They say that a picture is worth one-thousand words–well how about a picture with words? That combo is sure to get the message across. And for one mother, there are plenty of messages and endless wisdom that she is happy to share with the world. Poonam Sapra started an Instagram account where she writes inspirational, funny, and powerful truths onto a board and poses with them in a photo. Check out this slideshow to see 40 of our favorite photos and be sure to check out her Instagram page for more.
1. Respect
Equality and respect–these are two very powerful words. I would like to live in a world where, as Mamma Poonam puts it, every living being is treated with equal respect. Sadly, this is not our reality and we still have a long way to go to achieve it. But as long as we believe that change can happen, and combine that with action and voice, anything is possible to achieve.
2. Don’t Forget
As a child, it’s easy to look past all of the sacrifices that your parents make for you. Even as an adult I struggle with reminding myself just how much my parents have done for me. And yes, sometimes I get tired of my mom’s constant advice that never seems to change. But for all that she’s done for me, the least I could do is listen.
3. Personal Chef
This one is as hilarious as it is true for me. I’m a terrible cook and I’ve tried to cook meals for others at times, but to no avail. If I had recieved Mamma Poonam’s advice before now, I could have saved so many others from some unfortunate meals. I’ll just be cooking for myself from now on.
4. Normalize
Once a culture accepts a stereotype, it can be hard to shake that notion form the fabric of its society. Too often we expect people to act a certain way based on their job title, gender, age, etc. The sooner we start to normalize some of the things that Mamma Poonam is wiritng about, the sooner we can break down some of these dated cultural stereotypes and move forward.
5. Two Types of People
This one hits home for me. Although we can’t control certain events in our lives, we can control how we respond to them. That means that we can find the silver lining in any situation–no matter how bleak it may seem. And we also can be kind and thoughtful to others–no matter how bad our day is going. So read these boards and choose which person you’d like to be… I think you know the right answer.
6. Call Your Mom
This is something that I am working on right now. I’m not the best and remembering to call my mom and I want to get better at it. I know that she would be thrilled for me to call her just to talk about her day. And I’m sure you’re mom would be thrilled, too. So what are you waiting for? Call your mom.
7. It’s Okay
Once again, Mamma Poonam reminds us of just how much our parents have done for us. Yes, it can be frustrating to help them out with “simple” things like the computer and their iPhone. But you know what else is frustrating? Trying to raise a tiny human into an adult human. So cut them some slack, okay?
8. Don’t Wait
Sometimes it can be easy to get caught up in love games–you don’t want to seem desperate, but you also want to talk to a certain person so bad. So what do you do? Well, Mamma Poonam says that you should just go ahead and call. Because if they love you as you love them, then they’ll be happy to hear from you. And if they don’t, well then they aren’t worth your time.
9. A Poem
Poetry is such an amazing way to express your feelings. Words can be difficult at times and they don’t seem to make much sense. But with poetry, you get to create meaning with all kinds of words that may not have found their way into your original attempted statement. If you’re a fan of poetry then you’ll love what Mamma Poonam has to say.
10. Confusion
I can’t tell you how many times in my life that I’ve been confused. I used to hate it. But now, I look at it as a challenge–how can I find a solution to this problem? Mamma Poonam reminds us that everyone makes mistakes and that it’s okay for you to make them as well.
11. Control
Having control over who has an effect on you is so important. Sometimes it can be easy to give ourselves away to other people without even realizing that we are doing it. We find ourselves only being happy if that person is around or if they are happy with us. We forget what it means to be in control of our own emotions. Use this photo as a reminder for the next time that it happens.
12. You Are Unique
Growing up, all we want to do is fit in. We try so hard to be like everyone else that we forget what it’s like to just be ourselves. Hopefully as you got older you started to realize that being like everyone else was overrated and actually kind of boring. Always do you. Always.
13. Sit Straight
Good posture is not one of my string suits. In fact, I’m slouching right now as I type this. But Mamma Poonam couldn’t be more right. Sit straight and look up, you’ll be happy if you do.
14. Don’t Compromise
So often we hear that life is all about compromise. And it is… to a degree. But there are some things in this world that you shouldn’t have to compromise on. Figure out what those things are for you and hold onto them tightly.
15. Wash Your Hands
This statement has never been more true than now. With COVID going around, you can never be too careful. And just imagine all of things that your fingers touch before they touch your phone screen… gross. Wash your hands and keep safe!
16. Proud Parents
Making your parents proud is one of the most simple joys in life. And just because you’re not winning trophies for basketball games anymore doesn’t mean that you don’t sill make them proud. As long as you are trying your best and following your passions, your parents have no choice but to be proud.
17. Opinions
That only opinion about you that should matter to you is yours. Don’t let others define you, that’s your job. If you’ve built a reputation that you don’t like, then make changes in your life. Take action and make sure that others see you the same way that you see yourself.
18. Life is Prescious
Life is such a gift. As far as we know, we only get one, so make sure that you have fun and make the most of it. Don’t let fear rule your world or influence your decisions. Go outside often and experience the natural world. Oh, and don’t spend too much time staring at screens.
19. Steps
Sometimes a large task can seem overwhelming. But when you break that large task into smaller steps, your overall goal can seem much more manageable. This is a great way to approach life and Mamma Poonam couldn’t have been more right. Take your time and work hard. If you do that, then you’ll make it eventually.
20. Be Kind
This one seems so simple and yet it can be so hard to do at times. But the more that you practice kindness the happier you’ll be. And the less often that you judge people, the better off you’ll be. Try and keep this simple bit of wisdom close to your heart at all times.
21. Eat Your Veggies
I do love a good salad. Unfortunately, I don’t eat them as often as I should–I tend to eat nothing but burritos, actually. But Mamma Poonam is right, we should eat more green vegetables. Especially as I get older, I’m going to try and eat better. I won’t be able to get away with my bad eating habits forever.
22. Positive Outlook
With so much megtive attention surrounding COVID in the news, it can be easy to overlook to good things. But Mamma Poonam didn’t forget about the positive stuff. In this photo she reminds us that there have been thousands of people who have recovered from this awful disease, not just died.
23. Simple
Sometimes things really are as simple as they seem. Mamma Poonam has put together a couple of easy lists that will make every day of our life better if we just follow them. After reading through the lhem, I can’t help but wonder why I don’t do these things already. Hopefully, I can start now.
24. The Things You Love
It’s easy to get consumed by our work at times. We get so focused on making money that we forget about doing the things that make us happy. There has to be balance of course, but money isn’t worth a thing if you’re not happy. So be sure to set aside time everyday to have some fun.
25. Embarrassing Parents
Sure, parents can be embarrassing at times. But Mamma Poodnam rightfully points out that you used to embarrass your parents as well. Kids say some pretty unfiltered things at times and as the parent, you get blamed for it. So take it easy on your embarrassing folks–after all, they took it easy on you.
26. Be Happy
If that message wasn’t already simple enough, Mamma Poodnam decided that she would put together a list of 100 reasons why you should be happy. It’s so easy to focus on the negative things in our life, but if we just focues on the positives, we would be much happier. So next time you have a negative thought, try and come up with a positive one to take its place.
27. Thank You
Too often, hard work gets overlooked. It’s easy to take for granted just how important certain jobs and professions are within our societies. But Mamma Poodnam didn’t forget. She made sure to thnk the people who deserved to be thanked. And we should do the same.
28. Drink Water
Water is essential. And yet, we tend to drink way less of it than we should. You wouldn’t run your car without any oil in the engine would you? Then you shouldn’t run your body without any water in it either. Go ahead, go take a drink right now.
29. Stay Warm
How many times has your mom told you this one? Although it is always good advice, it is especially important now. You should be doing everything that you can to boost your immune system, and that means wearing enough clothes to keep you warm. Just do it.
30. You
Sometimes you work so hard that you forget to take care of the one person who needs you the most…you. It’s okay to treat yourself from time to time and tell yourself that you’re doing a good job. I mean, don’t get carried away, but you should be able to congratulate yourself on a job well-done. So go ahead, eat that piece of cake–but not until you finish your work for the day.
31. Don’t Waste Food
In America, we waste a lot of food. And it’s terrible because, as Mamma Poodnam reminds us, a lot of people don’t have anything to eat at night. So if you have food to eat tonight, be grateful. And make sure not to waste any of it.
32. Do Your Best
Sometimes you aren’t going to be the best at something–and that’s okay. It’s important to remember that there is a difference between doing the best and doing your best. Doing your best is by far better than doing the best, and you never know, your best may just be the best one day.
33. Hug Day
You should try and hug your mom whenever you can–she’ll never turn one down from you. And it’ll make you feel better as well. Take advantage of the time that you have with your mom and don’t take her hugs for granted. Because one day, the opportunity will be gone.
34. Don’t Abuse
Abuse is always a bad thing. Mamma Poonam writes that we should “Try not to abuse.” She’s right, but I think we could take that a step further and just say “Don’t abuse.” We shouldn’t even need to try, it should just be something that we don’t do. Period.
35. Silver-Lining
COVID has brought with it many bad things. But surprisingly, it has brought some good things with it as well. Namely, getting to spend more time with family. Now that we can’t run around as much as we used to be able to, we are able to spend time doing the thing that matters the most–building a healthy realtionship with our family.
36. Be Grateful
It’s easy to compare up. But why don’t we ever compare down? It seems like we aren’t concerned with the things that we have, we are only concerned with the things that we don’t. Mamma Poonam reminds us that it is all relative.
37. Be Happy Now
Now is always the best time to do anything–there really isn’t ever a better time. So why not be happy now? It beats being sad by a long shot. So go ahead, smile.
28. Say Sorry
Saying sorry is one of those things that is harder to think about saying than to actually say. It’s really quite a simple phrase to say–just two words. But it’s consequences are endless. You’ll never regret saying sorry, so do it more often.
39. Smile
Sometimes life is tough. And when it is, it can be hard to imagine it being good again. But like Mamma Poonam reminds us, the bad times always end. And when they do, you’ll wish that you didn’t take them so seriously because one day you’ll be laughing about them.
40. Exercise
Being healthy is important–and that means that you should exercise everyday. Get out and do something active, test your limits, and push your body. Don’t think that a trip to the fridge counts, Mamma Poonam won’t allow it.
Please SHARE this with your friends and family.