What did you do to celebrate Mother’s Day yesterday?
{Oh boy, I hope you remembered!}
I’m imagining that most of you either picked up the phone and called that insanely special woman in your life or you picked up a sweet little card, maybe a bouquet of fresh flowers, and spent a little time with the person who brought you life.
It is so important to recognize how magical it is to have a mother (no matter how she is actually related to you — step-mom, mother-in-law, grandma, etc.). A mother is someone who became your first real mirror, the person you strive to live up to, an Earth angel, and the first person to love you unconditionally (isn’t that the best feeling in the world?).
Something that popped into my head yesterday is that it’s also important to mother yourself. Think about the last time you truly did that. When was it? What did you do to comfort yourself?
Here are some things my mom taught me, that I use as a reminder to mother myself:
Praise yourself for anything (and everything!)
My Mom is SO GOOD at letting me know how proud she is of me. It could be praise for making one of my Grandma’s famous casseroles (if you haven’t eaten chicken divan, you haven’t lived!), or being the only person to comment on a not-so-great blog post! Treat each day on Earth as a miracle. Don’t forget that every little step you take in a positive direction, no matter how small, is a step forward. Pat yourself on the back, kids — be proud of who you are!
Allow yourself permission to retreat and take a break
Mom is so good at allowing me to sit comfortably in her presence. I can truly relax around her and be 100% myself, at all times. When I am around her, it feels like a break from the constant chatter in my head. Strive to carve out some comfortable “you” time — try yoga, meditation, or even just sitting out in the sun with the warm breeze. Let comfort wash over you that you are perfect right in this very moment.
Passionately follow your authentic heart
Push yourself beyond what you know you are capable of and big dreams will come true. My Mom is always making sure I am my most pure self and that I follow my wild, big dreaming, happy heart. She reminds me that the most successful people in this world are genuinely authentic. Who are you not to be your most passionate self?
Treat yourself even if you don’t feel you “need” it
Mamas love to give their babies the “whole enchilada.” By this, I mean that they want their dear ones to have everything in the world! My Mom would buy me a pony right now if she could, and if I really wanted it! I’m not saying go rack up credit card debt to make you happy, but once in a while, treat yourself. Gifts feel good, and take on many different meanings, find a way that works to treat yourself.
These thoughts make up a small list of the wonderful things my mom (and all my other moms in my life) have taught me. What have you learned from your mom about how to treat yourself?
Moms are the best, but don’t forget that you, too, have the power to mother that wonderful, unique, gorgeous soul of yours! You deserve all the best!
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