So, for this Mother’s Day, we asked Real Simple editors to share the life advice from their moms that has stuck with them most over the years. Between lessons on how to treat others, skincare reminders, and home project advice, we can all learn a thing or two from these motherly musings.
—Lily Gray, Home E-commerce Writer
—Jenna Helwig, Food Director
—Heather Muir, Beauty Director
—Lauren Iannotti, Editor in Chief
—Lizzy Briskin, Food Editor
—Rachel Center, Product Reviews Writer
—Erin Johnson, Senior Product Reviews Writer
I’ll never forget the moment when the garbage man came to collect the trash and asked us why there was so much garbage this week. He assumed there was a party but we explained it was due to her passing and the constant company we had coming over. He paused for a moment and began to tear up. He told us that she would always give them water and snacks when she would see them and would always ensure that they were taken care of. Right after that, our neighbor stopped by and told us that when they first moved in, their boxes hadn’t arrived yet and they mentioned not being able to cook. My mom immediately went into the kitchen and cooked food to last those new neighbors a week until their boxes were delivered. I was so moved by her love and generosity. She taught me, without words, to be selfless and to give from my heart and that one person can make a huge impact in someone’s life."
—Muzam Agha, Photo Director
—Brynn Baker, Content Manager
—Rory Evans, Executive Editor
When I was younger, I was always one of the tallest girls in my class (easily towering over all the pre-pubescent boys) and it was easy for me to feel embarrassed about this, about standing out so much. But my mom’s advice contradicted the lessons that a lot of young women receive growing up: to make themselves smaller, less ‘distracting.’ Instead, my mom taught me to always stand tall, confident, and proud. Now, whenever I feel my body start to slouch in defeat when I’m feeling embarrassed or inadequate, I’ll take a deep breath, roll my shoulders back, lift my head up, and carry on as best I can."
—Morgan Noll, Digital Associate Editor
