A mother's best advice

MSNBC readers were encouraged to share the best advice given to them by their mothers (We are no longer taking submissions for this topic. Thank you for the thousands of wonderful responses).

Bloom where you're planted
My mom taught me that she loves me, no matter what. She taught me that holidays are there to be celebrated, and there's nothing wrong with making up holidays. She taught me to bloom where I'm planted, as an Army brat. She taught me to serve others when I'm feeling selfish. Whenever I went on a date or to a sleepover, she said, "Remember who you are, and who Heavenly Father wants you to be." She taught me that it's funniest to burp when you're all dressed up at the Christmas Dinner table. She taught me the value of chocolate. She taught me how to say "I love you," frequently but not casually. My mom's the best, and she's way better than I'll ever be. I'm gonna call her right now, and tell her so.
--Molly, Provo, Utah

Multigenerational and sound
"If you can't say something nice, then don't say anything at all."
"Don't be afraid to get your hands dirty.  They'll wash clean."
"Work before play."
"You can if you think you can!"
"Keep your chin up.  It's not the end of the world."
Mom's Mom (Grandma) often said:
"Life isn't always fair."
"Never lie, cheat, or steal."
"Never be too proud to ask for help when you need it."
"You catch more flies w/honey than vinegar."
Now that's sound advice!  I love you Mom, and Grandma:-)
--J. McMillen, Lincoln, Neb.

Mom and best friend
My mother was the most special person in the world!  She raised six children by herself.  Her children ALWAYS came first.  She taught all of us to be compassionate, loving and to always be the best we could be.  My mother had to quit school in her teens, but she managed to get her degree in her 50's and then went on to get her nursing degree! I am so proud of what my mom accomplished.  I lost my mom 5 years ago.  I not only lost my mom, but I lost my BEST FRIEND! I miss her every day. She would have loved her great-granddaughter with all her heart! I'm sure she is looking down on her children, saying what wonderful mothers we are!  HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY MOM! I love you with all my heart!
--Arlene Shaffer, Palmyra, N.J.

Nothing you can’t do
When I was growing up there was just my brother and I.  He was four years older and quite a big guy that played a lot of sports.  I wanted to be like him and play all of the same sports.  My mom encouraged me to go out and play any sports that I wanted to and fought for me to be able to play with the boys.  She told me to never let anyone tell me I can't do anything because I'm a girl.  Today I work in technology which has been a male dominated work force until recently.  I have run across being paid less for the same job while my qualifications are more so.  I will never let that get me down or feel I can't do the same job as well or better then anyone.  I can do anything I set my mind to and work hard at.  At the same time, I have raised four children on my own for the past eleven years and I just know there isn't anything we can't accomplish.  Thank you, Mom.
--Donna MacDonald, Oshawa, Ontario, Canada

Give and take
My Grandmother took care of my brother and me while my Mom worked as a secretary to support us. On my wedding day I asked my Grandmother who just celebrated her 50th wedding anniversary what it took to have a happy long lasting marriage, built on respect and love. She said "give and take in that order". I will never forget that and I try to apply that to all of my relationships including friends, family, coworkers, and acquaintances. It has taught me to always think of others and my life is richer for it.
--Jennifer Cooper, Crossville, Tenn.

Multiple lessons of love
My mother taught me many valuable lessons for leading this life to its fullest. I was born after a period of 18 years from my elder brother so when I was born the rest of my brothers were finishing college. My mother tells me she devoted all of her time and energy for bringing me up. Now that I have turned 21 I have started to realize in how many ways I am blessed to have her as my dear mom.

My mother taught me to treat others with kindness and not with a harsh attitude. She told me to forgive and forget. I still remember when I was finishing high school my mother told me that she would not send me away for college because she loved me so much and she advised me these few things the night I was leaving my town for college abroad. She sat beside me held my hand and gently kissed my forehead and told me: "If you wish to succeed in this world you have to remember that you have to give in order to receive, you have to make love and not war, and it is always better to part with someone as friends and not as an enemy, in the end she told me if you want something badly enough and you work hard for it there is nothing in this world that can stop you from getting it."
I love you mother :) You're a beautiful angel in my life.
--Haider Zulfiqar, Daytona Beach, Fla.

MORE FROM CITIZEN JOURNALIST

Citizen Journalist Section Front

CJ Experience: Returning home to Arabi CJ: Giving Thanks CJ: Far from normal in Wilma's aftermath Frontline families' experiences CJ: A tribute to our troops CJ: Rebuilding homes and lives after hurricanes Citizen Journalist Section Front   Add Citizen Journalist headlines to your news reader: