Draper James girl Abby Green, known on Instagram as @putonkindness, has become something of a regular on the Love, Reese blog.
The Nashville resident first made an appearance with her list of crucial Southern etiquette rules and followed up with her tips for hosting a flawless Southern brunch. It would be an understatement to say Abby knows the ins and outs of Southern culture.
This time, Abby brought along her mother, Rita Woodard, in order to bring y’all a little something special (and Southern, of course) just in time for Mother’s Day.
We asked Abby if she’d be willing to share the lessons her mother taught her over the years, and she was kind enough to share a list of four incredible learnings with us.
Hear from Abby below, and take a peek at how the mother-daughter duo styled the new Summer Floral Love Circle Dress and Lace Rosslyn Dress!
1. Have an attitude of gratitude.
My mom taught me there is always something to be thankful for if we just take the time to look. She seems to always express an attitude of gratitude, no matter how bad the circumstance.
My mom is a cancer survivor, and her positive outlook was amazing as she walked through some very dark days. She taught me by example that being thankful is the key to happiness.
2. Treat people the way you want to be treated.
The importance of treating others with kindness is something my mom taught me from a very early age. It is easy to be kind to people who treat me with respect, but the real test is how I react when someone is unkind to me.
Regardless of others’ actions, I treat people the way I want to be treated. It is amazing how a simple act of kindness can make a difference in someone’s life.
3. Always be content.
My mom taught me that contentment is a choice. She always reminds me there are people who have more than I do and there are people who have less.
She believes if I’m not content with what I already have, I will not be content with the things I obtain in the future. True joy comes from finding contentment with what I have and accepting my current circumstances.
4. Eat together as a family at the dinner table.
My mom’s favorite place to be is in the kitchen. She loves to cook a good Southern meal for her family and have all of us sit together to enjoy it. When I was growing up, we had dinner together every night at six o’clock. My sister and I could always count on it being delicious.
My mom believes sharing a meal together is good for your body and soul. It is a time to bond emotionally while being fed physically. Cooking for others is a way she expresses love and uses her special gift of hospitality.
I am thankful for my mom and all of the life lessons she continues to teach me by example. Being a mother is such a blessing, and I hope to pass these lessons down to my boys.
