There's nothing quite like a girl and her Mama. There's nothing quite like hearing the same rules you've heard 100 times and sighing at each one; only to hear "just say yes ma'am" at the end of it all.

The older I get, the more thankful I am to have had someone repeat these things to me ever since I can remember. If you are anything like me, you have the absolute, most selfless individual as a mother, and she deserves to hear how much she means to you. So, here are ten things my mama has taught me.

1. You are beautiful.

This starts the first moment we are seen ladies. Our Mama's laid eyes on us, and suddenly, there was nothing else more breath taking.

Even at age seven: "I said it once, and I will say it again -- I will not buy you that 100 piece make-up set. You'll only make a mess of it and you are beautiful without make-up." At age 17: "You're not leaving this house until you wipe some of that gunk off your face. You don't need all of that."

We need to see ourselves this way daily. When we are stressed from school, from worked, from just staring at our planners; make-up, no make-up; tired, well rested; at 6 a.m., at 11 p.m.; you are beautiful.

2. You can do it.

It's like my mom has a pom-pom glued to both hands. No matter what I am doing, she is cheering me on (and, of course, yelling the loudest).

We need to notice this encouragement, thank her for it, and finally, pass it on. Everyone needs it, and thankfully, we have been taught how to do it.

3. Always say thank you.

I know this sounds small in comparison to every other life lesson, but we need to notice how largely this can impact someone. A simple thank you goes a long way. Speaking of which, let's tell our Mamas thank you this very second.

4. A smile is the most beautiful thing you can wear.

"Where do you think you're going dressed like that, young lady?" Just the classic question before you run out of the house faster than your younger sibling complains about you never being home.

But seriously, girls, dress to impress. Raise your hand if your Mama is classy, sophisticated, and everything you want to be one day? Let's be her spitting image.

I rarely see my Mama without a smile; what a blessing. It brings comfort, joy, and peace to any room. I hope someone can say the same for me one day.

5. Get an education. No one can take that away from you.

It's hard, it's frustrating, and sometimes we feel like we are drowning, but look at how successful and brilliant our Mamas are. What an inspiration. She is working so hard to pay for your school, to give you the resources you need, and stretch herself thin to see you succeed.

6. You always have a room to come home to.

Sometimes, you just need to be in the place you grew up with the people you grew up around. My Mama knows that on my toughest days I can come home to a room full of spelling bee ribbons, sports trophies, prom pictures and clean sheets with flowers that were cute in the eighth grade. In that moment, in that room, with my Mama, is when I am home.

7. Don't let them see you sweat. Kill them with kindness.

Oh, the joys of being a girl and dealing with the infamous girl drama. Mama always backed me up even when I was wrong (to a certain extent). There is nothing more beautiful than a kind heart, and why not fight back with what will drive any rude, popular girl crazy.

8. Don't forget to say your prayers.

This is probably the most valuable thing my Mama taught me. She would start with the first line -- "Now I lay me down to sleep" -- then I would say the next -- "I pray the Lord my soul to keep."

When I got older the prayer started to differ because she explained I could add anything I wanted and He would still hear me.

My prayers vary at this crucial time in my life, but I find myself ending each prayer with what she used to do, only with a little twist. "Lord, place a hedge of protection over my Mama. Keep her happy, safe, and healthy."

9. Do your best. Don't stress.

This has never been more important in my life right now because I am learning that Cs get degrees. As long as I do my best, and my Mama knows it, there is no worry of repercussion. Sometimes your best is all you can do.

10. Do what makes you happy, no matter who it makes unhappy.

What a bold statement to make. I've learned from my Mama that people who don't support you, are people who don't really matter. If I try to spend my days pleasing others, how will I ever fulfill my dreams? Now, this is not saying to be selfish, but to take the time to realize who has your best interest. The first person that has my best interest is my Mama.

Thank you for teaching me all of these lessons and more even when I wasn't the best student. You, on the other hand, are an A plus Mama.

Love,

Your Little Girl