I am about to admit something I never thought I would. We may not agree on everything, and argued a lot during my adolescence, but today, I can finally agree, that my mother indeed does know best.

My relationship with my mother is the best relationship I have. She has been in constant support of me since I can remember, even when I told her I was moving to a “big city” at 5-years-old. She knows exactly what to say when I am feeling discouraged, and I know she isn’t saying it build me up (ok, maybe a little bit), but she truly believes in my goals and pushes me to achieve them.

She has been there for every single experience, no matter how big or small with constant encouragement. She came home from work work early ready to go on a full blown shopping spree for new clothes to cheer me up when I needed a shoulder to cry on during the worst heartbreak I’ve ever known. She was there when my “friends” showed their true colors and all along, she still managed to find the good in every situation, and every person.

I love Wednesdays because that is her day off and we usually are able to spend most of the day together. We were on our way to get some lunch when she looked over at me and said something I will never forget.

“Do not fall to their level, handle everything with grace.”

And just like that, I was in a better mood and felt so at ease with everything happening in my life currently.

I blame my mother for the person I am today. I try to carry myself the way she does every single day. When I was entering first grade, she told me that I was not any better than any child in my classroom. She threatened that if she ever heard that I was bullying, or making fun of someone else’s clothing, she would take me to Goodwill and make me wear mismatched clothing for a week straight. I was never mean, and I don’t think she said that to me because she worried I would bully others, but it was her way of telling me that making fun of someone is entirely wrong. This is one lesson I can say I have carried with me throughout my life. I have never felt like I am better than anyone, and I would never treat someone any differently, or with lack of respect. Once again, I have her to blame for that.

My mom is the best person I’ll ever know, and I strive to be more like her every single day.

Steal my look today: Capri pant: TJ Maxx, Lace Crop Top: Forever 21