When it comes to role models I can certainly say that I had the best…
Mum was not just an inspiration but such a positive influence on not just my life but everyone who was lucky enough to have known her.
Nowadays reality stars from TV programs such as “The only way is Essex” and “Love Island”, (I think I’ll leave it there with the list of reality shows otherwise I’ll be here all night listing them) are seen as role models and so many young people aspire to be like them. Admittedly I have watched some episodes of these programs and I can see how so many people get drawn into the alleged perfect lifestyle… make up always immaculately applied, hair – salon styled and the most up to date clothes….it’s easy to see the reasons why so many people get drawn into the illusion… because that’s what it is… an illusion.. it’s not real life… it’s all the result of massive marketing machines.. massive money making organisations that make far more money than the people that are in front of the camera…
Yes.. mum loved clothes ( that has definitely been passed down to me ) , she was always immaculately dressed and she loved going shopping… but it was far from her top priority.. at the heart of mums life was her family… she dedicated her life to my dad and her 4 children… there was never a time that we came second…
Mum taught me that the material things in life are great to have but they are by no means the route to real and meaningful happiness…
It really wasn’t until mum died that I realised just how right she was.. I remember rolling my eyes in frustration when she would tell me to be grateful for what I had. There was one occasion I remember in particular.. I was having a rant about not being able to walk up the street anymore without coming across someone collecting for “some sort of charity”!! Mum just turned to me and said “you should be glad you’ve money in your purse to give them” …. I felt so selfish and ungrateful.. I had so much compared to so many people….one of the many things she used to say was “ there is always someone worse of than you” and she was right.. as life goes on I see for myself the hurt and anguish present in not just my life but in all our lives. I have friends currently going through horrendous experiences.. I’m not going into details because quite frankly the details are irrelevant.. the point is suffering comes in many different forms and at times when we least expect it…
I will never forget the valuable lessons mum taught me.. or more accurately lived by..
She really was a fantastic role model…