Mama, what do you want me to remember?

As I approach the age of 40,  I began to reflect on the lessons I have learned through the years. It dawned on me to ask, ” Mama, what do you want me to remember? As a wife and mum of three boys, I want to grow old with wisdom.

Here are the 10 points to ponder she gave me.

1. Be always grateful and have strong faith in God.

Believing that a divine, supreme being exists helps us accept our human frailty and mortality. It makes us humble knowing that whatever we have or achieved, all came from God. Without Him, we are nothing. Always make your life a prayer of praise and thanksgiving.

2. Count and share your blessings.

Stop looking sideways to compare yourself to those who have more in life. Envy, resentment and discontentment will grow if you do so. Look up and give thanks to God who gave you lots of things you don’t deserve or even unaware of.  That means God is so loving and gracious that even if we are sinners, He still provides our needs and grants our petitions in life.

Don’t take for granted your sound health, your job, your friends, your home and most of all the loving family you have.  Share as a way of paying forward.

3. Family comes first.

Most women are balancing career and family. Some are good at it but some resulted in broken homes because career became a priority. Will a mom be truly happy to have a successful career but with no one to share it with? The love and strong bond within the family give us assurance that come what may, they are there for us.

4. Time is gold.

The only thing that flies and never comes back is TIME. Time spent with your children is time well-spent. It’s not the material things you bought that they will remember. It’s the happy memories of being together as a family that they will cherish.

5. Practice the golden rule.

If some people take you for a ride to betray and discredit you, how would you feel? It is always wise to treat others the way you want to be treated.

6. Health is wealth.

I read “ no one dies healthy by taking vitamins.” If we abuse our body in our youth, then expect to reap a lethal consequence in our old age. Late nights, vices, poor eating habits and no exercise will result in all sorts of illnesses. Medical insurance might not be enough to cover our hospital expenses.

7. Be educated.

Good education (a) gives you the edge into getting a better job (b) qualifies you for promotion (c) helps you succeed in business (d) enables you to guide and teach your children how to deal with life’s trials and challenges. In everything you do, ask God to bless your plans and goals.

8. Travel for a great learning experience.

Domestic budget tours are common. Have fun socializing and learning the different dialects of our people. Order the foods served only in their place. Enjoy the scenic views. Take pictures and videos.

9. Grow old with a purpose.

Retirement gives you much time to spend on:

1. Travel
2. Cultivate a flower or vegetable garden.
3. Do minor repairs in the house.
4. Join a dance club as a form of exercise.
5. Socialize with members of senior citizens’ organizations.
6. Serve in the church.
7. Be a volunteer in charitable institutions.
8. Be a part of a feeding program for the poor.

10. Save money.

It is wise to save part of one’s earnings for emergency and for old age. Pensions are not enough for the retirees to get by. Also, if you lost your job or affected by a calamity, having financial security will be of great help.

As a mother, it gives me enormous pleasure to hear my teachings being passed on by my daughter to her own children. Somehow, I consider it my precious legacy that will live on long after I’m gone.

TODAY IS THE FIRST ANNIVERSARY OF DAYSOFMUM.COM!  THE 1ST OF JULY 2017 WAS THE DAY I DECIDED TO START BLOGGING AND LAUNCH THE WEBSITE.

THANK YOU FOR READING MY BLOG POSTS, EVERYONE!