I am blessed to have a charming, strong and loving mother. Being a mother myself now, I have a new found respect and admiration towards my mother. She is very persistent in teaching us and ingraining in us the values she feels would help us in life’s  journey and obstacles.

This Friday, I am sharing with you the 5 Things I’ve Learned From My Mother. She often have several mantra, sayings, sermons that she often repeatedly tell us throughout our growing up years. Yes, there are more than five and allow me to share only 5 for now.

1. TRAVEL. TRAVEL WHILE YOU CAN

My mother infected me and my siblings with the travel bug. My mother told me, my first travel was when I was still a few-months old baby. She would tell us that travelling is the best teacher. It will open our eyes to the world out there. She encourage a childlike wonderment  in our approach to new discoveries, local foods, different cultures and different views. When we got a bit older, my parents would arrange an annual trip to any country of our choice. She said we should travel while we can. We should allow our strong able legs and knees to wander and explore while we still can.

2. BLOOD IS THICKER THAN WATER

My mother would repeatedly say to my siblings and I especially when we would squabble when we were younger. She wanted to instill in us a strong bond that no one can break. She would emphasize that later in life, friends may come and go but your family will always be there for you. She would always say, Family First. 

3. THINK POSITIVE ALWAYS

My mother could have very well written the book, The Secret. Everything in the book and this other book called The Power of Your Subconcious Mind echoes what my mother told us and taught us way before it was published. She was a strong believer of positive-thinking even when life gets rough.  Her life is a manifestation of this belief. She  always have a positive attitude towards life and she manage to rise above all the challenges she encounters.

4. YOUR LIFE IS SHAPED BY THE PEOPLE YOU LOVE AND THOSE AROUND YOU

My mother was very particular with the friends that I keep. We are born in a family that we have to love and accept but friends are something we can choose. The people you mingle and associate with will somehow shape you to be the person you will become. Same goes to choosing your partner in life. These choices are detrimental in shaping who you are and who you will become.

5. READ BOOKS. IT CAN MAKE YOU TRAVEL EVEN WITH YOU SITTING STILL.

My earliest memory of my mom was me lying on the crook of her arm with her reading a book. She have instilled in us the habit of reading at an early age. She would always look animated and happy when she is reading a book like she is exported in a different place. I would be forever grateful for teaching us to appreciate the beauty of books.

These are pearls of wisdom that I would happily teach Naj also. My mother is my rock, my diamond. She has guided me to the right path when if I am on my own, I could have easily strayed.

 Thank you Mama! I love you so much!