I've learned a lot from the mothers in my life, my own and the mothers of others whom I've known. I wouldn't be where I am if not for their love and advice. Here are 10 things that a few of us have learned from moms:
1. Frowns cause wrinkles. Keeping your brows and your mood lifted helps you see things appropriately. Bad days don't last forever. Mom always said that tomorrow would be better.
2. "Your mother was the first woman you ever loved. Never forget that. Her nurturing is love in action, and that speaks louder than words." — Stephan Poulter, author of "The Mother Factor."
3. Kissing a boo-boo makes it all better. No matter how old you are, you always want your mother to be there for you with chicken soup and a soft voice when you're not feeling well.
4. "You can fail because of it, or succeed in spite of it. It all depends on how you choose to deal with the bumps in the road." — Sydney MacEwen of Agoura Hills, Calif.
5. My mama cat taught me that not every person you meet is worth rubbing up against, and sometimes it's OK to be a little finicky. It could save you from coughing up a hairball later in life.
6. No matter what, it's never too late to have a loving relationship with your mother. So what if you've been disconnected for years? Bottom line: She's still your mom.
7. "You can run, but you can't escape mother ears and mother eyes. So don't try to get away with anything, ever. That's why she's always there to catch you when you fall but still lets you find your own balance." — Wendy Cherry of Agoura Hills, doctoral student
8. There are few stresses that a manicure and pedicure won't cure. I call this therapy "manicured depression." I give gift certificates for professional manicures to all the women in my life, and they are always well received.
9. "If things are not going your way, take a couple of hours out, grab a girlfriend or a daughter, and hit a chick flick. It's a surefire way to melt away the blues for a little bit." — Mary Trudeau of Thousand Oaks, Calif.
10. No matter how old you are or how big you get, you will always be your mama's baby. And truth be told, if you still could, wouldn't you curl up in her lap?
The love we give and get from our mothers is a true experience of life's never-ending circle. Spend this Mother's Day appreciating that you are fortunate to have a mother. If yours isn't available, find a woman who deserves your kindness and take her to brunch.
Dr. Barton Goldsmith, a marriage and family therapist in Westlake Village, Calif., is the author of "Emotional Fitness for Couples." E-mail him at Barton@BartonGoldsmith.com.
