Words of Wisdom: Inspiring Advice from Mothers to Daughters
Mothers and daughters share a special bond. Life has ups and downs, and mothers do their best to guide us in navigating the unexpected and uncharted waters. After all, they've been there and have the wisdom of experience and clarify of perspective to share.
Just in time for Mother's Day, we're showcasing inspiring passages that eloquently convey a mother’s heartfelt message to her daughter.
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Practical Wisdom
We found these quotes from everyday moms that resonate with many of us:
"If you open it, close it. If you turn it on, turn it off. If you take it out, put it back. If you empty it, fill it. If you fill it, empty it.” –from a mother from St. Paul, Minnesota
“Never forget your umbrella.” –from a mother from Brooklyn, New York
“Just because you CAN do it, doesn’t mean you should.” –from mothers everywhere
On Style
We had to share this quote from a 93-year-old mother to her daughter, because it resonates so strongly with us:
“The basis of style is the understanding of not only who you are but the kind of woman you want to represent. It is a combination of many things. It is your look that sets you apart from everyone else. It is your taste in books, in women friends, in your home and your 'joie de vivre.' As you get older, dear daughter of mine, don't be afraid; move with grace and expose your wisdom. After all, think of the alternative!”
On Life
Here are some great words of life wisdom from some well-known (and unknown) mothers and writers that we can all learn from.
From Maya Angelou, Letter to My Daughter:
“You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them. Try to be a rainbow in someone’s cloud. Do not complain. Make every effort to change things you do not like. If you cannot make a change, change the way you have been thinking. You might find a new solution.”
“...I learned that I could be a giver by simply bringing a smile to another person. The ensuing years have taught me that a kind word, a vote of support is a charitable gift. I can move over and make another place for someone. I can turn my music up if it pleases, or down if it is annoying. I may never be known as a philanthropist, but I certainly am a lover of mankind, and I will give freely of my resources.”
From Rebecca Lammersen (Writer, Blogger, and Yogi):
“Your favorite line is, ‘I can do it by myself.’ Yes, I know you can, but sometimes let others help you. It is a lesson I am still learning myself, but it does us some good to let go of responsibility from time to time. ... Go adventure, be brave, be bold, be courageous because you are meant to discover, to create, to learn, to experience it all and I will love you every step of the way, no matter what.”
From Anonymous, "Letter to Daughter":
“Daughter, today and always please know that I see you. I see the path you’ve made that’s all your own. I see the many unique talents and gifts you have to share. I see your brilliance, your enthusiasm, and how deeply you care and hurt sometimes. I see your hard-earned wisdom, your soft pure innocence, your courage and compassion, your unconditional goodness. I see what a difference you make in this world, and I hope you know how very much I love you, and how proud I’ll always be to have a daughter as wonderful as you.”
Celebrate this Mother's Day
There are so many good reasons we take some time out once a year to celebrate the Mother’s Day holiday and thank the important women in our lives. In fact, why not thank them every day of the year? As we contemplate our Mother’s Day gift ideas for the women who have had such an impact on us, we remember the great gift they’ve already given us of their motherhood and timeless words of wisdom.
Written by Erin Lindholm
