The (Motherly) Voice In My Head

Close your eyes, think of your mother, and you will likely recall her voice reciting familiar sayings. I am lucky to have a mom that loves her kids and takes her job as Mom very seriously. Here's a short list of some of her sayings that occasionally wander through my mind:

"Are you full, Bryan?"

My mom obviously favored me when it came to helping size while growing up. I was always running around and never seemed to gain weight. My mom's concern for my weight included perks like being served first more often than not, and also receiving the largest slices of dessert.

"You look so good in green, and gold. Avoid white; it makes you look washed out."

My mom helped me understand the importance of fashion.  In all likelihood, I'd have opted to wear sweatpants and t-shirts my whole adolescence had it not have been for her direction.

"Take your school bag up to your room, please." And "when you see a cabinet open, close it."

Thanks to my mom's repeated reminders to pick up after myself, I grew to be very aware of my personal impact on communal living spaces. For better or worse, I also now have the pompous habit of closing all the cabinets in the house anytime I see one of my roommates leave one open.

"Don't wait to be asked. Look for what needs to be done and do it."

I love this one. It has served me well in serving roommates, girlfriends, home teachees, and basically everyone around me. Thanks, Mom! And happy birthday.