Behind the Books

Three things I learned from my Mother, Debbie Macomber

May 24, 2018

My mom recently shared three lessons she received from my grandmother and it inspired me to share what she has taught me over the years. She was always leading by example and inviting me and my siblings to walk beside her as she navigated her journey, allowing us to choose our own paths and knowing that her guidance would steer us in the right direction. Many of you may not know that I choose to walk in my mothers footsteps every day. I work for her as her CEO of her brand where I get to help grow and foster the legacy of my Mom. It is lessons I have learned from her that inspire me to follow my dream of this flourishing brand. To her readers… thank you! Thank you for letting me share in this passion I have with you!

 

So, in honor of my Mom, I am sharing three of my favorite lessons I learned from my mother, Debbie Macomber.

 

You have to get up early to get it all done. Many of you know how disciplined my mother is about her morning routine. She reads scripture and journals her gratitude, whether she is traveling or not, and that has made a real impact on me. I start my day early now as well, usually getting up around 4AM for a little me time. It’s something I do for myself, I read, workout, go running, whatever the day calls for. I have found that if you don’t take time for yourself, it won’t happen. So, like my mom did before, I make my time before my family needs me.

 

See the best version of others. When my mom meets people, she does it with joy, viewing them through a filter that reveals their potential and the best versions of themselves. Every year we have a tradition of shopping the day after Thanksgiving. And on that day in particular, my mom aspires to be extra thoughtful to those working at such a harried time. There is one year that stands out to me. My mother pointed out that a cashier had given her $50 extra change by accident and the woman broke down in tears, saying that she would have lost her job if my mom hadn’t been so kind and had kept the money. It was that one act of kindness that changed the way I started to see people and situations. Now, I try to look for the best in everyone too.

 

You can have it all but not all at the same time. A character in one of my mother’s novels said this and it still resonates with me today because it is as true in life as it was for that book when I read it. My mom once said, “let life have its seasons and relish the season you are in because you can’t have ‘now’ again.” You can’t save it for later, so enjoy everything you have at this very moment.

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14 Comments

  • Reply
    Jo Marie Maederer
    May 24, 2018 at 6:34 pm

    DearAdele, Thanks so very much for sharing. When God grants us wisdom it is important to share it. You posts will reach many ears who are yearning to hear. Keep up the great work and thank you for following in your Mom’s footsteps. Our world is crying out for soothing words right now. This is why your Mom has so many fans and followers. Good luck, God bless and keep on keeping on.

  • Reply
    Luann Denning
    May 24, 2018 at 9:07 pm

    I would tell my first graders be nice, we are a family together for one year. We will never be together again. I also told them that no one will spoil them like me.

  • Reply
    Patty Hughes
    May 24, 2018 at 10:05 pm

    Three things I learned from my mother…hos to clean, hpw to be kind even when your having a bad day and always make sure I keep God in my daily life

  • Reply
    Eileen Isenhoff
    May 25, 2018 at 1:34 am

    Love the appreciation and lessons shared articles from both

  • Reply
    Glenda Klumpp
    May 25, 2018 at 1:41 am

    To Debbie’s Daughter,
    You have a wonderful Mom that is very thoughtful, introspective, wise, and encouraging! Obviously she raised you right to know that and you learned that by her example! You are a very fortunate young lady!!!!

  • Reply
    Lana
    May 25, 2018 at 1:44 am

    Enjoy your mom everyday. My mom got me hooked on Debbie’s books before her passing. She would always tell me I have a surprise for you! It was always a Debbie Macomber book. She always bought two copies. One for me and one for herself. She had a valiant battle with cancer and when I was cleaning out her room I found a Debbie Macomber book not quite finished next to her bed. Your mom not only made your life better but she touches more than she can imagine. Thank you!

  • Reply
    Celia
    May 25, 2018 at 2:52 am

    Hi Debbie,
    I’m a retired teacher and every year for Mother’s Day, I helped my students make a gift for Mom. It was Things My Mother Taught Me, framed, dated, and signed. My college student daughter was reading some of the lists and decided she would make one for me. Here is her list:
    1. The concept of “give-a-penny, take-a-penny”, although I am still trying to figure it out!
    2. How to be a confident, assertive, intelligent young woman.
    3. That we choose our feelings. No one can make you feel anything. Our reaction is our choice.
    4. I am always my mother’s baby and that she loves me unconditionally. Through this I have learned the most important part of being a mother.
    5. Those who love us would never intentionally hurt us. People make mistakes and we must simply forgive and move on.
    I cherish this list and I hope the Moms of my former students do the same. We seldom realize the impact we have on the little ones under our care and guidance.

  • Reply
    12
    May 25, 2018 at 2:55 am

    Taking care of myself was a hard lesson to learn. I was a fixer always taking care of others and not doing anything for me. My 12 step program taught me that I needed to fix only myself, In doing this I was able to give the best of me to others.. Don’t let things go today that need to be done. You never know when you will be called home and so much better for you if you can let go and let God in charge of your life.

  • Reply
    Sally French
    May 25, 2018 at 1:29 pm

    That was absolutely beautiful

  • Reply
    Kelli
    May 25, 2018 at 8:57 pm

    Thank you, so often in the hustle and bustle of life we forget to take time, love others and live in the moment. You have emulated what your mother has taught you so very well.

  • Reply
    Lorelei Buzzetta
    May 25, 2018 at 9:36 pm

    Such wisdom. Thank you for sharing these valuable lessons. I may have to set my alarm back for me time. ☺️
    It was so nice meeting you at the Luncheon in Orlando. We missed getting a photo together, but our conversations and your advice for my son were wonderful.

  • Reply
    Carole Kerr
    May 28, 2018 at 9:48 pm

    Debbie:

    Your Mom sounds wonderful, as are you. You look like your Mom. I hope you are en joying your Memorial Day holiday!

  • Reply
    DIANE Willard
    May 31, 2018 at 1:11 pm

    Very nice web setup. I think I need to sit down and make a schedule out for myself.

  • Reply
    Marian Weber
    July 12, 2018 at 3:21 pm

    It is so refreshing to hear all the good in the world today instead of the bad and your mom has taught you some great life values. I love to sit outside in the morning with my wonderful boxer Roscoe and watch and listen to the birds and rabbits with a glass of lemon wateror tea. It is hard to find that time but you have to make it for you. I just recently learned that at 60. Thank you for your sharing this post with us.

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