Be bold.
The world is full of women who step into the shadow rather than step into the light of their potential. Do not seek the approval of others before you seek your own approval. It is your life. Your biggest fan should be yourself first and foremost. This is where the essence of true confidence and self-awareness lies.
Be kind.
The hardest and most true test of character is to be kind, lighthearted and to smile without malice or sarcasm or anger in the face of adversity. Can you be kind to people who disappoint or betray you? Yes. Because if we all start returning the favour and acting like jerks, this world is screwed.
Be patient.
Understand that everyone has talents and no one is equal. The greatest inequality is the equal treatment of unequal. Don't expect everyone to think like you. Don't expect anyone to "get it" just because you do. Be patient and build bridges not signs that point out the gaps.
Be passionate.
The most electric conversation in the room is the one where someone is talking about their most passionate exploit or interest. What inspires you? Tap into that. The greatest source of joy is building your life, career or dreams around doing what you love. That's where all the happy people are. Aim to be one of them.
Be faithful.
In your heart and in your body, be faithful to your family and to your spouse. Physically and emotionally your life will be built around solidifying positive relationships. If you can't find any innately then create some. Family isn't always blood. It's a feeling not genetic. It is about love and trust always.
Be loud.
The squeaky wheel gets the grease. Not because it made the most noise but because it had the audacity to command attention and focus it toward its goal. Think before you speak. Make what you share valuable to others but don't be a shrinking violet and expect the world to deliver. It just doesn't work that way.
Be forgiving.
The people who let you down, betray your trust and those that wound you can be forgiven. Long after the inflicted wound has healed for you, they will still be trying to vent their frustration, lack of momentum or personal disappointment with their own life on other people. Learn from your mistakes and create boundaries that limit negative influences, but always be forgiving. They are (or were) in more pain than you.
Smile.
Always. Even when you feel like there is nothing to smile at. Even when you are pretty sure no one gives a shit if you are smiling or not. Smile. It doesn't matter if you don't feel happy at the moment. You are professing that you think happy is a state worth striving for. And a smile is the best way to draw new friends and positive thinkers.
Be frugal.
There are so few things in life that are worth fighting over. Money isn't one of them. Be old school trendy and save. Save for a broken car and unexpected vet bills. Save for a root canal or anything else that might come flying at you without warning. You'll be amazed how much better you sleep with as little as a few thousand tucked away.
Dream.
Find your dreams and make them happen. Don't be afraid to dream the big dreams. Someone has to. Articulate your goals. Tell people what you are working toward so that they can support you. Remove your head from the clouds and take 1-2 small actions that move you forward to your dream every day.
Wear nice perfume.
Cheap clothes can be okay but wear the good stuff. There is nothing less powerful than a smart woman with dollar store perfume. Trust me. It matters.
Eat wisely.
Garbage in and garbage out. Work on your weight to a level that you are healthy, fit and feeling like you look your best. Green good. White bad. Eat lot's of Quinoa because I said so... Swiss chard rocks also. Steer clear of the Diet Pop.
Make time.
If you only call your friends to share your problems, chances are you aren't going to have many for long. Shock the hell out of them and call them to share something positive about your day! Tell them you love them because friends are often your biggest fans, but they expect some recognition. Shock them twice by asking them about THEIR LIFE instead of talking only about yours. I dare you to be a true conversationalist and reciprocate in kind.
Crying.
Get rid of men that make you cry. Someone who really loves you will be broken hearted to even see your tears. He sure won't want to cause them. Someone who makes it a habit to stress you out, yell at you or make you cry? Later gator! And if he only does it "sometimes" consider trading up from asshole to real man.
Also do not use "girl tears" to manipulate the "weaker sex" card. That shit only works on straight men. The gay men and the other girls in the room are going to call you mean names in the bathroom. Grow some ovaries and handle it like a woman.
About Your Mother
I am never right. Any advice I give you is based on my own life that looks nothing like yours, and chances are I can't relate well to the shit you are going through. I'm just not going to get it. I am going to be proud of you and a little jealous at the same time. Don't mind me. If you call me on it I'll guilt your ass ten ways from Sunday. If I raised you right you will be more than I ever was. And if I am all right inside myself, that will be a source of joy, not animosity.
I'm not sure I ever got the chance to be a kid. 
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