7 Things I Learned From My Mom

This Mother's Day, I want to write about my mom, and the things I've learned from her.

I’m going to list seven things here, because seven is my mom’s favorite number, and it was either writing seven things or just keep writing because I’m always learning new things from her. So let’s stick to seven.

#1: Compassion

Life may not always be easy, but it can be a bit easier if you try to understand what others around you - family, friends, strangers - are going through. If you can't make someone else's day better, don't make it worse.

#2: Calmness

I rarely get temperamental because my mom set the right example. Your troubles are your own, and all things and moods do pass, so when in doubt - look inward for strength and peace. 

#3: Truth, Kindness, and Positivity

Being true to yourself, and being kind to yourself - these aren't goals or aspirations. They should be a part of your daily diet. Only then will you be able to be truthful in your endeavors, stay positive in your darkest moments, and kind to others along the way. If you don't believe in what you stand for, if you don't show kindness to others, no one will do the same for you.

#4: How to Love

Love is giving whatever joy is inside you to those you care about. It doesn't deplete by sharing. It spreads, like a healthy virus. Love as much as you can, and mean it every time you express it.

#5: Faith in Self

Your soul is powered by an understanding of your self. 'Khudi' (self) and Khuda (god) are only off by one letter. First, be happy with who you are today. Then, aim for self-enlightenment. And have faith in your self to get from point a to point b. Even if your journey is external, it begins with the internal. So cut yourself some slack every time you need it, and then create a stronger path that leads you to your purpose.

#6: Value of Family

We're born into this world with some genetic connections. Parents. Siblings. Cherish these bonds. Make more. Sow the seeds of trust and regularly look after their growth. You will never lose if you surround yourself with people who don't place your value in your successes or losses. Your life, your time, your love has no real value if you don't spend it with and on the people who do the same for you.

#7: Always Be Learning

If you think you've learned enough, then you haven't learned anything valuable yet. Look up to people who you value in your life. Pass on those values to those you wish to see succeed on their own journeys through life. Keep learning, keep doing, and keep listening to your mom. Any education is worth the price of learning it, and if it's literally free lessons, don't ignore them.

In conclusion…

Mom. I love you. You gave me life. Thank you so much for that. Best gift ever. How does one ever top that? You’ve really set the bar so high for return gifts.

And now I will talk about something that I know for sure my mother would appreciate more than anything I've said until now...

Mom - thank you for meeting my dad. 

He's the best man I know. Good choice.

Thank you for falling in love with him. 

Thank you for giving me my wonderful sister. 

Thank you for showing her how to be a good mother. Your granddaughter will appreciate this once she starts saying full sentences. 

Thank you for showing me what love is every single day.

You are an integral part - the foundation - of everything I am, everything I do, and everything Launchora stands for.

And now that I've said all this about you, let’s give out these two quotes that you gave me just yesterday...

#MomQuote #1: If someone loves you with a true heart, it will fill your heart and make you love them back.

#MomQuote #2: You can create stories out of your life, but you can’t make a life out of the stories you create.

#2 is a great reminder for my writer-brain.

Mom, having you as my teacher is like being in the presence of a human version of a god. I know Krishna was the one who said all those cool things in the Bhagavad Gita but since you're the one who taught me those things I don't see the difference between you and god. You and dad always say that God is the entity that created us, and since you made me... you get the idea, right?

I Love You, Mom. Happy Mother's Day!

P.s. It was not easy finding that photo above. London 2006. I may have aged naturally and may have regrettably cut my hair, but you look as beautiful here as you did this morning. My point is that I hope this photo and this story are a good substitute for those flowers you love so much that I know your granddaughter and her mom will "surprise!" you with anyway :)

And to anyone who is reading this who isn't my wonderful mom, I implore you to do something nice for your mother today. Whatever it is, she'll love it.