It’s as my mother reaches 80 that she begins to have the most profound of influences on me. In my early years I don’t remember her influence as strongly, but as she struggles with ill health and a body that doesn’t do all she would like I listen, and watch, and learn. Here are some of the key messages she is reinforcing for me as a leader and learner:
- You need to stay positive and appreciate the things you can do.
- Friends and family are important – giving and receiving are linked in a virtuous cycle.
- Sometimes you need to find new ways of doing things because the old ways don’t work any more.
- When you get worried or overloaded – write a list then check things off as you achieve them – little goals, big impact.
- Exercise – know your limits but keep moving otherwise you seize up and get stuck on the couch.
- Keep your mind active – read every day, puzzle over knitting patterns, do word finds, talk to people – keep interested.
- Enjoy every moment of every day.
I have come to admire and respect my mother for her determination. She doesn’t give up easily and I think I may have learned this from her.
Tags: Leadership
