In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, discover the life lessons learned from a Latina mother. Explore the values of hard work, self-respect, and family traditions.
It’s always important to thank the strong women who raised us and helped shape who we are today. In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, I want to share some of the life lessons I’ve learned from Mami. She’s been my helper, confidante, advisor, cheerleader, and my gentle critic. Mami’s positive nature and faith in the essence of human beings helped me choose my path: helping others find their way.
Here are some of the valuable lessons Mami taught me, as well as some of her unique ones:
Mami never leaves the house without makeup, jewelry, perfume, and a matching outfit. It’s not about the brand; it’s about self-confidence and self-respect. Mami believes that a confident woman dresses the part. It doesn’t have to be designer clothes or cost a fortune. It’s about showing up in the world. According to Mami, how we show up is as important as what we do.
As a political refugee from Cuba, Mami has always believed in the power of hard work, perseverance, and education. She taught me that the way to move through life is to face it head-on and never shy away from challenges.
Mami always cooked enough food for an army—you never knew when someone might drop by. To her, food is more than just nourishment; it’s a way to create memories and share time together. Making extra is a reflection of generosity and gratefulness for the abundance she feels she has received.
For Mami, being polite and gracious is about self-respect. She taught me the importance of knowing when and how to interact with others. This was a lesson she reinforced with my daughters, too. Her examples included: don’t open the fridge at someone’s house without permission, don’t look through other people’s bathroom cabinets, and always greet people with a smile.
Mami has always embraced her role as a mother, teaching me to be present for my children, even if imperfectly. It’s about showing up and teaching the old ways (traditions) while helping them blend into the world. She believes in finding a balance between maintaining uniqueness and adapting to society.
Mami has always believed in my abilities. She encourages me from near and far, and has even learned to communicate in this technology-driven world to stay connected with me and her granddaughters.
Mami taught me to be selective about whom I spend my time and energy with. She believes you can be kind to others while still being discerning about your inner circle. The Spanish saying, “Dime con quien andas, y te diré quien eres” ("Tell me who you walk with, and I’ll tell you who you are"), captures this sentiment perfectly.
As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, let's reflect on the wisdom passed down from the strong women in our lives. Mami’s life lessons are not just for me; they’re universal values that resonate with many. Feel free to share your own lessons learned. After all, sharing is caring.
