What I Inherited From My Mom

Like every girl, my Mom was my first inspiration in life. I imitated her every action as a kid. I used to watch her getting ready, putting on makeup and following her around was my favourite thing to do.

She is an adventure seeking lady and a real athlete by heart. She ran for her school and was an active member of Girl Guides. Her hour-long morning walks and late night walks, irrespective of weather, were like a ritual which she still performs but now my nephew gives her company. If you ever get a chance to meet her and ask what does her heart desire? Her answer will be “I want to run in fields, without thinking where I am going and how far I have come”. Here I can safely say that my restlessness is because of her. When I get a bit cranky, I want to have a good run in fields. It is as weird as it sounds but the experience is like no others.

My Mom is a powerhouse of energy and emotions. She loves conversations and can talk for hours non-stop. She is a big believer in expressing and sharing your feelings. She hides nothing. Neither her love nor her fury. She is like an open book. There is no mystery about her yet she surprises me every day with her courage, optimism and strength. I, on other hand is not very loquacious. For that I need to be in a zone and surrounded by right people. However, expressing emotions is something I inherited from her. I can’t hide my emotions at all. I may hide my feelings when I am hurt or sad but I never hide my likeliness for someone or something. In every relationship, this works like a charm. I want to be told that I am loved and I never feel shy by telling others how I feel about them. Praising others and be kind to them for no reason is something which she reminds us till date. And I am very grateful to her for this. She never lets us to forget our roots. “Fly high but keep your feet firmly on the ground” is the best advice she ever gave me. Never criticise other people work, just to proof your point. Work hard and let yourself shine through. Let your work speaks for you. She lives by this and so do I.

I and my family travelled a lot and mostly took road trips. My mom would give me and my sister our handbags with our travel essentials in it. That time our bags had a small towel, some light snacks for the road and books. After few years, a hair brush and moisturiser were added to the essentials. And that was because my mom always carried moisturiser or body lotion, not a travel size but a full-size bottle or big tub, in her light brown soft leather travelling bag during long road journeys. She would massage her hands and feet all the way to the destination. Therefore, we naturally picked up a habit. Relax clothing, no makeup and drenched in moisturiser is still my thing. Although the routine for me is a bit more elaborated now, but the essence remained the same. I blame my mom for my gigantic handbags and half a home in it. The fear of in need of something and not having it in my bag is getting out of hand. Now she carries the tiniest purse possible and I still have a long way to go. Although I am controlling the number of “essentials” in my bags by taking a small bag with me.

I inherited my love of makeup from my mom as well. I remember spending long hours going through her very organised vanity case, smelling it, patting it and sometimes even cleaning it. But I was strictly forbidden to touch the makeup at all. I was an obedient child and never dare to dig my fingers in her makeup whilst she was watching. I wish vanity cases come back in trend though. Organising things is another trait I inherited from her. I collect makeup bags for that reason and storage boxes and now acrylic organisers. My mom and one of her sister were very good in applying makeup. They both inspired me. However, my mom style was always classic and polished. A bit of lipstick and tiny hint of blush was enough. She was blessed with very good skin. I always watched her wearing neutral shades like pink-y nudes or brown nudes. Very rarely she would go full glam. Being an awesome mother of four children and a helping hand of her husband in business, she had no choice but to perfect her fresh, no makeup-makeup look. She encouraged me and my sister to use minimum makeup, once we started wearing it, for youthful look and naturally glowing skin. She was the one who encouraged me to spend extra on skincare and I took her advice literally.

My first proper lipstick was a gift from her when I was around thirteen. It was a proud moment for me to own a lipstick. It was orange-y pink lipstick which had a balmy consistency. It would make my lips just better. When it ran out I was so gutted because I couldn’t find it anywhere. But by that time, I could wear a bit more colour on lips and she opened her vanity to me. I could use her makeup and try different products. And then the journey started. She always enjoyed, me getting all dolled up. The best part was when she surprised me with a huge stash of makeup, she hauled from UK. It was just brilliant.

I started watching shows related to makeup. I started collecting makeup looks from magazines. And she took a great interest in all this. She would keep the magazines safe for me. She would call me for any makeup segments in magazines shows so I don’t miss anything. She fuelled my passion. All these being said; I was still not allowed to wear makeup on daily bases other than special occasions for a long time. So, I experimented on other people faces. On myself, not so much.

I inherited many good things from you Mom. I have a never ending list of what I have learnt from you. You are gorgeous and kind inside-out. I am blessed to have you in my life. On many occasions, I have been told that I look and sound like you. I take a great pride in it. You are a passionate, warm and graceful lady. No one can be as selfless as you. You are a wonderful mother and awesome friend. You are The Heart of our family. Last but not least, no one can beat your big Mama bear hugs. Happy Mother’s Day Mom <3

Happy Mother’s Day to all the gorgeous Moms out there. Lots of love and respect.

In the memory of my brother