Ever since I can remember, my mom, Mimi, has rattled off the same phrases over and over again.
I used to dismiss her silly, oft-repeated sayings and think, Not this again. What was the point of listening to Mom when she’d most certainly say the same thing she’d told me countless times?
It wasn’t until recently that I looked past my stubbornness and started to appreciate my mom’s less pragmatic advice. As much as I hate to admit it, her Mimi-isms are usually—if not always—spot on.
Here are my ten favorite Mimi-isms:
1. H.A.L.T
Are you hungry, angry, lonely, or tired? Stop now, put your phone down. Don’t do anything you might regret. Grab a snack, take a nap, and then reevaluate if you feel the same way.
2. Fat, ugly, have no friends days
Bad days happen to everyone, no matter their popularity or appearance. Sitting in bed, feeling sad, and eating comfort food is okay. You’ll feel better tomorrow.
3. Timing is everything
When, where, and how you say something is more important than the words you say. Be especially careful when speaking to someone else who may be hungry, angry, lonely, or tired.
4. Add a bit of fluff
Navigating a conversation with a good attitude and kind delivery is always better. People love compliments.
5. Life isn’t fair
Someone will always have something you don't have, and that's just a part of life; no one has it all.
6. It hurts to be beautiful
Pain is beauty, and beauty is pain. It doesn’t feel great to have your hair removed, pimples extracted, or muscles sore after a hard workout, but life isn’t fair, remember?
7. Whatever you focus on gets bigger
The more energy you give to something, the more it will become a part of your life. If you focus on negative thoughts, they will become more prominent. Positivity is important.
8. It’s always something
Your to-do list will never stop. Something will always break. Take it in stride.
9. You never know someone’s situation
Everyone prefers to keep some aspects of their life private. This includes their finances, health, family, etc. Don’t assume everything is perfect, even if it appears that way.
10. It’s not personal
Sometimes, someone’s actions and feelings are not aimed at you, even when they say it is. If they do something shitty to you, they’re probably doing it to others as well.
As another saying goes…
Mother knows best, and Mimi sure seems to. Though I will say, I have a few sayings of my own. Stay tuned for Haley-isms.
This is golden. And that photo makes me smile for days. 😁