If you know me personally, you know that I tell my Mom pretty much EVERYTHING. When I have the slightest concern about what I ate that day, if I am stressed with work, and if I feel a bit of sickness coming on, she’s the first person I’ll call or text. Aside from these “mini emergencies,” I text her all day, every day, just because. With our long distance mother-daughter relationship, I find it important to stay as connected as possible. Funny enough, when she doesn’t hear from me is when she gets worried.
I was exposed to her wellness philosophies and habits as a toddler. In fact, when I was 5 and in PM Kindergarten, I would go to the gym with my Mom in the morning. I loved bouncing on the yoga ball, and was the reigning jump rope champion against her friends. She introduced me to the gym, almond milk, spaghetti squash, Truvia packets (and bringing them in your purse), refrigerating protein bars (yes, they taste better cold) and many holistic medical practices.
This post pays tribute to my very special mama, Debbi. As I appreciate her every day, I wanted to take the time to share all of the life tips she taught me, as she raised me to be very self-aware, healthy, and happy.
Be a Boss Lady, Not Co-Dependent
As a single mother, my Mom learned to juggle taking care of me (which I’m sure wasn’t always easy!) and working 40+ hours a week. As a certified Medical Assistant who took time off to raise my Sister and me, she joined the workforce again when I was about 13. Now, she runs an entire portion of a wellness center business, and she is able to support herself while having “treat yourself” and “treat Morgan” moments ;-). Life is unpredictable, and she taught me to never rely on another for financial stability. Do what you love, work hard, and save your earnings.
Practicing Moderation, or Dieting for your needs
In the phases of diets like South Beach and Atkins, we witnessed first hand how some were not completely sustainable, while they initially yielded great results. My mom has always encouraged my family to avoid “diets” and to enjoy anything in moderation. Moderation encourages living and enjoying a balanced life. On the other hand, if you face a specific disorder or have a food sensitivity, listen to your body and adapt your nutrition to fit this.
Quality over Quantity
Some products, be it beauty or clothing, are worth the inflated price tag. Skin products have always been important to both of us. In order to feel refreshed and look rejuvenated, it is important to find products that suit your skin needs. For clothing, it’s all about comfort. If the material is extremely soft and high quality, it is always worth it because you will LIVE in it for years. Unfortunately, sometimes, cheaper products show their mass-produced true colors after a few washes and wears.
On another note, my Mom is always cleaning out. She lives a minimalist life style without ever realizing it. She’ll hold onto memories and items from the past, but keep them in a safe place to avoid clutter.
In relationships, she’s taught me that a handful of great friends are better than a large amount of acquaintances. As busy women, it saves a lot of stress and drama to stop trying to please every one and just continue to build on relationships that fuel you and make you happy.
Always Take Your Vitamins
Vitamins and holistic sources of healing always come first. While my Dad practices traditional, Western medicine, I will try my best to go the holistic route first. To avoid any outbreaks of illness, part of my morning ritual includes taking my vitamins. I take probiotics, adrenal vitamins (for energy), digestive enzymes (with every meal, if possible) and use anti-immunity drops the second I feel like i’ve caught a bug. There are so many vitamin options out there, so it’s important to configure what you’re not eating enough of, or what your body is deficient of, and purchase a supplement to satisfy that void.
Stop Worrying, Everything will be Okay
One of my main issues my Mom has to tolerate is my excessive worrying. I am not diagnosed with anxiety, but I certainly experience waves of it. To be honest, the second I share a concern with my Mom, a weight is lifted off my chest and I immediately feel better. In high school and college she always said,”Don’t worry about your school work, it always gets done.” That saying is true for everything. As someone who often views life through a futuristic lens, it is important to alter that perspective and remind ourselves that everything always turns out okay. As maternal instincts can sense when something is wrong, our Moms will always calm us down.
Thank you for teaching me how to eat well, practice self care well, and live well, even if you didn’t realize it. While you may be my biggest supporter, I am certainly yours as well. Mom, I love you and I am so grateful for you every day. Happy Mother’s Day!
And to all of your Mama’s, Happy Mother’s Day to them too.
Chelsea
What a beautiful tribute! Thank you for sharing your mom’s precious influence on your life…it was inspiring! What supplements do you take, if I may ask? I’m in need of adrenal support and have to take digestive enzymes as well, 🙂
Morgan Raphael
Hi Chelsea,
Thanks for stopping by and for the wonderful feedback! I mainly take the ones I mentioned. Occasionally, i will take a daily vitamin as well.
Here are the links with more details:
Adrenal vitamins: http://www.brimhall.com/t-opti-adrenal.aspx
Digestive Enzymes: https://www.optimalhealthsystems.com/Optimal-1-Digestion-p/655705123013.htm
Probiotics: http://www.optimalhealthsystems.com/product-p/655705123075.htm
Immunity: http://www.optimalhealthsystems.com/Optimal-Oxy-Pure-p/689076768368.htm (only use this when I start to feel sick)
Whole Food Vitamin: http://www.optimalhealthsystems.com/Optimal-2-Whole-Food-Vitamin-Mineral-p/655705123020.htm
I went to a holistic chiropractor who was able to see what and how many pills per day I needed. I suggest doing the same if you can for optimal health. 🙂