Crossing Milestones Together!

“When you have a child you’d know” she said to a deaf ear throughout the rebellious years of adolescence. It was only when I was in my early twenties and after countless ‘I told you so’ moments that I realised that my mother was a very wise and patient woman.

There are several life lessons she has embedded in me using ‘hands on’ experience as well as her long monologues.

1- Making a decision

Whenever I am at cross roads in my life , my mother wears her cape and comes to my rescue. She says making a decision is rather easy regardless of how important it is. From going to a party or relocating to a different continent a particular rule remains the same. If it’s a maybe, it’s a no. If it was a yes you wouldn’t be so confused. It worked for me when I had to pick a career and has saved me some bad restaurant experiences!

2- How do I know if it’s the one?

This one’s a typical rom-com classic. And I, like most of the protagonists looked to my mum for her opinions. She asked me if I felt the butterflies or the racing of the heart. When I replied yes, all she said was, “Have a couple of dates and get the butterflies out of your damn system”. She believes when you meet the one you don’t see sparks or hear melodies, you feel safe and wanted. You feel comfortable and your true self. If a relationship has you on your toes all the time, it’s time to enjoy the ballet routine while it lasts. Unless if you’re a ballet dancer.

She was the reason why I never had cold feet on the day of my wedding. As I walked towards him waiting for me on the stage where we would be wed, my mother held my hand. It was in that moment that I realised I’d never need anything more than what I already had.

3- Purpose of life.

Sometimes the world really has us questioning what we are doing with our lives and whether it’s right or even worth it. During one such break down I called up my mum. It’s surprising how she knows exactly what to say when. She was simply like, “Purpose of your life eh? Maybe it’s to change the world or maybe just to water your plant this Tuesday at 5:30 in the evening”. She explained it to me so easily and beautifully. We would never really know the true purpose. By our actions we probably would’ve already completed it but are still fretting over what it is.

4-Never speak ill of anything or anyone

The Indian culture that I belong to has its roots deep into mysticism. She believes and eventually so did I that that words hold tremendous amounts of energy and vibrations that remains in the physical surroundings long after they were spoken. As human beings we sure have negative thoughts and often so. My mother always believed in not voicing them out aloud unless absolutely necessary to keep the vibes at home and work as light and pleasant as possible. “You can create ripples in the water with your words or just your thoughts” she says.

5- Cleaning up after yourself!

This one seems like a mom regular. But my mother likes to add scientific tidbits to make herself more convincing. Decluttering your surroundings has an automatic sedimentative effects on the thoughts in your mind. Say, when your room is clean you tend to be more productive and your thoughts follow a more organised pattern. Although I still have my lazy days rolling around in my packets of chips.

My mother is undoubtedly the solid rock in my life. She has never forced her views on me and let me make my own mistakes. She sure has enjoyed watching me make some.

I hope the above life lessons were helpful to you reader. If you need expert opinions on anything under the sun, I’d be happy to connect you with my mum. Cheers :)