MOMtras on Repeat: The Unsolicited Wisdom Edition

For kids, coworkers, exes, and anyone close enough to hear it.

Look, no one asks for these. In fact, most of the time they’re met with death stares, groans, or dramatic sighs that could win Oscars - especially from my kids. But I don’t care. These little phrases? They’re my way of loving loud. Of showing up. Of planting tiny truth bombs that I hope and pray will stick when the real shit hits the fan.

I’ve raised toddlers, teens, and technically adults who still text me about laundry. I’ve managed meltdowns, heartbreaks, bad grades, and late-night “can-you-Zelle-me” requests. And if you don’t have kids? Swap in co-workers, best friends, or that one neighbor who keeps dating human disasters - you’ve probably delivered a few MOMtras too.

And through it all, I’ve repeated the same damn ones - on Post-its, in group texts, and yes, shouted through closed bedroom doors. Sometimes (okay, most of the time) at my kids. Sometimes at myself. Sometimes at people who didn’t ask but clearly needed one anyway. Call it momsplaining if you want - I call it survival.

Here are the greatest hits:

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“Make good choices today.”

Non-negotiable. No one leaves the house without hearing this, getting a kiss, and an “I love you.” Even when they roll their eyes so hard I swear they can see their own frontal lobes.

“See it, do it. Say it, show it.”

Usually followed by: “Yes, I know those aren’t your dirty dishes. Wash them anyway, please.” This one covers basic decency, shared space, and the golden rule of not being a lazy ass.

“People show you who they are and when they do, believe them.”

Lately, it’s been getting a ton of airtime - and honestly, it applies to everything: friendships, dating, family… even why we don’t text our ex just because we’re bored and it’s raining.

“If you’re going to take a risk, always bet on yourself.”

This one was the soundtrack in my head when I left a comfy job to take a leap at a pre-IPO startup. I say it to my boys when they doubt themselves. I whisper it to myself before every bold move.

“You’re stronger than you feel when you’re at your weakest.”

Usually delivered mid-tear, mid-fight, or mid-slammed door. Sometimes aimed at them. Sometimes aimed at me.

“Do you want to be right, or do you want to be happy?”

Because in most battles, you can’t be both. And happiness wins long-term.

“Just because you don’t see your friends every day doesn’t mean they aren’t your friends.”

Courtesy of my third son, after I left a job and mourned the daily loss of my work wife. The boy gets it.

“It’s okay to need space. Take the damn time out before you say something you’ll have to un-say later.”

This one’s for all of us who grew up thinking ‘stepping away’ meant weakness. It doesn’t. It’s emotional strategy with a side of self-respect.

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These MOMtras aren’t just for them - or just for moms. They’ve become ingrained in my own internal dialogue too - through career pivots, menopausal madness, and the emotional hostage negotiations that come with parenting teens and adults (or, let’s be real, just surviving life in general - even if kids aren’t in the mix)!

We’re not here to raise quiet kids who play small. We’re here to raise humans with bold hearts, sharp minds, and leaders who move with guts, grace, and zero bullshit (and yes, that includes raising ourselves because sometimes we’re the ones who need the reminders most).

Got a mantra of your own? Drop it in the comments or email me at realgirlsguide55@gmail.com. Or better yet, tattoo it somewhere bold and badass.

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#RGG55 #RealGirlsGuide55 #MidlifeMomtras #UnsolicitedWisdom #RaisingGoodHumans #MOMtras

We’ve earned every wrinkle. Might as well make more laugh lines together.
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