Thirty six years ago today, my mother gave birth to me. Since that day, I have been following in her footsteps. Some of those patterns are positive, and some…well, not so much.
Some of the positive things I have inherited from my mother are artisitc talent. She is an amazing artist. I’m not quite as good as she is, but I remember some truly incredible paintings she did of some of my favorite cartoon characters. I specifically remember Joyleaf, from ElfQuest. It was a real tribute to Wendy Pini’s work.
My mother has a strong work ethic. If she says she’s going to do something, she does, and she usually over-delivers. She sometimes procrastinates, as do I, but I’m focusing on the positives right now. 
My mother is a perfectionist. Some might see this as a negative trait, but I’ve worked to turn it into a positive for myself. It makes me accomplish tasks to the best of my ability. It kind of ties in with over-delivering.
My mother is generous. She gives her time and skills where they are needed. When I was younger, we went with her when she volunteered for the Christmas parties at local senior care homes, and in the parades in the summer. As part of the Telephone Pioneer Clown Club, we appeared at many a summer festival and event painting faces and making baloon animals. I am still very generous with my time and skills, as many of my friends will attest.
And then there is the downside to following in my mother’s footsteps. I sometimes forget to take time out for me; to pamper myself or just have fun. I am working to remember that to be truly able to take care of other people, I need to take care of myself.
I have spent many years becoming more comfortable expressing my feelings as they come up, rather than holding them in. I believe I am healthier for this effort.
I am the major breadwinner in my family (for now!), as my mother was when throughout my youth. I don’t always make the best financial decisions, so I am educating myself, and sorking closely with my husband to make better choices.
I love my mother very much. I am extremely grateful for everything she has given me, the good and the not so good. Because even in the not so good I have been given a truly beautiful gift: the opportunity to learn and make my own choices. Thank you, Mom!
Blessings,
Mary
