Today is Mother's Day and my children truly rocked my world with a fabulous home-cooked breakfast, showering me with love and care. I can say with all my heart and soul that they are my life's crowning achievement!
I am fortunate to have been raised by a mother who taught me the essential skills that prepared me for my own motherhood. Her life's achievement was us, her three daughters, and she selflessly put our needs ahead of her own. She taught me that motherhood is the ultimate leadership challenge, and as I reflect on the traits required of any strong leader, I can see how I carried them in to my own experience in raising my kids.
My mother the leader always was a stay-at-home mom. She intertwined many technical skills as a chef, seamstress, nurse, event planner and psychiatrist all rolled in to one. My mother has always demonstrated charismatic inspiration, understanding how to motivate us to be excellent in anything we set out to do. Her clear sense of purpose helped her focus and lead a life of service towards others - whether her children, her husband, her parents, sisters or anyone else in her community who was in need.
My mother the leader was always results-oriented, a trait that continues to this day. Her efficiency was demonstrated in how she could manage a budget, the household or any problem that presented itself. She taught us about cooperation, and getting along, and has always lived her life with extreme optimism. (Never has there been a good leader who was a pessimist!)
My mother the leader taught me to believe in myself - to know that I have the ability to make a difference. She encouraged me and nurtured me, delegating tasks that would prepare me for my life's journey. She has always lead by example.
My mother has always led with empathy, understanding what others say, rather than listening to how they say things. She could always understand what it meant to walk in someone else's shoes.
My mother the leader always understood people - their strengths and their weaknesses, the winners and the losers. And what friends were the ones to hang out with.
My mother the leader taught me about integrity. The heavens would shake if we ever told a lie.
My mother the leader taught me to work hard, give selflessly, and know my boundaries.
My mother the leader taught me about vision - how to take the long view and keeping strict accountability along the journey.
I have learned these lessons well and now, as I reflect on my own children, I see the many traits passed on from my mother are being manifested in my children.
I am truly blessed. And this day, I honor my mother for her life's work and leadership in it. And I am blessed for my fabulous children of which I am infinitely proud.
I love you all!
--C.L.C.
