Wisdom from my Mom
Insights and Inspiration
In this episode of insights and inspiration Connie Maday shares her personal reflection about wisdom she learned from an important person in her life, her mom. This episode is sure to leave you thinking about individuals who inspire you and make you a better person.
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Connie Maday is a collaborative coach and educational consultant who has been an elementary school educator for two decades. She has taken her passions for literacy, technology, leadership, and mindset and created spark to empower to support educators, parents, and our youth on their journey to becoming the changemakers we need in our world.
She is a mother of three who is attempting to navigate life with ease and grace. One day at a time, enjoying the ride along the way. Always learning and laughing throughout, trying to not take herself too seriously, because we all need to be able to laugh at ourselves. Life is meant to be enjoyed.
About the Guest
CONNIE MADAY
Founder of Spark to Empower and Spark Change Podcast
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Hello and welcome back to Spark Change.
I’m Connie Maday. Educator, Mother, Entrepreneur.
Today in this episode of insights and inspiration I’m going to share my personal reflection about wisdom I learned from an important person in my life, my mom. I hope this episode leaves you thinking about these individuals who inspire you and make you a better person.
I encourage you to take time to reflect, consider what you’ve learned from them, and then share.
Okay- let’s get started.
In November we celebrated my mom turning 80. 80 years around the sun. 80 years of life and adventures. Wow! It had me reflecting more on aging and how each year is truly a gift, one not to be taken for granted but to be savored and relished.
As my mom does not prefer to be the center of giant festivities, she made us children (there are three of us) all promise that we would not have any birthday event for her, because she did not feel it was necessary to celebrate. My father did not agree. He had another idea. He felt strongly that it was time to celebrate and honor as a family, since we hadn’t really thrown a big surprise event since her 40th birthday. So in secret conversations I became the party planner for this event, thrown by my father. Coordinating a beautiful gathering with her children, and grandchildren and her dearest friends with whom she’d been through many life changes. Held in a serene place the private party began with the traditional “kaffee trinken” (which is German for the tea and coffee hour which typically enjoyed in the afternoon) combined with appetizers and drinks, followed by a spectacular dinner, games, dessert, and of course toasts honoring the birthday.
My brothers and I had agreed we’d each say a few words about various ways in which our mom had taught us lessons throughout our lives. So, I found myself reflecting on life with my mom. It of course had not always been easy. We had of course many mom/ daughter moments, and periods of my life where I didn’t feel she “understood”, we had our challenges but there was always a deep connection - she was my mom and I knew she’d always be there. There were many times where I needed my mom, just to listen, to hold space for my heart, to share my excitement, to tend to the heartaches, and challenges that come in life. My mom has always been a pillar of kindness and unconditional love.
So, my brothers both shared words during dinner, and I was up for my words during dessert. I had tasked myself with the key points that I wanted my kids and my nieces and nephews to remember about my mom, their grandma. I asked myself, What do I want my children to remember and take into their lives? Well- there are so many things that could be shared, wisdom imparted, and stories relived, yet I found myself drawn to one word. COURAGE. My mom was a pioneer. My mom is a pioneer. She was one of the first in her family to move across the world, leaving Germany behind and settling in the United States. I thought about the wisdom she has imparted on me, not specifically through any one interaction, conversation, or one life event, but rather a life of modeling, a presence, a belief system, the confidence that she brought as a woman to be bold and try new things.
To my children and nieces and nephews I spoke:
I want you to always remember that In LIFE- It’s important to have courage.
I shared how their grandma, my mom, demonstrated tremendous courage leaving extended family behind and setting off with her two young children and husband to embark on a life in a country across the ocean. She showed us that you can meet “family” and make lasting connections wherever you go and that miles of separation doesn’t mean that you still can’t be close in heart. I reminded them of the importance of their background, their ancestry, to look for the good in the world and in others, and to remember that when you feel stuck it’s okay to lean in and to ask for help. That we are all connected.
Now, as a parent there are times when I see one of my children struggle with something and all I want to do is jump in and fix. Help, make the pain go away, make it easier. But in truth- that’s not the answer. Not only can that cause more frustration, but it doesn’t help my child on their own individual journey. Instead I can be a guide, a support, an ear and shoulder . Allow them to process and grow from the experience. And trust. Trust. Gosh Trust. Trust that in the end, they will find their way. That perhaps at one point they will reflect on what you taught them or what they learned from you - and that the actual words spoken, the actual moments that seemed so tough and challenging is not what they will take away and remember. We are all on our own journey in life and there are touchstones of learning that are pieced together individually as we climb our mountain.
Although in many ways we have advanced during the past 80 years, many issues, patterns, and deep rooted challenges remain in need of attention and repair. I am confident that with positive momentum we can come together and tear down the barriers that are built in front of us. How we show up in the world matters. Each action matters, so a little reminder to be kind. Be kind to yourself. Be kind to others. Let other show kindness to you and receive it.
Breaking it down to a few big reminders - Wisdom and life lessons I learned from my mom:
In life you have to have courage. There we always be obstacles, challenges, and things that make you feel stuck. How you move through these is what shows your true character. Be bold. Speak up.
Do things that bring you joy. Stay curious and keep learning.
Look for the beauty in the world and in others.
Thank you mom, thanks for teaching me these important life lessons. Cheers to you and 80 glorious years around the sun and may you continue to bring light into the world everyday. I love you.
I hope, listeners, this episode gives you a moment of pause to consider those in your life who have impacted you in a positive way.
Perhaps take a moment to jot a few ideas down. (There is such power in words, especially when you write them.)
What is it that stands out about that person?
Are there qualities that you admire?
How does thinking of that person and these important ideas make you a better version of yourself? What has that individual brought out in you?
How do they inspire you?
Perhaps send a quick text, pick up the phone, send them a message, email out a note, or put a card in the mail - share the kindness with a little gratitude note. Keep the energy flowing to create more in the world. Because positivity fuels more.
A ancient friend, very wise ancient friend once said, “There are many ways to climb the mountain. It is a process that lasts a lifetime…may you have a wonderful journey.”
As I’ve learned from my mom, I hope YOU always remember to have courage, stay curious, and look for the beauty in the world, because it’s all around us, and may you have a wonderful journey
Thank you for listening. I’m so grateful you are here and know that if you’ve listened to the end you are committed to making a positive difference in the world. You are a changemaker, you are a light- and I thank you for that.
To find out more about my journey go to sparktoempower.com and follow me on IG @ sparktoempower. Remember
Be kind
Be Bold
Be You.
I’m Connie Maday.
Make it a great day, everyday.
