Chesterfield Mother Wins Contest, Offers Sage Advice to Other Moms

For as long as she can remember, Nancy Czarny's mother has been giving her simple advice to get through life.

"Do what you know is right" are the six simple words that Czarny, the random winner of Patch's 2012 Mother's Day Contest, remembers her mother saying most frequently.

"That's what she would tell me when I was a young girl having problems with things at school or issues with friends or jobs, when I was older," recalls Czarny, of Chesterfield Township. "In essence, she was she telling me to follow my gut, do what I know is right."

It's the same advice Czarny passes on to her 6-year-old daughter.

"I tell her to be who she is. And to do what she knows is right and not to follow what others are doing."

Last week, we asked Patch readers for the best advice from their mothers. And in honor of this special day, we're sharing our favorites with you:

About relationships:

Judy Robitaille: "Men are just desserts. Don't make them the main course."

Colleen Kew: "Do not let people rent space in your brain unless they are bringing love and happiness with them."

melissa jackson: "Don't let a prom date become a due date"

On life:

MRSPirateLarz: "It's always the smallest, tiniest moments that end up mattering the most. The one flower that blooms first in the spring, the pretty birdsong heard over the rest, a sweet smile for no apparent reason from your kid. It's the small things that add up to be big!"

ADAM SWALLOW: "...everything will be OK in the end and if it isn't then you have not yet reached the end of your adventure. 

Donna Di Sante: "The best thing my mother taught me was by her example. She was always courteous, even to nasty people."

On measuring up:

Margo: "When you go someplace new - walk in like you own the place with your head held high and a smile on your face even if you are scared inside."

Karen Wang: "Dull women have immaculate homes."

Ande Chapman: "You were born not to follow others but to be yourself-unique and special. If God wanted everyone to be alike he would have created robots!"

On faith: 

Beth Hill: You might not always feel like going to church, but some day you will want and need GOD in your life.

Tammy Lydick: "Always say the prayer Hail Mary when you hear a siren and never leave the house without putting on lipstick."

Being accountable:

Grace Burns: "If you make a commitment, you have to follow through."

Sara Nickleberry: "Be kind and helpful to others. Speak up when things are not being done right or people are being treated unfairly."

Eric Bacyinski: "Give back in appreciation for all you've been given."

Got some advice to add? Tell us in comments.