Has anyone ever given you a piece of advice that was so strong that it never left you? When I was a child, my mother told me, ‘Sometimes it’s okay, as long as you had fun.’
As a student, volunteering at school events was something I truly enjoyed. It helped me bond with my friends and learn some things outside the classroom setting. There was never a time I did not enjoy attending those events.
One day, my family planned a morning trip to Zhuhai, the same day as our school held a charity event that I was scheduled to help out in the afternoon. With the hustle and bustle at the immigration, I ran late and began panicking on my way to school. My mother noticed how nervous I was and reassured me that things were going to be alright. Then she proceeded to tell me: “Sometimes it’s okay, as long as you had fun.” At the time, I didn’t appreciate those words as all that was running through my mind was how my teachers were going to be upset that I didn’t arrive for my duty on time.
Years later, I began college and there were more occurrences that made this piece of advice more notable in my life. For instance, eating more than what’s necessary and feeling guilty about it the next day; or losing an hour of sleep because of spending a night out with friends. These are small matters, but they weighed a lot on me. I have always been very goal-orientated and a lot of times, doing things that are parallel to reaching my goals easily worried me.
Eating too much made me feel bad because I wanted to lose weight and stick to a diet. Staying out made me feel the same because I had an early class the next day. Things like these are some of the reasons why my mom’s advice is always great to carry in my pocket. It’s not because I was forgetting my responsibilities and goals, but because it’s good to enjoy our lives, especially when we’re young.
Now that I’m working, I no longer feel the need to be as strict with myself, as in the past. I have finally found some limit when setting my goals and trying to achieve them. However, from time to time, I still have to remind myself that it’s okay as long as I had fun.
Mothers can give the best advice that their children will not only need for a day, but will suit them until they grow up and become parents themselves. Moreover, the advice they give actually is set as more of a reminder for us to take it easy and not be too hard on ourselves. If there’s anyone in the world who wants us to do well and take care of ourselves, it’s them. Has your mom ever given you any unforgettable advice?
Mother’s Day is celebrated this Sunday.
*The author works for an English-language centre. She used her penname for this story.
