The second Sunday of May marks Mother's Day in Cuba.
Taking advantage of the #weekend-engagement, I want to share some advice my mom has taught me—mostly the hard way.
And some random photo from this week
If you’re a mother reading this: Congratulations, you have the hardest job in the world. It’s an honor that you’re reading this, especially today.
Let’s get started...
1.Keep Your Mouth Shut
Not actually but let me explain...
Wherever you look, there’s something delicious calling your attention, right? Marketing is becoming more aggressive, all to get you to buy and consume processed products filled with additives and preservatives.
This not only affects your wallet but also your health.
A very popular trend today is everything related to wellness and fitness.
But have you ever wondered if all that marketing is real?
To avoid headaches, have a structured meal schedule and a clear budget for food.
The ideal, according to my teachers, is: a well-structured breakfast, a healthy brunch; a decent lunch, a modest afternoon snack, and a simple dinner.
Your body doesn’t need to be eating so much, especially if it’s processed food.
You can indulge in that snack you love. Just not every day.
Discipline is key here. Keep your mouth shut ;)
2.Move
Assuming you’ve managed the first point, I’m sorry to say it’s still not enough...
Good nutrition without some exercise is like a summer day without sunshine.
You don’t have to run marathons or drown in the sun, nor do an Ironman.
Try to walk at least 5 km daily.
Don’t have the time? Do it during the day. When you go to the office, take a breath during your break. Explore your surroundings; make it a part of your day.
One day you’ll wake up feeling more energized, another day you’ll feel less tired, and that’s the start of meeting both points day after day.
It doesn’t take much to achieve: Discipline and consistency (like almost everything in life).
3.Learn About Nutrition
You kick a stone and ten “nutritionists” or influencers pop up.
How many diets from these gurus have you tried? Did they work for you?
Almost all that content is made to entertain and very little to educate.
You need to educate yourself regarding nutrition. Treat your body like the temple that it is.
Today, knowledge is just a click away. Take advantage of that. Don’t rely on what Mr. Guru says on your favorite social network.
Research, compare sources, and create your own diet, your own nutrition plan. Only you know your reality, your goals, and what you want to achieve.
It might be a little difficult, but it’s a fascinating topic. It’s definitely worth it!
If you’ve made it this far, I have to admit I lied.
These tips were obviously not given to me by my mom. They are part of my learnings after studying medicine for six years and doing a two-year residency at an obesity center. I know what I’m talking about!
Now, here are the boss's tips...
1.Treat Service Well
This isn’t just about tipping.
When I was a child, I remember my parents were treated very well by waiters, bellhops, and concierges at the places we visited.
I started to observe and realized they were just being reciprocal with my parents.
No matter who it was; my dad would shake their hand, ask how their day was, and thank them.
My mom did something similar—she would say thank you, good morning, and if she knew they had family, she’d ask about them.
Details.
One day we were at a restaurant and at a nearby table, there was an older man complaining about everything. My mother (always my best teacher) leaned in and said to me... Want to know a person’s true nature? Observe how they treat service, and it will tell you without speaking.
That stuck in my mind, and she was always right.
It’s a small detail, but it makes a big difference.
2.Listen More Than You Talk
In a world full of stimuli and people trying to grab attention, listening has become an important skill.
According to the boss: nature gave us two ears and one mouth for a reason ;)
How many times are you in front of your partner, and your mind is elsewhere? Or how many times do you try to hijack the conversation and make yourself the center of it?
It’s happened to me (and it still does), and then my mother’s voice comes to mind, bringing me back to earth.
When I’ve really listened more than I’ve spoken, I’ve understood so many things that I previously overlooked.
Do it, and you’ll see what I mean.
3. Never Raise Your Voice
Today, I see children crying and shouting when they don’t get what they want. Teenagers raising their voices when things don’t go as expected, and couples fighting at full volume.
That’s when I go back to my childhood and remember...
I was like those children, and my mother grabbed me (firmly) by the arm and pulled me aside.
She sat me down and said... The next time you raise your voice at me, you’ll see what exemplary punishment is, and it applies wherever we are.
Without telling me, I already knew what the exemplary punishment was.
But she didn’t stop there and said, why do you raise your voice? I’m not just your mother; you’re not right.
How can I not be right? (I asked her)
The moment you raise your voice, you’ve lost everything. By raising your voice, you’re not better, nor will you be right.
Raising your voice says nothing; it demonstrates nothing.
Why do you do it?
I couldn’t respond. I lowered my head and apologized.
From that moment on, I learned that raising my voice wouldn’t help me at all. It only made me look rude and somewhat spoiled.
So I changed it.
But hey, you don’t have to do any of this. These are just tips from a very wise lady from Havana.
I won’t go on any longer since it’s Mother’s Day, and there are better things to do.
Thank you for making it this far.
I would greatly appreciate it if you could add other tips in the comments, no matter what they are; any advice is always welcome.
Read you soon!
Happy Mother’s Day, Mom; I know you’re going to read this.
[dahpilot]
All images in the post are my own.
