Listen to Your Mother

My mother’s background is in piano. From my earliest memories, she’s always been a pianist and piano teacher, and some of my fondest moments in childhood were spent beneath the family’s baby grand as she practiced, my head in the curl of my dog’s belly, listening to the music and watching the mechanics of the foot pedals.

It was bliss.

I suppose those moments were the start of her gentle influence and knowledge of my talents. Years later, when I was pursuing a career as a rock star and making progress (but not making a living); my mother suggested I get into music for advertising, where the odds weren’t one in a million.

I, of course, rejected the idea at the time, but flash-forward a few years and there I was, enjoying one of the best jobs of my life running the music department in an ad agency.

When I started a family of my own and found that my job – while rewarding – wasn’t quite sufficient financially, my mother was once again there to offer her prophetic advice:

“Why don’t you help others with their careers?” she suggested. “After all, weren’t you always getting phone calls from friends asking for advice on homework, band stuff, and relationships?”

Once again, she was right. It’s been 12 years and here I am, still coaching and growing my business by the day.

But that’s not the point of this story.

Learning to listen – and learning to consider others’ points of view – were some of the most important lessons I have learned from my mother. And while I’ve learned I don’t always have to take her advice – that Bar Mitzvah haircut was a mistake – I’ve learned she does have a point of view worth considering.

Not everyone is as lucky as I am to have such a relationship with their mother. Some mothers are I’m sure, certifiably nuts.  Too many people tell me they miss their mothers as the years have passed since they passed away.  But if your mom is still around and she’s still has all her marbles, listen to what she has to say.

In fact, think of all the people who know you well – who have been listening and have been trying to tell you something that may be in your best interest to pay attention to now. It’s likely in a few years it may turn out that they were right…even if you don’t like it.

I hope your confidante has enlightening insights, as my mom certainly does. Love you, Mom!

Keep me posted – I love good news. And Happy Mother’s Day!

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