• March 6, 2016

    Lessons my Mum taught me

    Mothers. When you’re young, they’re princesses that with a kiss make everything better; when you’re a teenager they are the worst, most embarrassing women in the world; but when you’re a woman, they become your inspiration, co-conspirator and friend.

    Every mother-daughter relationship is different, of course. It might not be with a mother but an aunt, step-Mum or grandmother. The title is irrelevant; the bond is anything but.

    My mum has taught me much over the years, but her main area of brilliance has been the ability to tell me to ‘go for it’ when I’ve wanted to work and travel abroad for months at a time, despite deep down wanting to keep me at home, safe, secure, within hugging distance, at all times.

    When I made the decision to move away from home, it came as little surprise to my mum who, in that intuitive way that mother’s have, always knew I’d never move just down the road, but it didn’t make it any easier. This move, again, came with the same unwavering support she’s always had, and the same encouraging ‘you go for it’ line that she’s always said to me. (Sometimes, in her more American, power-woman moments she’s switches it up to ‘you go girl!’ which makes me feel like I could run a marathon and rule the world simultaneously).

    But enough about us (Happy Mother’s Day by the way Mum!), I asked three of the Girls Talk London squad what their mum’s have taught them…

    Trying to pin point one life lesson that my mum has taught me is a difficult one, but I’d have to say being independent is something that my mum has instilled in me and my sibling but more so with me and my sister. She has always pushed us to be independent financially, mentally and emotionally.  I think this was a massive lesson she learned after her divorce with my step father from which she had to stand on her own and support four kids.  So being a strong independent woman is one of the best lessons my mum has taught me and continues to teach me.

    – Joanne Green, Girls Talk London Ambassador

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    My Mum taught me how important it is as a woman to earn your own money and that hard work pays off. She also taught me to be kind and caring to people because you will be blessed as a result.

    – Vanessa Sanyauke, Girls Talk London Founder

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    Having been born in the Philippines then growing up in England since I was five, my mum felt it was important that I remember our culture and traditions as well as our family over there. She’s totally right – you won’t know who you are or where you’re going if you don’t know where you’ve come from. Our history helps to shape our identities and I certainly wouldn’t be who I am today without all that I experienced in my very early years back in the Philippines. As a result, it keeps me grounded and makes me so much more appreciative of what I have – in terms of family, friends and career – and the opportunities I can grab today.

    Humility and respecting others are also qualities my mum has drilled into me from day one. She is very respectful of others too so she’s been leading by example my whole life. I guess that if you want to teach someone something, showing them how is the best way they’ll learn. And my mum has done exactly that.

    – Mary Pickford, Girls Talk London contributing writer

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    Stephanie Bolton

    @StephanieBolton

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