I have been reflecting a lot lately on the things my mother taught me when I was little. Maybe it is because we are seeing such a lack of respect for life and our communities. Perhaps it is because we seem to have lost the connection between our actions and their impacts on others.

The amount of trash tossed on streets, trails and parking lots serves as evidence of a cultural shift where one’s convenience and comfort take precedence over what is right and good for everyone. I never subscribed to that culture, doubt I ever will, and I hope my children and grandchildren follow suit.

I feel like I owe so much of my attitude to the lessons my mother taught, not only by her words but also by her actions. Some of her greatest lessons still resonate with me every day.

If you can’t throw it away, carry it with you. If you drop it, pick it up. Whether a gum wrapper or an apple core, items to be discarded needed to be put in their proper place. The sidewalk was not an option. Mom could always tell when I “accidentally” dropped even the smallest piece of paper, and I was made to pick it up.

Smile at everyone you meet. Mom said hello to everyone - and I mean everyone - she met. She usually took it one step further and got their life story in three minutes or less. She taught me to reach out, be friendly and show interest in other people.

Treat other people’s things as if they were your own. Stay off people’s lawns. Sidewalks were meant for walking, and lawns were personal property not to be invaded. Never was it OK to pick flowers from a garden without permission, trample in the landscaping or run through yards without the homeowner’s permission. Respect for the property of others was ingrained in me.

Clean up after yourself. Whether it was after a meal or a school project, cleanup was part of the process. Mom was ahead of her time as a working mom back in her era, so her time was precious. We were taught responsibility and teamwork, with each family member doing his or her part.

Share what you have; you can’t take it with you. I always remember my mother baking and cooking extra food to share with other people. It was her way of giving a part of herself and showing care or appreciation. She truly wanted us to understand we are not in this world for ourselves, but we are here for each other.

See the good in everyone. No matter how much someone irritated her or held beliefs different from her own, my mom always showed respect for them and could identify something good about them. I never heard her utter a word of disrespect for any president or leader, even though she often said, “Well, that isn’t right!” I was called on the carpet when I made disparaging comments about someone and quickly told to find something good about the person.

Many of the lessons my mother taught me were not in the form of a lecture or speech. Mom lived her values and let us see them in action. The talks - ”momilies,” we called them - came at appropriate times, and she capitalized on teachable moments.

Respect, charity and decency all have their roots at home. Families are challenged now more than ever to instill these values in children. Access to the Internet has opened kids’ worlds and expanded their opportunities to be influenced. It doesn’t take a Ph.D. in human development, nor does one have to be the perfect parent. Simply living out the standards and principles is enough. Pick up that wrapper, let the other car go first, don’t bad mouth others, clean up after yourself and around your neighborhood. Little eyes are always watching and learning.

Oh, and did I mention the one about never going to sleep angry?

Editor’s note: Denise Continenza is the Communities That Care mobilizer for Whitehall-Coplay and Catasauqua.