On this Mother’s Day, I am reflecting on values — those I learned from my mother, what I hope to impart to my own daughter and how I apply what I’ve learned to my business.
First, I honor the teachings of my mother, Barbara Tinhorn. She raised me as a single mother for most of my life and has been a constant source of strength. Growing up, she would tell me to always give 110 percent, no matter what I was doing. She taught what she knew from her own life, often working in job situations as the only woman in a world of men. From the fast food industry to a forestry crew to a long career as an elementary teacher on the Hualapai rez, she walked her talk.
My mother would say, “be your work” as your work ethic would define how others would view you. I also learned from my mother to stand up for your beliefs. As a school teacher, she always looked out for her students, whom she considered to be her family and cared for them as such. She would tell the students, as she would tell me, to use our voice to speak for those who can’t speak for themselves.
She was honest and frank with me about the difficulties of starting a business and the time it would take to become profitable. Fortunately, given my inherited resilience, she now tells me the seeds are blossoming.
As I was growing up, my mother could be strong-willed but she was also sensitive, wearing her heart on her sleeve. I often call my own daughter my little “cub,” an affectionate term that always reminds me how fiercely my own mother cared for her family and students.
I am grateful for my mother and thankful for the blessings of motherhood. When I first started my business more than 7 years ago, I was single and singular-minded. Now, with a 6 year old daughter, my worldview has changed dramatically, like Dorothy transitioning from black and white Kansas to vibrant technicolor Oz. As a mother, I am now the protector and the teacher.
More than anything, I’ve learned that I don’t have a free pass anymore. I can’t wallow because I have to always be present for my daughter. She is a mirror and what I do reflects through her. I want my daughter to be joyous and strong, imbued with the teachings I learned from my own mother. Every day I tell Zoey to be courageous and always do what makes her heart sing.
I’ve come to learn that my clients respond to the same approach. When I’m facilitating or training a session, I open up my heart and energy to my clients. I always say a prayer to help me help them.
Today I honor the teachings of my mother and pray to always be a positive force for my own daughter. Honor your mother today and honor yourself for everything you do to support your families every day.
Happy Mother’s Day!