By Danielle Macadangdang and Raye Sanchez
There was a time in our lives when we didn’t know how to walk and didn’t know that dirt was not part of a healthy diet. During that period, it was mom who was there to guide us (and to stop us from eating that fistful of dirt).
As we celebrate the light of our lives today, we asked millennial sons and daughters the most invaluable life lessons they learned from their moms. Here’s a proof that mothers really know best.
Be patient
The most important [life lesson that she taught me] is to be patient. My mom did not teach me that [though], I learned it through observation. Being patient is a good [trait to have when you’re] living a stressful life. – Jordan Ang, 20
Be independent
She taught me to become independent, because at the end of the day, the only person I can trust is myself. – Louise Lizan, 19
Love unconditionally
The most important life lesson I learned from my mom is to love unconditionally. She loved me from the day she knew I was in her womb. She loves me more than anything in this world. Even when I’m down, she is always there to guide me and she is always there when I need her. Being a mother means putting someone else’s happiness and well-being ahead of your own. – Arianne Asiado, 26
My mother taught me many things, from properly brushing my teeth to being a gentleman. The most important lesson that she taught me though was how to love. The love that my brother and I receive from her will be the love that I will give to other people and to my future family. – Miguel La Torre, 18
Be kind
My mama always tells me to be kind. She taught me that even the world is cruel, that is not enough reason for me to be cruel, too. No matter what the situation is, she taught me to smile and be kind. – Carl Argarin, 19
Work hard
My mom always tells me that success doesn’t come easy; there are no straight roads and smooth journeys to achieving my goals, but if I believe in my own capabilities, in myself, success wouldn’t be too far ahead. – Sofia Javilinar, 19
Count your blessings
When I was a kid, she taught me to count numbers, say words, write, walk, climb, sing, and dance. Now that I am older, I understand better. She taught me to count my blessings, say kind words, write letters, walk independently, and aim high. – Louise Nicole Berja, 20
Never give up
My mom often reminds me to think about God and this quote: “If He brought you to it, He’ll get you through it!” That is the most important lesson she taught me: never give up, always make sure you get through the end. It helps me stay sane and stay positive. – Renna Garcia, 30
My mom taught me something very valuable: that life doesn’t always go the way we want, but if we keep our chin up and choose how we are going to face every day, we will make it through the any day. – John Michael Oliveros, 19
Have faith
I’ve learned many lessons from my mother but there are specific lessons that will stay with me forever. First is that I should be responsible and disciplined at all times. Second is that I should help someone who is in need. Third is to be respectful regardless of their age, gender, social status, or beliefs. Fourth is that I should not give up easily and that I should push through until I reach my desired endgame. Lastly, I should trust and put my faith in Him. Praying, trusting, and thanking Him is what will get me through everything. – Jonah Daileg, 19
I have learned three valuable things from my mother: to be honest, to never give up, and to have faith. Be true always so my soul will be free of worries. Never give up because giving up is out of the question. Have faith—have faith in Him and He will do the rest. – Jesmar Geronimo Posadas, 27
My mother taught me that faith in God, in myself, and in everyone else helps us look at things in different perspectives, and that these perspectives help us understand the way people and the world work. – Ghielyn Dumangcas, 23
Give support
I learned through her that undying support, no matter what the situation is, exists. Support is what keeps someone going even if he or she is at their lowest point in life. – Lheana Marie Guevarra, 19
Put God first
My mama shows me this on a daily basis. This manifests in everything our family does as we never schedule anything that would conflict with things going on at church. – Michael Cabrera, 23
Forgive
Forgiveness—that is the most important thing I learned from my mother. Most people value their pride too much they opt not to forgive until they completely ruin their relationship. Not having the ability to forgive is the root of most of the problems that we face in life. My mother often tells me to just forgive and be the better person. – Riggs Villareal, 19
Be responsible
I am lucky and blessed for my mom, she taught me to be responsible through household chores. – Alyssa Alejandro, 22
My mother would always tell me to be grounded and responsible. She would always remind me to be respectful to our house maid. She taught me to be organized and pay attention to details. When I got a little older, she also taught me the value of money. She told me to never incur debts, but if you do, pay them on time. – Renz Magbuhos, 26
Be strong
There is no one stronger than my mother. She taught me to be strong and to be wise. – Stephanie Rose, 23
Be selfless
The most important life lesson I learned from my mother is that I should always be selfless. Her sacrifices for me are nothing short of heartwarming; I can never repay what my mom has done for us. It does not hurt to think of yourself sometimes, but putting others’ needs before your own is, for me, the greatest act of love. – Antonette Guiao, 20
*Answers were edited for clarity
