5 Life Lessons I Learned from My Mom

In honor of Mother’s Day, I’m again sharing a few timeless lessons from a woman who lived through two world wars, traveled the world, and taught me more than any textbook ever could.

My mother, Helen K. Cawley, was born in 1917 and lived through some of the most defining moments of the 20th century. She came of age during the Great Depression, raised my older sisters as a single mom during World War II, and lived until 2016 (one month short of turning 99) with grace, grit, and good humor.

Her wisdom came not from books, she stopped going to school at the age of 14, but from a life richly lived. She was practical, sharp, and unfailingly resourceful—and many of her lessons still guide me in my work (and life!) today. Here are five of my favorites:

1. Always Know Where the Exit Is

This might sound dramatic, but for Helen, it was simply smart. Growing up in the shadow of the 1911 Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire, she was deeply aware of safety. Whether we were on a plane, in a theater, or even in a shopping mall, she’d lean over and whisper, “Which way will we go if something happened?”

It taught me to always be aware, grounded, and prepared—and that peace of mind often comes from simply having a plan.

2. Make a Routine—and Stick With It

As a full-time working mother, my mom relied on structure to keep her household running. Sunday was laundry day. Bills were paid on the first and fifteenth. Dinners happened at the same time every evening.

And guess what? It worked. Routines made life manageable and predictable in a world that often wasn’t. To this day, I rely on routines to stay calm and keep the chaos in check.

3. Waste Not, Want Not

Food waste? Not on Helen’s watch. She had a “leftover shelf” in the fridge and a gift for turning last night’s dinner into today’s hearty lunch.

This wasn’t just about thrift—it was about gratitude. She believed in appreciating what you had and making it last. Whether it was food, fabric, or furniture, she always found a use for things that others might toss.

4. If You Take It Out, Put It Back

In our home, she made sure everything had a dedicated place, and everything went back to its place. The scissors, the tape, the aspirin… it was all where it should be.

This simple rule kept things running smoothly and prevented the endless scavenger hunts we’ve all experienced. (Trust me, when you know exactly where the tape lives, life is better.)

5. Make Memories, Not Just Money

Although my mom was incredibly frugal and a super savvy investor, she also knew what mattered most: experiences, not things.

She loved creating special memories, sponsoring family trips, and she showed me that joy wasn’t found in stuff, but in shared moments. To this day, I value experiences over possessions, thanks to her.

Bonus Lesson (because you know she had more than five!)

6. Buy Well, Buy Once:

Helen believed in quality over quantity long before it became trendy. She bought well-made shoes, coats, and handbags, and then she took care of them. It’s a habit I’ve carried into my own life—from kitchen tools to bed linens—and a lesson I pass along to clients, too.

This Mother’s Day, I’m celebrating the lasting impact of the strong, wise woman who shaped me in more ways than I can count. And I’d love to know—what life lessons did your mother (or grandmother) teach you?

Come share in my free Facebook group HERE!

Let’s honor the women who made us who we are.