Tammy Taylor. Carol Brady. Claire Dunphy. Marge Simpson. Claire Huxtable. Kate McCallister. Mrs. George.
When it comes to movie and TV moms, we have been #blessed with all kinds.
And these characters are all so lovable because we can see glimpses of our own mothers in each and every one.
Some more than others, (I’m lookin’ at you, Mrs. Regina George, self-proclaimed “cool mom”), but each reveal an aspect of every mother’s heart. Because at the end of the day, Mrs. George is really just desperately trying to relate to her kids, however questionable her tactics may be.
I’ve already expressed on here, numerous times, my complete admiration of my mother. She is my rock. My best friend. My role model. My biggest supporter. And I love her with my entire being.
But you already know that. So I’ll table the gushing. At least for this post. 🙂
But truth be told, I have learned so much from my mom. Growing up, even into high school, my mom would tuck me in every night and we would chat for a good 30 minutes about absolutely everything. From faith, to friends, to fashion, to her childhood, to boys, to fears, to struggles, to my hopes and dreams for the future. And I learned some of my most valuable lessons from her.
But there’s one gem that she taught me that has stuck with me more than anything else.
Something that I find myself repeating multiple times a week, if not multiple times a day.
Just do the next right thing.
Recovery from anorexia is a bit overwhelming. And if that’s not the understatement of the century, I don’t know what is.
But there were days, many many days, where I simply did not think that I could do it. That I couldn’t make it through the next meal, the next supplement increase, the next weigh in, the next urge to exercise.
But it was during those times that my mother’s little mantra would come into my head and help me get through that particularly difficult moment. Just do the next right thing.
I’ve been pretty clear that my recovery was in no way my doing. That it was God’s. His rescuing. His strength. His working. Which is true. But at the end of the day, I was still the one that had to put the fork to my lips. And I believe that this little “one liner” of strength and perspective was given to me by Him, through my mother.
I think a lot of times in life, and not just recovery, we can get bogged down by everything staring us in the face. Whether it’s finals, or stress at work, or a house full of kids to take care of, or relationship issues, or kicking an addiction or bad habit. We can become frozen with uncertainty or doubt or fear.
And it’s in those moments when I just take a deep breath and think, Okay. What is the next right thing?
And I’ll tell you what, just that shift in perspective can change a mountain into a mole hill.
And sometimes that’s all you need to get through that moment.
For me, it was a game changer.
Whether you’re a biological mother, a spiritual or emotional mother, or even a “puppy mother,” thank you for all the hats you wear: Nurse. Encourager. Provider. Teacher. Disciplinarian. Nurturer. Fashion consultant. Protector. Comedian. Helper. Chef. Entertainer. Advice Guru. Advocate. Spiritual Advisor. Friend.
You enrich our lives, just by being you.
154 responses to “What I Learned From My Mother”
You made me wanna cry!
Aw thanks friend:) I’m so glad it resonated with you! Hugs and love xox
Well said. 🙂
Thanks Michael:) I appreciate you stopping by! Hugs and love xox
Thank you. It was a touching telling. I will be back. 🙂
Aw yay! I’m glad 🙂 look forward to “seeing” you again soon! hugs and love to you xox
Reblogged this on WerdyNerdyNDirty and commented:
Very brave, beautiful post.
Thanks for the reblog! Hugs and love xox
Sounds like you have a wonderful mother and an equally wonderful relationship with her. Love the lessons that she’s imparted to you … such a great way to approach life. Hugs and warmest wishes to you. xo
Thanks Miriam:) oh I definitely do. I’m grateful to have her in my life:) thanks for reading! Hugs and love xox
Mothers are incredibly special and important – a gift straight from God. It’s so important that a child has a mom and dad. Sounds like you have an amazing mom – you are blessed immensely 🙂
thanks friend! You are so so right. Mothers ARE a gift from God! Thanks for reading! Hugs and love xox
Sooo sweet! That’s a wise momma you have there😉
Thank you so much! I would have to agree! She’s a pretty sweet lady ❤️ thanks for reading! Hugs and love xox
Beautiful. A mother’s love, there’s nothing in the world like. I miss my mom so much. Just to hear her breathe would be enough for me right now.
Thanks Corrie, for sharing this. Aw I’m sorry you miss your mother. It always gives me peace to know that we’ll see our loved ones again some day:) thanks for reading. Sending you a big big hug right now. Hugs and love xox
I needed this so much just now, I was going through a number of issues today, and I just kept hearing, “Joshua just take it the next ten seconds at a time” it didn’t really sink in until I read this, so thank you for allowing me to see I just need to keep doing the next right thing!
Thank you so much! I like that — ten seconds at a time. thanks for reading! hugs and love xox
This is so touching😘…while reading this I thought of my mom and her mother hen attitude which is enough to strengthen my family…
Aw, thanks for this 🙂 oh the mother hens 🙂 so very loving. thanks for stopping by! hugs and love xox
That advice is the best. It’ll get you thru any overwhelming task. I get on overload pretty quickly and just fixing my mind on the next thing to be done has pulled me through some very dark moments!
Hi Elihu! Thanks! Yeah, my mom is pretty swell. You’re right – just thinking about the next right thing will get you through! thanks for reading! hugs and love xox
I had a therapist that said “when you feel like going crazy, stop, breathe and make the next healthy choice. Whatever it is.”
I still remember that and do it when I get feeling crazy. I also say a prayer in there. Wise words from wise women.
Hi Ellie! That was some very wise advice by your therapist. I love that. Yeah pausing and praying is always the ticket to peace in the craziness. thanks for reading! hugs and love xox
This is a truly beautiful blog post 🙂 Mothers are always there for their children regardless of whether or not we are happy or sad. That one paragraph you wrote before the very last one could not have been summed up better 🙂 Mothers are all of those things and I am glad that your mother was no exception 🙂 Anyway, keep up the great work as always 🙂
Hi there John! Aw, thank you so much 🙂 yeah I am so grateful for my beautiful mother. Because you’re absolutely right – they are all those things. And how lucky we are for that. Thanks for always brightening up my day! hugs and love xox
Sounds like you’ve got a great Mom! Blessings.
Thanks! I definitely do! Very blessed. Thanks for reading! Hugs and Love xox
“Just do the right thing.” How that one simple statement, when brought to life, through God within each of our lives, would change the world.
Thank you for another great post. 🙂
Hi Matthew! Thanks for this reflection:) You’re right – just a simple phrase with a profound impact 🙂 thanks for stopping by! hugs and love xox
I was just in the neighborhood so I decided to stop by and see what was happening with you. I found a lovely post on your blog. 🙂 Hugs and love back to you.
Aw I’m so glad you did! ❤️❤️❤️
I love this!!! Thank you. The question on what is the next right thing to do is simple and so easy to follow. I have a question I ask myself “How can I choose to love right now?” Similar, huh? Also — I love what you wrote about just gaining a higher perspective. Thankfulness is one of my key intentions. So many blessings to you.
Aw thank you so much! I’m glad you enjoyed it! I absolutely love that question you ask yourself — because love is ALWAYS the right answer:) Yay for thankfulness! Hugs and love my friend! xox
Beautiful post, love “Just do the next right thing”.
Thank you so much! Yes! Just do the next right thing:) so simple. so thought provoking. thanks for stopping by!! hugs and love xox
Beautiful post! Moms truly are the best. <3
Hi Olivia! Oh I couldn’t agree more! They really are. thanks for stopping by! hope your week is off to a great start! hugs and love xox
Your mom is a lucky lady she has a very beautiful wise and special daughter .your mom sounds like a very special lady herself.
Aw that is so kind of you to say. I’m the lucky one though. She’s an amazing lady. Thanks for stopping by! Hugs and love xox
Beautiful post! Mothers are truly a blessing from above.
Thank you so much! I would have to agree. They really are blessings from above! Glad you stopped by! Hugs and love xox
Very cool. And, what a strong message. You have a nice way of putting the post together with pics and things and it is easier to read the whole that way. 🙂
Thank you so much:) and I’m glad you like my pictures! They’re a bit of a labor of love to make so I really appreciate your kind words. Hugs and love xox
Great post. I think all your readers would relate well to the sentiments expressed above, including me. Blessings.
Thank you maxtari! That really means a lot. Hugs and love xox
Mantras are so important for life 😀thanks for posting
Thank you for this! You’re right. They are so important. Glad you stopped by. Hugs and love xox
I’m stealing this question
Haha go for it!! Glad you stopped by! Hugs and love xoxo
Great post!
Thank you so much! So glad you enjoyed it! Hugs and love xox
[…] Just do the next right thing — beautybeyondbones.com […]
Thanks for the link up! I really appreciate it . hugs and love xox
Awesome! our moms,our everything! Thank you for sharing this beautiful reminder, blessings!
Thank you so much Soma. You’re right – our mothers are our everything! Couldn’t agree more! Thanks for stopping by! hugs and love xox
You are welcome!! hugs and love xox
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Beautiful post! Moms are simply awesome.
Thanks friend! I so agree. They are SO awesome! Wonderful role models and friends. Thanks for stopping by! hugs and love xox
What a wonderful tribute to your mother. As a daughter and a mother myself, the bond cannot be measured. I am sure she is proud of you and I truly know how blessed you both are!
Hi Tanya! Thank you so much 🙂 You’re right – the bond is incredible. I’m so blessed to have her in my life. Thanks for the encouragement. It really means a lot. hugs and love xox
It’s wonderful that you had your mother with you through all the pain and heartbreak. Must have been very tough on her to see you go through this illness and fear for your life. Wonderful to hear you are still close. I miss my mum.
Hi Hanna, thank you for this reflection. I’m sending you a big big hug through the screen. I know this may sound kooky, but I really do believe we will see our loved ones again some day in Heaven:) lots and lots of love my friend xox
What’s really great about your story of you and your mom and all that she taught you – you’re gonna be a GREAT mom yourself someday! Your kids are going to be SOOOOO blessed!
Hi Jeff! Aw that really means a lot. Thank you. Seriously, you just made my day. Glad you stopped by! Hugs and love xox
And to you, Beauty!
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Great post! Your mom seems like the perfect Mom. But, every mom is perfect, isn’t she? <3
Thank you Kashaf! I think you’re right:) every mom is special and blessed her children:) so glad you stopped by! Hugs and love xox
I love this! I’ve been getting a bit stressed lately with all the things I’m busy with and I think this motto could be very helpful! For me also I’ve been trying to stop and realise how much I have already done. I’ll often get to the end of the day and think of all the things I havn’t achieved but if I stop and list the things I did do, I discover I’m doing alright.
Wondeful food for the soul – thank you
Thanks Gee Jen! That’s really great perspective – to think of what you have done and not what you haven’t. Great advice! Glad you stopped by! Hugs and love xox
Wonderful article.. 🙂 Thank you for sharing.
Thank you so much! I’m glad you enjoyed it! Hugs and love xox
“Do the next right thing” is some really good advice. Great post. Also, just letting you know that I still love reading your posts 🙂 I know how, sometimes, people show up at a blog and leave a comment and then disappear, and that can be discouraging. I’m still here 🙂
Thanks Bernard. Aw that means a lot! Truly. Thanks for your continued readership and support. Hugs and love xox
Ever since you liked my own blog posts, I have been fervently reading yours, and I have seen content I one day aspire to be as good as. Thank you for being a beacon and an inspiration, and please, keep on going, and I will as well. Thank you. God bless. Godspeed.
Thanks for this. That really means a lot:) I’m glad you’ve enjoyed your time here! Have a great day! Hugs and love xox
This makes me want to call my mom. Great post, as always.
Aw thanks:) I’m glad you liked it! Yes! Moms are great❤️ hugs and love xox
Thanks for sharing! I’ll have to put that little sentence in my back pocket for the deer-in-headlights moments, when I’m not sure what to do with myself next!!!
Hi Emily! Thank you so much:) deer in the headlights moments! Ha-I totally can relate! Thanks for reading! Hugs and love xox
Beautiful written. May god continue to give you the strength to succeed.
Thank you so much! Amen to that. God is good! Thanks for reading! Hugs and love cox
This is such a lovely and emotional one..!Great post..! 🙂
Thank you so much Shifa! That really means a lot. Thanks for stopping by! Hugs and love xox
This is such a lovely and emotional post..!Love it…:)
Thanks again friend 😘
I almost cried reading this! Your posts are SO truthful! I love my mom and she literally is ALL of those things to me. Lots of love <3 ML
Thank you so much MaryLouise! That really means a lot:) moms are so so great. Thanks for stopping by! Hugs and love xox
This one liner for me is a very special too. The first time I heard it, I was sitting in group on my third day in the psych ward. Me? In a psych ward? People thought I had it all together, but really I just wanted to die. And yet, someone offered the hope of this simple line. It put such a new perspective on the struggle through depression and self-harm. Because during the times that all I wanted to do was cut or overdose on pills, that saying would pop into my ahead. Just do the next right thing. It meant so much that I didn’t have to figure out how I was going to beat that monster. It didn’t matter that I didn’t have all the answers or even the way out, but all I had to focus on was doing the next right thing. Praise God, I have been free from self-harm for almost 6 months, and I haven’t abused medication in seven or eight. It all comes from doing the next right thing consistently. 😉
Hey masykes. Thank you for sharing this. Praise God indeed. I am so happy for you that you’ve found freedom. Amen to that-just doing the next right thing. sending hugs and love my friend xox
Beautiful tribute to your mom! Wonderful also that you attribute God’s power to strengthen you! It’s a winning combo!
Thanks Camellia! My mom is a wonderful woman. Thanks for stopping by! Hugs and love xox
Thank you for sharing this simple phrase – what a wonderful tool to help us navigate through all the noise!
Thanks DW. I really appreciate that. Glad
You stopped by this evening! Hugs and love xox
What a wonderful tribute to your Mom! Aaaaaand, so many great reminders here. “Just do the next right thing,” is one of those phrases that I hang my recovery on. Like deep breathing, I couldn’t get through a day with out it. “One day at a time,” still leaves me with too much to think about all at once! Haha. I really loved the way you acknowledge the different ways we can “mother” other people and find “mothering” for ourselves at the end of your post. My mom always meant well. Reminding myself of that helps when I begin to remember all the little traumas that contributed to my eating disorder and the other scars I carry. She did her best, but the truth is, and it sounds really cruel and terrible and accusatory to say this, her best wasn’t good enough. However… I am SO blessed! I am so blessed because I met other amazing women who showed me the unconditional LOVE that I did not receive from my mom. They poured their compassion and acceptance into that little void in my heart. It still took a boatload of therapy for me to get my mom’s harsh, critical, demeaning, and destructive voice out of my head, but I am so grateful for these other mothers who showed me a different model. For a long time, I couldn’t even talk to my mom on the phone, let alone be in the same state as her. Now, we are back to a place where I am able to see her for who she is, the good with the less-than-good, and I am visiting home again. Whew, this is a really long comment, but you always give me so much to think about! I hope that you are having a wonderful spring! Happy May, my friend! ❤️
Hi Lulu, thank you so much for sharing this. I think you’re right-God brings people into our lives for a reason, and it sounds like that’s definitely been the case for you. I’m sorry that things with your mom have been less than ideal, but I’m so glad that the two of you are in a better place and you’re able to go home again. That brings my heart so much joy:) thanks so much for sharing your sweet spirit on here, Lulu! It’s always such a bright spot to see your name pop up in my feed! Hugs and love xox
Thank you for liking my first blog post. Oh and great blog!!
Hope you will enjoy my future blog post!
Thank you so much! I look forward to reading more from you! Hugs and love xox
I love how you give so much glory and honor to God! You are inspiring so many people by sharing your story! Cherish the relationship you have with your mother. I always dreamed of something like that with mine but it never happened. Now I try desperately to share that with my daughter. Your mothers love and support is clear to see 🙂
Thanks Jen, for sharing this. Yes, God has been very good to me. I owe him everything. It sounds like you and your daughter have a special bond. I’m glad that you are able to cultivate that with her. Thanks for stopping by. Hugs and love xox
Love that: you enrich life be being you … read Christine Caine new book ?
Thanks for your words
Thank you so much! I haven’t read t yet! But thanks for passing it along! Glad you stopped by! Hugs xox
Beautiful tribute! Unrelated question: What app do you use to create your memes? I love their variety and visual appeal.
Thank you so much:) that really means a lot. Thanks! So I use font candy and squareready hugs and love xox
What a beautiful testimony! So beautiful that God has blest you so. I have been blest with a mom who worked hard to make sure I got put in life’s direction. I can’t say she was there to help steer my direction in ways that many are for others, but it was a start that I wouldn’t have had, had it not been for her. <3 Hugs!!
Thank you so much MiguelTio! It sounds like you have a wonderful mother as well. How lucky we are! Thanks for always being such a great source of encouragement! It means the world! Hugs and love xox
🙂 XOX
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I LOVED this. Thank you! Do the next right thing is going to be my new mantra.
Thank you so much:) I’m so glad it resonated with you! Hugs and love xox
I nominated you for the One Lovely Blog Award. Go check it out at
https://whathasbecomeofparenting.wordpress.com/2016/05/19/one-lovely-blog-award-2/
Oh thank you so much! That really means a lot:) hugs and love xox
That was awesome advice: “Just do the next right thing.” I’ll remember that. My mom was such a gem as well. I wish I knew some times how she is doing or if she is even still around. Life throws some really weird curveballs at us at times, and there was a point in which we lost contact. I think we were both okay with it back then because of extenuating circumstances at that juncture, I prayed about it and was hearing to just let it be. But every once in a while I ask again. “Is it time to try and reconnect?” I do miss her at times.
Thank you so much for sharing this. I’m sorry that you have lost contact with your mom. I don’t know why we go through things sometimes, but I will definitely pray for you guy to reconnect if that is what you wish to do. Sending big big hugs and love xox
No, don’t pray for that. Sometimes we pray without knowing what Yahweh’s will is, and it just gets in the way and can mess things up.
When Yahweh knows it is time, I will certainly know it and how to reconnect.
I appreciate your care and thoughtfulness very much though. 🙂
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Oh, Beebs, you need to meet my mom. Very different from yours, but I think she wins the competition. I ripped her heart out and stomped it to pieces in the ground and she still loves me. I made my object of existence to tear her down. In fact, in the hospital, I was given the qualification that to get out I had to go 14 days straight making no threats. I was there five months. Boy, that was a long 14 days! Don’t get me wrong! She was not bashful about using her artillery, either! She knows a thing or two about war, too. Any resource available, she’ll find a way to use it and turn it into a weapon. Things you’d never think… When I was 10 trying to learn how to become a boy scout, she did a 50-mile bike ride with us on a one-speed with my five-year sister riding in a little basket in the back of her bike, up and down hills. I shouldn’t tell the whole story, but I guess I should mention that, again, when I was 10, I saw the announcement for some race in town, and I was afraid she would say, no. She didn’t. I ran it and won. An entire life opened up. She was the wheels, and I was the gears. Anyway, neener neener neener. Top that. I dare you. My dad wasn’t too shabby, either. Don’t ever ask him to arm wrestle. My biggest (and I do mean, biggest) brother made that mistake one time. I’ve never forgotten. A man that can kill a badger with only a crowbar seems to know more than how to find his way to the pill cabinet. Evolution kinda left me behind, but they were pretty studly in their day. People sometimes make the mistake of trying to judge me by my parents, and, boy, does it backfire! A private school director made that mistake when she hired me to teach. I having teaching genes on both sides. My mother was a preschool teacher, and my dad’s mother was a school teacher throughout much of her life.
Hi dan. Thank you for sharing your experience and being vulnerable on here. Love is powerful
I identify with”do the right thing” so much. It has helped me to turn some very tough decisions in to very straight forward ones.
Thank you so much Sarah! I’m so glad it resonated with you:) simple yet powerful words. Hugs and love xox
Very impressive how you found the strenght to recover. And very touching the way you write about your mother.
Thank you so much. Yeah my mom is a very special woman. I’m very lucky:) thanks for reading! Hugs and love cox
I so love reading your posts. They are always so full of inspiration and truth! Thank you for always being so vulnerable and sharing your heart!
Hi there friend! Thank you so much for these kind words. I’m so glad you enjoy my posts! Hugs and love xox
I am so glad that you have a lovely supportive mum. You are a beautiful lady and your trials have given you a special place to help others. Thank you for reaching out to others who find life difficult and giving them hope. God bless you.
Thank you Friend:) yes, I really have been so blessed with such a wonderful mother. I am grateful every day. Thanks for your affirming words. Hugs and love xox
Beautiful!
Thank you so much:) glad you enjoyed it! Hugs and love xox
Lovely tribute to mothers.
Thanks friend. Yes, moms are pretty great 🙂 hugs and love xox
The fact that you talked about Cosby show with the Simpsons with equal confidence means to me that you have watched a lot of TV. However your missing the Keaton’s and The Winslow’s Bahaha I kid.
Lol
Hello there friend I was just wondering if you may be able to give you some advice I saw the other day that you posted a video on your blog my question is how do we do that Anthony who wants to know? Thank you have a fantastic lovely day.
Hi friend! You have to embed the YouTube video in the html. There’s an option to do that on the YouTube video itself. Hope that helps!
Thanks buddy Anthony approves of this comment.
Haha 👍
By the way Happy Belated Birthday Butterfly.
Thank you! 🐛
Well I have some bad news for you a recent blog post which was pertaining to Queen Esther didn’t fly with the WordPress managers because it posted iMovie trailer so that my readers could understand the essence of the movie anyway I am banned from WordPress with no warning whatsoever I am visibly upset because I spent more than 6 months working my way up to create a site that everyone can enjoy. if I was given warning I could have understood why but I wasn’t given anything. I don’t want start up a site only to have incurred the Wrath WordPress. George is getting upset. WordPress is killing independent George.
Oh no!! I’m so sorry to hear that. What a bummer!
Oh. No worries, I sent them an email. They’re going to write to me soon.
Good
Ya, I want to finish the sermon series. I have to present it to the church on September 3.
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My website has been restored amen and Hallelujah. Thanks for your faith my friend hope you have a fantastic day
Terrific 👍
I would seriously, simply be finished without my mum… God knows my ultimate prayer for both of us… Thanks Princess… now you go do the next best thing by your mum which you sure already are doing in total trust in the Great I Am
I absolutely know what you mean 🙂 Yeah, I pray I’m doing the right thing. I just have to trust in Him that He will give me the right words to say and the guidance in my decisions. sending massive hugs xox
I’m just getting swept up in your story lately! Thanks for sharing about your mom, her recovery, your recovery, and y’all’s relationship. It’s so special and I’m left tearing up at the end! Your mom has given you so much wisdom. It’s awesome.
Aw thank you so much, Meg! You’re so sweet. Thanks for your encouragement. Yeah, my mom is an awesome lady:) big hugs xox
SOOO…I just happened to be reading this utterly random entry of yours and came across the “just do the next right thing” thing. My mom says that ALL THE TIME, so much so that I say it all the time (and I really try to do it) and it’s become my absolute favorite saying of hers, ever. Anyway, I just thought that was a totally weird fluke thing that you needed to know about immediately. =)
Hey Angie! Oh how great minds think alike! mine too! 🙂 thanks for stopping by! hugs x