Thanks, Mom

Have you ever pondered the qualifications for the‪ #worldstoughestjob? A few weeks ago I stumbled upon a story in Adweek about a Boston agency that posted a job listing for a “director of operations” with the following requirements: no sleep, $0 salary, working from 135 to unlimited hours per week, standing up most of the time, etc. The ad received more than 2.7 million impressions, but only 24 people applied. The Adweek story also included a touching video of the applicants being “interviewed” for this mystery job via Skype. After attempting to patiently answer a number of ridiculous questions, it was revealed to them that the interviewer was in fact an actor, and that they had just interviewed for the role of “mom.” These mock interviews made for a brilliant Mother’s Day ad for American Greetings, and a reminder of all the intangible things our own moms have taught us along the way.

My mom, for instance, is a big believer in the golden rule and imparted this advice on my brother and me while growing up. Such a simple concept, and something that I try to carry with me everyday: treat people the way you want to be treated. Thanks and sending love from Seattle, mom!

The rest of the Curator team shares the best motherly advice they’ve received, too:

My mom has given me a lot of great advice and still does. But, something she always used to tell me was, “bloom where you’re planted,” meaning, always make the best of every situation you might find yourself in, and rather than just show up, flourish. So fortunate to have such a wise mom to celebrate on this Mother’s Day! -Megan

Best Advice: Take a moment to appreciate the "simple joys" in each day. Whether it's walking to work in the sunshine, enjoying a latte in a mug vs. a to-go cup, or talking on the phone for 5 minutes with a close friend, it's important to slow down and recognize the beauty in each of these moments. This has turned into our family motto and I look at each day differently now because of her advice. -Annie

“What did you eat?” was always the question my mother asked me when I told her I was sick. At the time it made me so mad because I just wanted her to let me stay home from school. What I’ve now finally learned as an adult is that the food you eat determines how your health will be. My mom raised me to eat healthy and never let sugar cereal in the house. Now I can thank her for taking care of me while I was young and what to avoid eating if I want to go out and play! Thanks mama! -Brooke

My mom wasn’t big on dishing out advice, but we learned from watching her. She is always the first to laugh in a group and never takes herself too seriously. That’s probably one of her best lessons. Life's too short to not spend it with a smile on your face and a gullible heart on your sleeve. Even if you have 3 kids, chickens, ducks, and a litter of puppies living in your house during a cold Ohio spring… -Shawn

The best piece of advice my mom gave me is that I can do anything I put my mind to. My mom is my biggest supporter, and knowing that she is behind me 100% gives me that added boost in feeling like I can really accomplish anything I want. Love you Mom, Happy Mother's Day! -Noelle

Follow your passions and work hard to make the life you want for yourself. Though my mom never put this exactly in words, she taught by example and seeing her live this way has always inspired my sisters and me to do the same. Thanks, mom! -Chelsey

Everyone probably says this, but my mom actually is the nicest person ever. Her best advice to me, which has been stated but more so shown by example, has been to default to compassion. It’s very easy to write people off as jerks. It’s a lot harder to slow down and remember that they have their own little universes inside their heads, just like yours, that have been shaped by their experiences. We're all people, we have to live together, and we all just want to be happy. Try to make it easier for people to do that. I don’t always do a great job of actually adhering to this advice, but I try, and I think about it a lot. I’d like to think I’m always improving. -Paul

One of the best pieces of advice that my mom passed along to me was the value of “a few nice things.” Think quality over quantity. It frames almost all of my day-to-day decisions and choices — from finding a great olive oil to use sparingly for special dishes, to a handbag that lasts more than just a season to the type of furniture we pick for our living room. -Ann Marie

What’s the best advice your mom has given you? Tweet us @CuratorPR