-me in your arms. On a day like today, we like to shed an extra bit of light on our moms and that’s why I’d like to share some of the most important life lessons I learned from my very own:
1. Make sure you are financially independent from others
This is hands down the one lesson that’s stuck with me the most. I don’t borrow money, I’d rather earn it. And I would recommend this to anyone.
2. Having pets is one of the most fun things there is so treat them with respect
When I was a four year old, I thought it was completely normal to even save wasps from drowning in a pool. Even though they happen to be the most annoying bugs out there, but still, even they don’t deserve to drown, right? Or I’d even make a grave for a little moth. Once, we spent five hour out in the cold because I wanted my rabbit to have a proper burial instead of dropping him off at the veterinarian. If my mom and I spot you being cruel to your pet? Believe me, we’re coming for you. Together.
3. Always listen to your gut instinct
As an annoying fourteen year old, this was advice I never understood, but now, ten years later, I feel it more than ever. That’s why (thanks mom) I’m less naive than I was when I was little.
4. Honesty is the best policy
This all started on the day that I lied to a teacher at school and said I was going to drop by my grandma’s place during my break in the afternoon, when instead I wanted to be cool and go to the city with my friends. As I was biking to the city we – because that’s how karma works – biked past the teacher I had lied to. She was extremely disappointed. That same night, my mom forced me to call her and apologize. It was so embarrassing. That’s the first time I realized it would be much better had I just told the truth.
5. Life is one big adventure
Setting your alarm in the middle of the night to check out monkeys somewhere in the bush bush in Panama, touring through Scotland on a motorcycle, abseiling through the jungle in Costa Rica, my mom wants to try everything out at least once. Have dinner at a new restaurant. Always go out and discover new places. Always stay curious. I love it.
6. If you’re not feeling too great, just make sure you look flawless
When I was nervous as hell for my senior year exams, my mom bought me the prettiest new heels. All my friends looked like wrecks (oversized sweaters, crazy hair, no makeup, sneakers on) because HELLO, we were in the middle of exam week, any free time you had was for studying, not for trying to look pretty. Normally, I would enter the exam room a mess, but because of that small bit of lip gloss, that cute shirt and those killer heels, I suddenly felt as though I could take on the world. And I aced all those exams too.
In short dear Truudy, your life lessons shaped me. Without you I would never be the Kiki I am today. Happy mother’s day.
