The Transformative Power of a Mother's Love

My dad used to repeat a quote to me every day on my way to school: “Tell me who you hang out with, and I’ll tell you who you are.” I’d always repeat it, but never really understood what it meant until I grew up. Now I understand that it means there will be friends, romantic partners, colleagues, family members, mentors, etc., in my life, and that I would have to determine who really brings out the best in me. After enduring the pandemic and having time to reflect on who really matters to me, I’ve come to the realization that I mostly want to be around one person: my mom, Irma. 

My Mother Inspires Me Every Day

At just 18 years old, my mom came to the States from Cartagena, Colombia with $100 in her pocket and little knowledge of the English language. She left her family and friends behind and set off to find her path with only her heart to guide her. Somehow, after 37 years in America, she founded her own company. She got married, had two children, and has been voted one of the top 25 most powerful Hispanic women by People En Español. She’s known for her work as a stylist, and some of her clients include prominent names in Latin entertainment such as Sofía Vergara, Ricky Martin, Gloria Estefan, Enrique Iglesias, Shakira, and Marc Anthony, just to name a few. 

My Mom is a Superwoman

As her daughter, I’ve known her as someone even greater than a professional stylist. To me, she’s the mom who always wakes up with a smile, has a can-do attitude and never takes ‘no’ for an answer. She’s always happy and willing to make the most of every day. She’s the mom who traveled and worked long hours, but would wake up early every day to make us a homemade lunch for school and have sit-down dinners as a family. She really is a superwoman. Despite all the obstacles that were in her way, despite all that was said to her as “unachievable,” she stands tall today and has created the life she’s wanted and has deserved. She’s the truest definition of “believe that you can, and you will.” Being around someone with that kind of energy and infectious spirit really lifts you up. 

I Follow Her Example

They say “your child will follow your example, not your advice” and that has proven to be true with us. She doesn’t have to lecture much as I learn a lot by just watching her and studying how she reacts to situations in her life. Especially now that I’m older and have to pay bills, have a relationship, a career, etc., I respect the way she was able to juggle it all with such a positive outlook. I feel my best with her because I know how strong and wise she is. 

She Inspires Me To Believe in Myself 

She inspires me to be my truest self, to be okay with others not following my path, to take chances, but mostly, to believe in myself above all else. She’s honest and knows that there will be hard times, but shares that within those hard times, there is great beauty if you let it be shown to you. It’s all about attitude and heart. She’s the shoulder I lean on when I’m down. She doesn’t give in to the negative self-talk. She knows I’m better than that, and doesn’t let me forget it. She loves me regardless of how stubborn I am or how much I want to make excuses, and she always reminds me that when there is a will, there is a way. 

The Bottom Line 

It’s true: Who you hang out with, is who you are. The people around you influence you. The people you follow influence you and we must choose to follow the guidance of those who lift us up and make us better. To my mom, my greatest mentor, thank you for making me a better person, for lifting me up, and teaching me that my positive energy is my greatest contribution to the world.