As the saying goes, life doesn’t come with a manual, it comes with a mother. The relationship you have with your mother will define all the days of your life. Irish women share their mother’s wisdom with Rosaleen McMeel in this new series. We’re also asking you, our reader, what life lessons has your mother taught you? 

To share #WhatMyMotherTaughtMe, email us on digital@thegloss.ie or share a picture or video on Instagram, make sure to tag and follow us @theglossmag and @butlerschocolate so we can see your entries. We will share some of our favourite stories on thegloss.ie over the coming weeks…

DERVLA LOULI MUSGRAVE, Founder of Compare Retreats

My mum encouraged me to follow my sensible dreams, put a stop to the more-far fetched ones, and was always there to pick me up if I ignored her advice and ended up falling. My love of flowers, baking and family come from her and her most useful lesson was ‘everything in moderation’; I wish I had listened to that one when I was younger. While my mum will always be my mum, the greatest gift since becoming an independent adult is having her as a friend too. @dervlamusgrave 

INGRID HOEY, Stylist

My wonderful mum Ann taught me so many things: kindness, patience (I’m still working on that one), creativity and a love of fashion. One piece of advice that resonates more than ever is to ‘enjoy the little things’. I really am trying to slow down and enjoy those lovely simple moments: that first cup of tea in the morning, that magical time of day when you light your candles and finally relax, wearing your favourite perfume, receiving funny voice notes from your friends that make you howl with laughter. Precious moments to treasure in every day. @ingridhoey

LOUISE DUFFY, Radio Presenter

My mum is feisty and funny, with a mischievous sense of humour. She can set you up with a compliment and bring you right back down to earth with one quick comment. But she is also the kindest person I know and always taught me the comfort of unconditional support. From a really young age, I can remember little worries and fears being eased by confiding in my mum. And as I got older, nothing was too big or bold to tell her about. I want to do the same for my girl … @louiseduffyshow

LAURA WOODS, TV Presenter

Mum has been such a positive influence in my life and that of my sons – her ‘other babies’ as she calls them. Being an only child meant we were always close, but when I became a mother myself I really appreciated my mum in ways I hadn’t before. She taught me not to seek anyone’s validation, get on with the job in hand and not wait for a pat on the back. This advice was very liberating. We live in a society focused on people-pleasing and when you stop looking to see if everyone else is happy with your behaviour, it’s quite freeing. @laurawoodstv