My Mum was a very wise woman. Everyone loved her, and our door was always open. I don’t think I ever saw her turn anyone away. Friends, and friends of friends would visit her for a little ‘chat’ and she always had a willing ear. Folks would come into the house with furrowed brows and hunched shoulders, as though they carried the worries of the world on them. Yet after a ‘nice cup of tea’ and a chat with my Mum off they would go, to all intents and purposes different people. I wasn’t privy to these conversations so I have no idea what she said or even if she said anything. Perhaps all that was needed was a kindly face, a cheerful smile and a willing ear.
She had her moments though, and certain rules that we, as kids, needed to pay attention to:
1. If it’s not right under your nose, keep looking, you’ll probably find it.
2. If you open it, close it.
3. If you took it out, put it back.
4. If it’s your fault, admit it.
5. If you borrow it, return it.
6. If you like/love it, take good care of it.
7. If you move it, put it back.
8. If you don’t know how it works, leave it alone.
9. If it belongs to someone else, ask before using/borrowing it.
10. Silence is sometimes the best policy.
11. Hands are not for hitting, keep them to yourself.
12. If it might be unkind, don’t do it.
13. If its nothing to do with you, mind your own business.
14. Don’t play small, be as big as you can, you’re greater than you think.
Great rules to life by to make life flow more easily for all. We’re all in this together.
Encourage one another.
Love Elle
xo