10 Life Lessons You Can Learn from Your Abuelita

Resilience in the face of adversity

Grandparents hold a special place in families across every culture and that’s particularly true for Latinos. Our grandparents are often a great source of wisdom, tradition, and love. For Latinas, in particular, abuelitas offer invaluable life lessons. We asked our Luz readers what some of their faves were; here’s the top 10 we heard:

Having grown up in such a different time, grandmothers have faced more than their fair share of hardships and challenges, but they persevered and came out stronger on the other side. Asking our abuelitas about their lives and hearing their stories can teach us the importance of resilience and remind us that no matter how tough life gets, there’s always a way forward.

Affection is powerful, but so is tough love

Abuelitas are usually known for their love and affection. Whether they’re sweet or prefer to take the route of tough love, our grandmothers show us how powerful it can be to express our love and just be honest with one another. A kind word can be uplifting and a brutal truth delivered with good intentions can provide direction; either way. Don’t wait until you’re 60+ years old to be open and generous with your affection and your opinions.

Be proud of where you come from

Another important life lesson we can learn from our abuelitas is to be proud of where we come from. Latino grandmothers tend to have a deep connection to their roots which holds the essence of who we are. Through the sharing of stories and traditions, abuelitas teach us to embrace our heritage and recognize it as a treasure trove of wisdom and values. This is particularly relevant for immigrants because maintaining that connection to our ancestry is deeply connected to personal identity.

Be happy with what you have

Abuelitas tend to be experts in making do with what they have and being grateful. In a world where everyone is encouraged to chase more, buy more, and have more, looking to our abuelitas can remind us that happiness isn’t about how much we have. It’s about what we do with what we have. Search your happiest memories with your abuelita and your family. Were you surrounded by opulence? Or were you surrounded by people you loved, coming together to share what was available?

Work for what you want

Another important life lesson we can learn from our abuelitas is to work for what we want in life. Our grandmothers grew up in different times and they faced a lot more challenges than we do today. Nothing was handed to them, just as nothing is handed to us today. Especially not as Latinas. So, working for what we want and being dedicated no matter the hurdles is definitely something we need to remind ourselves of from time to time, and our abuelitas are an example of that.

Value family bonds

Abuelitas cherish family above all else, nurturing strong bonds that transcend generations. They remind us that family is our greatest support system, offering love, guidance, and a sense of belonging no matter where we are in the world. Even if we have our differences, family will always be there, so it’s important to take care of those relationships if you’re lucky enough to have this kind of family.

Practice patience and live in the moment

Whether knitting a scarf or telling a long-winded story, abuelitas don’t rush through anything. At their age, they don’t feel the need to go, go, go, and that can be an important reminder. Especially in today’s world, where everything moves so quickly and it’s increasingly difficult to just be present in the moment.

Connect with your faith and spirituality

Our grandmothers have lived long lives, so they have found the power of faith and spirituality. Even if you don’t believe in the same thing they do or don’t subscribe to any religion, connecting with your own spirit and soul in moments of doubt or difficulty can be transformative. Think about all the times your abuelita found solace, strength, and hope in her prayers, and try to find that source for yourself.

Don’t let anything go to waste

Whether it's a leftover scrap of fabric or a handful of vegetables nearing their expiration date, abuelitas are amazing at the art of repurposing and reusing, turning what might seem insignificant into something of value. Their thrifty habits not only stretch budgets but also cultivate a mindset of gratitude and creativity, reminding us that even the smallest things have potential if we're willing to see it.

Don’t let anyone give you sh*t

Last but not least, abuelitas are proud and they instill some of that in us by reminding us not to let anyone trample over us. Raising pushovers is not something Latina grandmothers do if they can help it, so remember their lessons on setting boundaries and advocating for yourself with dignity. Practicing quiet strength and self-respect is a great way to honor both yourself and the women who raised you.