Written by Carissa Abazia

I am dedicating this post to my mother, Eva, who embodies everything pure and good in this world. Reflecting on her role as a mother, it’s clear that she has had, and will continue to have, a profound and positive impact on me.

My mother is a patron of the arts. She attends art exhibits. She has degrees in both Art and Graphic Design.  She spends hours creating the most magnificent objects from silver and gold necklaces to lampshades to acrylic paintings to vases. She is the one who taught me how to sew, and in high school helped me make my – at the time, insanely cool – lavender prom gown.   Purposeful hand use is her outlet, and makes her happy.  She finds that hands-on work promotes her wellbeing. When it comes to feeling fulfilled, she is a wealthy woman.

She has taught me about a new definition of success and the need to do everything we can to protect and nurture our emotional and spirital capital, because building and looking after our financial capital is not enough.

I still remember, from a very young age, her telling me “you need to take care of you” and “you are your most important capital.” Despite being a grown woman in my thirties, she still reminds me that it is important to take time to do the things that make me happy and whole.  She believes it is important to “make deposits” into our mental and spiritual bank accounts frequently and mindfully.

My mother understands the importance of prioritizing time to recharge and doing the things we love. I recently started taking guitar lessons after many years of neglecting my striking cherry-red Fender. When I told her, she asserted, “taking the time to practice guitar is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is good for your mind, body and soul. The only way to be truly happy is to follow your passions.”

I recently came across this quote which so clearly aligns with my mom’s teachings.

“I think people who are creative are the luckiest people on earth. I know that there are no shortcuts, but you must keep your faith in something Greater than You, and keep doing what you love. Do what you love, and you will find the way to get it out to the world.” — Judy Collins

There isn’t a single corner of my life that isn’t filled with my mother. She is, without question, the foundation of my existence. She brought me up to believe that there is nothing I should be afraid to try while at the same time making it clear that she will love me unconditionally.

Happy Mother’s Day, Mamma!  Jag älskar dig.

Thanks for reading!

Carissa Abazia

@CarissaMortgage