Growing up in a Salvadoran household, there were some things you just couldn’t miss. Univision was always playing in the background, there was always a pot of frijoles on the stove, and yes, we slept under those thick cobijas (blankets) even in the summer. But one of the most memorable staples of my upbringing wasn’t something you could see or touch. It was the way my mom spoke to me.
Like a true Salvadoran momma, she didn’t just give advice, she spoke in dichos (sayings), little phrases packed with wisdom. Sometimes I just wanted a straight answer, but that would’ve been too easy. Instead, I got life lessons wrapped in a metaphor.
Now, as a mom myself, I plan on using those same dichos. Not only are they short phrases my little ones will remember, but they’ll keep us connected to our roots. Here are three (I have more, but these are my current favorites) I’ve inherited from my mom, and what they mean to me now that I'm a mother and entrepreneur.
TODO TIENE SOLUCIÓN MENOS LA MUERTA: EVERYTHING HAS A SOLUTION EXCEPT DEATH.
My mom used to say this when I was overwhelmed with schoolwork. As a first-gen immigrant, homework help wasn’t something I had access to at home. Neither of my parents had finished elementary school, and with no WiFi, Googling answers wasn’t even an option.
When I was overwhelmed by a math problem or a writing assignment, my mom would drop this phrase. It was her way of telling me, “Take a breath. You’re smart. You’ll figure it out.” In other words: if it’s not death, it’s fixable.
Now, I find myself saying it to my son when he’s frustrated with his Legos or runs out of space while writing. I encourage him to step away, breathe, and try again. Todo tiene solución menos la muerte. A gentle reminder that even the hardest things can be worked through.
UNO PONE, DIOS DISPONE: WE PLAN, GOD FULFILLS.
This one doesn’t have a perfect English translation, but the meaning is clear: we can make all the plans in the world, but ultimately, God has the final say.
My mom is very religious, so it’s no surprise that Diosito was part of her teachings. She would use this phrase to ease my anxiety when I was feeling overwhelmed. As a first-gen student, I was constantly pushing myself: extracurricular activities, a straight-A student, athlete, mathlete, and volunteer, I had to do it all. I felt I had to do more than everyone else just to be seen.
When self-doubt crept in, my mom would remind me: Uno pone, Dios dispone. You’ve done your part, and now let go and let God. It was her way of reminding me that my worth wasn’t tied to outcomes.
I haven’t used this one much with my own kids yet since they’re just 5 and 2, but I know the time will come. When they start to question their efforts or face uncertainty, I’ll be ready with my version of the speech.
LO QUE ES TUYO NADIE TE LO PUEDE QUITAR: WHAT IS FOR YOU, NO ONE CAN TAKE AWAY.
This one carried me through college. When I applied for scholarships or jobs and didn’t get them, my mom wouldn’t let me stay down for long. She’d let me be in my feelings for a day and then remind me that opportunity wasn’t mine to begin with.
She believed that what’s truly yours will always find its way to you. And now? I believe it too.
I still say this to myself, especially with running Descalza. (You all mostly see the wins, but trust me, there are plenty of closed doors behind the scenes.) Whether it’s a rejected pitch or seeing someone doing work similar to mine, I remind myself: no one can take away what’s mine. My creativity, my process, my story, they’re uniquely mine.
As you can tell, my mom fueled me with a lot of positive thinking and hope, especially in times when I felt overwhelmed. I’m thankful that she taught me how to find the silver lining in the hardest situations. In today’s world, it’s so easy to get wrapped up in all the injustices and get frustrated. I’ve learned to leverage those feelings and use them as my fuel. To keep going. To keep creating.
Now I’m curious, what dichos did your family pass down to you? Are there any you’re planning to recycle? Let us know in our email: hola@descalza.co.
