5 Ways My Mom Made Me Who I Am Today

My mom is one special woman. Ask anyone who’s ever met her. This Mother’s Day, I’d like to share the five biggest ways my mom has helped me be a better person. I owe a lot of where I am today to the woman my mom has become in her own time. Always leading by example, my mom is a phenomenal woman.

1. Her Happiness
My mom is one of the friendliest women I know. In fact, I haven’t met anyone who doesn’t love my mom. How could you not? Her smile lights up a room. My mom’s charm comes so naturally for her now, but it didn’t always. What changed is that she improved some situations in her life and as a result started to become happier. Watching her TRANSFORM from an unhappy person into a happy person has shown me how the JOY in my own life can be used to positively impact others, just as she touches each person she meets with her smile.

2. Her Work Ethic
My mom is one of the hardest workers I know. She’s always been. However, there’s one thing to work hard at your job, and there’s another to take great pride in your work. Not only does she work hard, but she does an exemplary job. She goes above and beyond the call of duty because that’s the kind of person she is. Plus, if she’s done with her work, you better believe she’s going to find someone who is having a hard time and go and help them. What’s more, she is always on time to work and brings a positive attitude, no matter the circumstance. Because of her example, I have learned that you can love your work and your work can love you back, bringing you a sense of purpose and accomplishment day in and day out.

3. Her Healthy Lifestyle
My mom is has been borderline diabetic for several years. My grandma was diabetic. It runs in our family. However, my mom has managed her health through regular exercise and being aware of what she eats. Both of my parents have been regular gym-goers since I was little. I’ve had a gym membership since I was old enough to have one. As a kid, spending hours at the gym every week with my parents was a huge reason why I went into Exercise Science. I became fascinated with human movement back then and I still am to this day. Thank you Mom AND Dad for exposing me to exercise so long ago!

4. Her Cooking Skills
My mom is one phenomenal cook! Ask anyone who has tried her famous ribs. But ribs aren’t the only thing my mom can make. Amazingly, she can make Chinese food, Mexican food, Italian food – you name it, she can make it! And boy is it good! In fact, ever since I was able to put “real” food in my mouth as a baby, I was exposed to so many different foods and flavors. There’s even a funny story that goes around in my family of me gnawing on a rubbery octopus leg at the dinner table when I was a teething baby! I now feel very fortunate to be an adult who enjoys a variety of foods and loves to cook just like my mom. I’ve learned so much by just observing her skills in the kitchen (with the occasional taste when she wasn’t looking). More importantly, my mom rarely served a meal that wasn’t accompanied by healthy vegetables. To this day, you’ll rarely (let’s just say, never) find me serving a dish without vegetables. Thanks Mom for starting me off right!

5. Her Courage
My mom came to this country when she was 18 years old with a 9th grade education and knew very little English. She wanted an opportunity for a better life than she had in Taiwan in an emotionally unhealthy home. When she arrived in the U.S., she learned English by watching soap operas in the afternoon while my dad was taking college classes. She also got a job and learned how to drive. My mom’s courage has inspired me to go for it, to take a chance, and to seize opportunities even if I’m scared. Like her, I trust that it will bring out the best in me and allow me to inspire other women to pursue a better life.

Thank you, Mom, for everything you ever were, are, and will yet be. I Love You!

I bet your mom is/was a phenomenal woman in her own way too. How has/did YOUR mom helped make you into the woman YOU are today?

Wishing you joyful health in your 50’s,
Kim