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Earlier this year, we asked Life Kit readers for 

 they ever received on any topic. We got hundreds of responses, and in many, we saw a common advice-giver: mom.

However you're spending Mother's Day, we wanted to celebrate the multitude of ways motherhood can shape our lives by sharing words of wisdom from all sorts of mothers — moms, stepmoms, and grandmothers.

Responses have been edited for length and clarity.

"My mom used to tell me: 'The more people who become involved in a disagreement, the less likely it is to be resolved.' " – Jenny Hougendobler

"Don't ever rely on a man for your financial security. This was advice from my mom in the 1960s. She was a career woman and a feminist. My dad was sporadically employed. When I started working, she encouraged me to contribute the max to my 401k before I really understood what a 401k was." – Meegan Holland

"My grandmother used to tell me, when things got bad in my life, not to worry because 'it all comes out in the wash.' " – Ralph P. Fontcuberta, III

"My mom always said, 'If you treat people the way you want to be treated, you'll never have trouble sleeping.' " – Roberta Bruhn

"When I was raising teenagers, [my mom] told me that teenagers are on a roller coaster full of ups and downs — but that as tempting as it would be to get on the ride with them, it would be better for all of us if I stayed on the ground." – Kelly Ramsey

"Twenty years ago, I was a single mom raising two kids, ages 8 and 6. I had a full-time job and a long commute. My stepmom told me, 'Don't be afraid to ask for help.' It worked. A little bit of help here and there from a friend or neighbor took the edge off a challenging day." – Gail Webber

"While not super helpful in the moment, [and] usually said when I was concerned about clothes, she was right. Growing up as a teen girl, the focus on beauty was extreme, and my mom's feminist perspective has helped shape my lens of the world." – Sarah Switzer

"My mom always said when I was complaining about someone, 'It takes all kinds of people to make a world.' " – Judy Peters

"My mom told me that if something scares you, you should probably do that thing." – Andrea Brannon

We'd love to hear from you. Leave us a voicemail at 202-216-9823 or email us at 

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We asked Life Kit readers to share the best advice they ever received. In honor of Mother's Day, here are some reminders from everyday moms and grandmothers.

9 people share the best life advice they ever got from their mom

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