The Unconventional (and Guilt-Free) Way to Celebrate Mother’s Day

Mother’s Day, a day dedicated to celebrating the influential figures in our lives who have taken on the role of motherhood. Traditionally, it’s marked with gifts, cards, and perhaps a nice meal. But what if there’s a more meaningful and unconventional way to honor mothers, one that transcends the commercialization and truly embodies the essence of what this day represents?

Where it all Started:

To embark on this journey of reimagining Mother’s Day, let’s first delve into its origins. In 1907, a woman named Anna Jarvis spearheaded the movement to establish Mother’s Day as a way to honor her own mother's dedication to promoting friendship, camaraderie, and health among mothers. She understood that a mother’s well-being is intrinsically linked to the well-being of her family. Thus, Mother’s Day was not just about celebrating mothers but also about recognizing the importance of their health and happiness in nurturing thriving families.

Fun Fact: around 1935, Anna wanted to abolish the holiday she created given it had eventually lost its purity and focus once it became commercialized. Which is why understanding this holiday and it's originating reasons is crucial in celebrating and honouring moms authentically.

Why this is Relevant Today more than Ever?

Now that we know why Mother’s Day was created and the reasoning behind it, how does it impact households today? The answer lies in understanding that a happy and fulfilled mother is better equipped to nurture her family. When mothers prioritize their mental and physical well-being, they can show up as their best selves, providing the love, care, and support that form the foundation of a thriving family unit.
Moms are often the CEOs of the family! This is not to say that they do it alone - it does suggest that there is an invisible, behind-the-scenes, labour load that moms intrinsically take on. 
Mother’s Day serves as a reminder to acknowledge and appreciate all that mothers do, both seen and unseen, in shaping our daily lives and our future well-being.

Challenges of Today:

However, amidst the celebration, it’s crucial to address the challenges that many mothers face. In my experience working with mothers, there often are two common challenges: 1) losing a sense of self and 2) difficulty in advocating for their needs.
To overcome these challenges, mothers must prioritize self-care and learn to set boundaries without guilt. Just as the oxygen mask analogy suggests, taking care of oneself is not selfish but essential for effectively caring for others.

Easier Said than Done

Moms who are open and ready to rediscovering oneself must realize that this journey requires introspection and support. Reconnecting with activities that bring joy, fostering supportive relationships, and seeking guidance when needed, are examples of some of the things we can do to help reignite the joy and purpose that often gets pushed aside once becoming a mother. Surrounding yourself with people who help lift you up and truly want the best for you and your family is key.  Don't be afraid to invest in yourself to help you embark on a path towards rediscovering your happiness and fulfillment. You are deserving of it!

Ideas on How to Celebrate

There is no right way to celebrate this day - it truly is a choice that hopefully will help bring you genuine happiness. There are so many options! In past years, I've celebrated with my mom, spending the day or doing something fun with her. I've also celebrated by going to watch the sunrise with a couple of girlfriends and then head to brunch together. I've also gone to a musical and one year we had gone to a high tea event as a family. There truly is no wrong (or right) way to do this... the choice is yours!

How to Honour your Mom

For those who serve as maternal figures in people’s lives, honoring them involves not only celebrating Mother’s Day but also actively listening to their preferences and desires. It’s about creating meaningful experiences that resonate with their individuality and bring them joy. In short - ASK them what they would like to do and experience for this special day.

Honouring Those no Longer with Us

For those who are grieving the loss of their mothers, navigating Mother’s Day can be emotionally challenging. It’s essential to honor the memory of their mothers in ways that feel authentic and comforting. Whether it’s reminiscing through old photos, preparing a favorite meal, or simply taking time for self-reflection, finding solace in cherished memories can help ease the pain of loss. Do what feels aligned for you along your journey of grieving and please know, I'm sending you lots of compassion and care.

Putting it Altogether

In conclusion, Mother’s Day transcends mere rituals and commercialism; it’s a day to honor the profound impact of motherhood on our lives. By embracing the unconventional and guilt-free approach to celebrating Mother’s Day, we not only pay homage to the women who have shaped us but also reaffirm the importance of prioritizing their well-being every day of the year.

So, this Mother’s Day, let’s celebrate with intention, gratitude, and love, in ways that truly reflect the essence of motherhood by asking her how she'd like to be celebrated.