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Hello, Leader
When I think of mothers, my heart turns to my own. Some of you may not know, but I lost my mother when I was just 22. She passed away from heart failure and other unexplained illnesses. Just eleven months later, my father followed, leaving me as the guardian and breadwinner for my younger brother, who was only in middle school. At 22, I stepped into the role of a mother. My own mother was a profound influence on me; she was a passionate second-grade teacher in the Philippines, and her love for teaching inspired my own path. Though she's been gone for 25 years, her memory lives on in my heart. Her sacrifices and the pain she endured to ensure a brighter future for my brother and me are debts that can never be repaid. She gave up so much so we could live the future we have today, and for that, I am eternally grateful.
“We truly begin to repay our parents' love and sacrifices through the profound experience of
becoming a parent ourselves.” - My Mom (Aurora)
One of the things my mother would say to me was, “We truly begin to repay our parents' love and sacrifices through the profound experience of becoming a parent ourselves.” This statement holds deep meaning, though at the time, I didn't fully grasp why my mother said it. Now, as my husband and I navigate the ever-changing phases of parenthood with our incredible teenage sons, aged 16 and 19, I see its truth. It's a bittersweet reality that our sons never met their grandmother. Yet, my mom bestowed upon me a precious gift—the wisdom and lessons she imparted from my youth, equipping me to be the best mom I can be.
As I expand my learning experiences, my mentor, Dr. John C. Maxwell, often speaks about the profound influence of mothers, framing them as the first and most powerful influencers in a person’s life. He emphasizes that a mother’s influence is foundational, lasting, and deeply spiritual.
I've learned three valuable lessons about motherhood from my mentor, Dr. John C. Maxwell, which I hope will resonate with you. Even if you're not a mother, these insights can help you grow your influence with others. (Note: If you're unfamiliar with Dr. John C. Maxwell, he's a renowned leadership expert with 50 years of experience, having authored 92 books and coached leaders like the Presidents, Prime Ministers, and CEOs worldwide.)
Three (3) Lessons about Motherhood.
1. Mothers as the First Influencers
From the first moment a newborn snuggles into their mother's arms, a special bond is formed, shaping who the child will become. Moms pour their hearts into caring for their kids, never losing sight of them. When my sons arrived, all the hard parts of parenting seemed to melt away, giving rise to new hope, identity, and purpose. Moms will go to any lengths to keep their children safe, even if it means sacrificing everything. They are the true trailblazers and heroes for every child—trailblazers because, in that moment, a new family story begins, carrying forward the love and legacy of the family.
2. Influence Shapes Character
It is said that “Mothers shape their child's character by modeling kindness, resilience, and empathy every day. For instance, comforting a child after a tough day teaches compassion, persevering through challenges instills resilience, and showing patience nurtures empathy. These everyday acts lay the foundation for a child's character, guiding them throughout life.” There’s truth in this. When our second son was born, my husband and I decided I would stay home to focus on our children. This choice allowed me to spend time with them and shape them in real time during their crucial developmental stages, creating lasting memories together. Now, I'm seeing the benefits of this decision.
“The family cannot survive on 'leftovers' ”
3. The Cornerstone of the Family Foundation
Mothers play a crucial role in supporting and stabilizing the family, much like a cornerstone supports a building. For example, mothers often provide the love and care that nurture their children's growth and well-being; guide their families through life's challenges, offering wisdom and strength when it's needed most; and ensure that traditions and values are passed down through generations, keeping the family's legacy alive. There is a saying that goes, “The family cannot survive on ' leftovers' – they need continual feeding through time, attention, and shared experiences.” This applies to mothers, who must actively nurture their children’s emotional, spiritual, and personal growth.
Mothers do so much for their families, but they don't have to do it all alone. They need support and guidance from their husbands, partners, or other support systems. Still, they often serve as the anchor, keeping everything together and ensuring the family stays happy and connected. With the right support, mothers can create a nurturing and balanced home for everyone.
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