What I Inherited from My 'Hippie' Mom...

Tony Robbins always asks the question, “Who did you want to please the most when you grew up, your mom or your dad?”

For me, it was my dad. I’m actually not sure why. (I guess that’s a question for therapy - thanks Tony.) But that doesn’t make my mom's influence over the person I am today any less significant.

It’s funny, my parents were such extreme opposites. My mom—a creative, sensitive being. An artist at heart, who paints the most beautiful paintings. Still to this day, even with Parkinson's. And my dad with his two feet firmly on the ground, business minded and always very smart and logical.

My mom has always been drawn to "alternative" things. I grew up calling her a hippie—after all, she was young in the 60s and 70s. But to be honest, today she would be quite on-trend. Collecting crystals and picking angel cards, being a Reiki Master, etc. (It’s fine if you don’t know what that is.) ;)

She also worked in schools as an art and textile teacher, and was extremely popular amongst the students because of her always implementing mindfulness exercises in class. Some parents complained and asked, “What is this hippie meditation nonsense she’s teaching our kids?” (Remember, this was about 25 years ago now...)

I think she was ahead of her time. Don’t we all need a bit more mindfulness and stress relief in our lives? And why not start in school?

Even though I loved collecting crystals (anything shiny, really), I didn’t take to my mother’s teachings until I was much older. I still remember some relaxation techniques that have helped me a lot as an adult. I even use them just before I take the stage before a big speaking engagement.

What I think my brother and I mostly inherited from mom though, is her creativity. Design, interior decor, even branding and the creative process of writing—that comes from her, I’m sure. And for that, I will be forever thankful.

And that’s just a part of my story.

Thanks for reading. <3

Now tell me, which one of your parents did you most want to please growing up?

/M.

This article is part of a series about my story, you can follow along every Monday.?I believe that everyone has a story to tell and that's a big part of building your personal brand. So what I would love more than anything, is that you tell me part of your story...