Two Things My Mother Told Me That Changed My Life

 When I was in my 20's, my mother said two things to me 

that truly changed the course of my life,

although I didn't recognize it at the time. 

The first was a few days before 

I was to start my first job, as a receptionist at a local museum,

when I was offered a better position at a cable TV company.

I had majored in communications in college,

so the TV job was clearly the better option.

 

I didn't know what to do.

Mom said, "Take the job in your field, 

and be honest with the museum 

about why you are backing out at the last minute."

That decision ultimately led me to a 

beyond-my-wildest-dreams 32-year career at a major television network.

The second was when I told my mother that a friend was having trouble 

finding a roommate to share her apartment in New York City.

Mom said, "What about you?"

For whatever the reason, the thought had never occurred to me.

I moved in with my friend, and that summer,

I took a share in a house in Fire Island,

where eventually I met my husband.

Oh, and I ended up living in NYC for 22 years!

I never got to thank my mom for those two pieces of advice,

but somehow, I think she knows.

Happy Mother's Day to all the moms, step-moms, and grand-moms out there,

whose advice has helped to shape their kids into who they are today,

or who they will be tomorrow. 

Someday, your kids will thank you!