This is the time of year when we all take the time to step back and reflect on what we are thankful for.

For me, it’s my mom.

Growing up, I didn’t have a great role model for a dad and I was always jealous of my girl friends who were “daddy’s girls.”

My mama has been a steadily strong woman for me to look up to from as far back as I can remember.

Her life lessons are something that I will carry with me through life and have already begun to use now.

I keep three of her lessons especially close to my heart.

The first one is that a woman should always be able to take care of herself.

It’s great if you choose to be a stay-at-home mom or if you are lucky and find yourself with the lifestyle of not having to go out into the work force, but a woman should always have an education to fall back on in case she ever were to need to support herself.

Secondly, never rely on another person to make you happy.

Relationships can be great and it can be fun to have a boyfriend or to get married. It’s nice to know you have someone, but don’t focus all of your energy on finding your “soul mate.”

And don’t worry about why you are not in a relationship like the rest of the world seems to be or you will let your life completely pass you by.

You only get this one chance at life and if you want to be happy, well then be happy.

The third lesson is the one that I have to tell myself repeatedly on a daily basis. If you don’t believe in yourself, and love who you are, then neither will anyone else.

If being single makes you happy, do it.

If having babies and getting married is for you, go for it.

If being career-oriented and living in the city is your life goal, make it happen.

You have the ability to be your own best friend or your own worst enemy. It all comes down to you.