Where there’s a will, there’s a way.

I’ll never forget the Girl Scout trip when my mom and I spent the night in the manatee exhibit. I was so excited to sleep next to the manatees, imagining how cool it would be to wake up with them swimming around. But, of course, things didn’t go as planned. The floors were super hard, and the bright lights from the manatee pool didn’t exactly make it easy to sleep. I was exhausted, but so was my mom. She wasn’t thrilled about going there in the first place, and by the middle of the night, we were both ready to be anywhere but on that hard floor.

Even though my mom wasn’t excited about the trip to begin with, she totally made the best of it. She brought extra blankets, pillows, and even snacks to try to make us more comfortable. She didn’t want to be there, but she was going to make sure I had a good time, even if that meant sacrificing a good night’s sleep. I really appreciated how she didn’t let the situation ruin the night–she found a way to make it work, even though everything about it was less than ideal.

By morning, we were both more than ready to head home, but I still look back on that night fondly. It was a perfect example of her saying, “Where there’s a will, there’s a way.” My mom found a way to make the night memorable, even with all the discomfort. It wasn’t about how hard the floor was or how little sleep we got, it was about how she went out of her way to make it fun. 

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

I can still picture the day we went to the animal shelter to find a new addition to our family. My sister and I had our hearts set on getting a new kitten–you know the tiny, fluffy playful ones. But my mom had a different idea. She reminded us that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and that sometimes the best choice isn’t always about picking something new. It wasn’t just about picking the cutest kitten; it was about looking beyond the surface and finding something that truly fit our family. And that's how we ended up meeting the cat who would steal our hearts.

As we sat in the visitor room, the staff brought in a few different cats for us to meet, one by one. Each one was sweet in its own way, but none of them really felt like the right fit. Then they brought in our cat–a gray cat with beautiful green eyes. She was calm, almost serene, and immediately made herself comfortable in the room with us. While the other cats were more energetic or curious, she just sat quietly, looking up at us with those soft eyes. There was something so gentle about her demeanor that made us all instantly feel at ease. It wasn’t about how she looked–it was the connection we felt. We just knew she was the one.

Fast forward a few years, and that decision turned out to be one of the best ones we’ve ever made. She’s the most loving cat we could have asked for. Every day, I'm reminded of what my mom taught me: beauty really is in the eye of the beholder. Our cat is a reminder that beauty isn't always about being shiny and new–sometimes it’s about finding what truly works for you. 

A small act of kindness makes a big difference.

Mom always used to say, “A small act of kindness makes a big difference.” I never quite understood the full weight of those words until one year, when my sister, my mom, and I put together care packages for people in need. It was through a school project, but it ended up being so much more than just a task. It turned into one of those moments that stayed with me, reminding me how even the smallest gestures can have a lasting impact.

We filled each box with simple things–toothbrushes, hairbrushes, socks, and non-perishable snacks. As we packed each box, my sister and I felt proud of what we were doing. We were making a difference, even if it was just in a small way. And the best part? It was a time of bonding with my mom and sister, working together and creating something good for others.

It’s amazing how something so simple–like packing a few care packages–can fill your heart with so much warmth. It wasn’t about the things we were giving away; it was about the connection we felt in that moment of helping others. Sometimes, it’s the little things that can create the most meaningful impact, both for the person receiving it and for you.

Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

I’ve always believed that the simplest lessons are often the most powerful ones. My mom often said, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” To me this wasn’t just a catchy phrase; it was a rule to live by. She taught me early on that treating others with kindness and respect wasn’t just the right thing to do–it was the way to build better relationships and a happier life. This wasn’t some abstract concept to her; it was something she lived every day, and she made sure we understood it, too.

One of the clearest examples of this was when I was in elementary school. For my birthday one year, my mom insisted that I invite my entire class to my party. I remember thinking, “But why? I don’t even talk to everyone!” She explained that if we pick some students in your class, and we exclude others, it hurts them. Her point was that no one should ever feel left out, just like I wouldn’t want to be left out myself, and that’s “do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” It seemed like a big task at the time, but looking back, it was such a powerful lesson. Not only did it teach me about inclusivity, but it also showed me the importance of putting yourself in someone else’s shoes–like the golden rule says.

That birthday party was one of the times I truly understood what the Golden Rule meant in action. It wasn’t just about being nice to your friends; it was about making sure no one was left behind, even if it felt awkward or uncomfortable. It’s a lesson that’s stuck with me all these years, and whenever I’m faced with a tough decision or conflict, I hear my mom’s voice reminding me to treat others how I’d want to be treated. It’s a simple rule, but one that makes a world of difference, both in how we treat others and how we feel about ourselves.