We’ve all heard about the power of storytelling. That stories reach people more effectively than general statements. So for Mother’s Day, I’m challenging you. Instead of just giving your mom a card with sentimental words that express your love, reflect on a specific time when she shaped your life and share it with her. I bet she’ll feel more appreciated than just a card would accomplish. And you just might deepen your relationship. Even those of us with complicated relationships with our moms can create a truly special moment.
There are many situations I remember when my mom said or did something that truly shaped my life. Even though she passed away a few years ago, remembering these stories deeply still connects me to her memory.
- I was offered a job to move 3,000 miles away. But I was scared and nervous about moving away from my family and long-time home city. I asked my mom and she said with enthusiasm in her voice, “Honey, take the adventure.” That relaxed me and gave me confidence. I moved and that led to many great things in my career. Years later, she told me she was happy she gave me that advice but was personally sad about it because she worried I’d never move back home to be with her (she was right – I never moved back). She made a loving, unselfish sacrifice for my benefit.
- When I was 8 years old, my mom started volunteering for the local League of Women Voters. She was not college-educated, as many of the women she interacted with were, but she treated this as a real job. I remember helping her fold newsletters, stick address labels, etc. She came up with an idea to place the newsletters inside an ad wrapper; she sold the ads to local businesses. It filled the coffers of the local organization so well that within a few years, she became the California State Finance Director. She showed me that pedigree doesn’t always matter – that hard work and ingenuity can accomplish a lot.
- When my company went public, I was lucky enough to be on the famed balcony at the NYSE. At that time, my mom was suffering from dementia and health issues. She couldn’t join me and didn’t really understand. But one day when I was visiting her, I decided to show her the video. At that moment, the dementia cleared and she said “Elissa, I am so proud of you.” There has been no greater joy for me than hearing my mother tell me she was proud of me. She passed not long after that.
So make your Mother’s Day a day when you celebrate specific moments between your mom and you in story form that represent the love and appreciation you feel for each other.
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From a professional standpoint, I’ve always believed in the power of storytelling to connect and inspire. Your post beautifully applies this concept to personal relationships, particularly the one we share with our mothers.
Thanks, Chris. Storytelling works, including in personal relationships. After all, when we’re kids, we learn so much from the bedtime stories our parents tell us. And, not to get religious on you but… a lot of the bible is a bunch of stories about people that teaches a set of values and mores.