The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. Or, does it?

Funny, how it is the unsaid stuff one’s parents do that is incorporated into an offspring’s behavior. I think the correct term is “internalize.” Certainly, my mother never sat me down for a how-to lesson on self sabotage or gave me pointers on substance abuse. Nevertheless, I managed all by lonesome to master those traits.

My mom passed on good habits to me as well. Making lists as a way to stay organized is a good example. Again, like the aforementioned example, she didn’t sit me down, pull out a free pad of paper from a local real estate agent, and enumerate tomorrow’s to-do list. Listing is something she’s always done, so naturally (I guess) I picked up the method.

My mom turns 77 this year and she still makes lists. Check out the one on the left.