For me, Mother's Day is one date a year to remember that the moms in our lives deserve ongoing appreciation all the other 364 days of the year. Here are a few of my observations about being a mom:
#10: Flowers Are Always Welcome
One day a year is simply not enough! Flowers blooming in the garden, purchased from a vendor or sent through the mail are always appreciated.
#9: Sleep Is Over-Rated
Learning to live on less sleep becomes second-nature. Nap if you can. Go to bed early if it helps. Adult children will call you to talk when it’s convenient for them — late at night or early in the morning. Answer the phone!
#8: Giving Birth Isn’t The Only Way To Become A Mother
Mothers are not always blood-relatives. Throughout our lives, we can be mothered by a variety of people who open their hearts to us. In turn, we often nurture relationships in maternal ways.
#7: Trust It Will Work Out
Motherhood can be fraught with challenges. It is hard to say no or disagree with our children’s decisions. Those rocky times usually even out and make us all stronger.
#6: Planning Helps, But Embrace Uncertainty
While it’s good to have a vision and plan, life with children often requires change. Learning to adjust and enjoy living in each moment helps keep a family in balance.
#5: Learn To Let Go
This is a recurring lesson. Every stage of motherhood cuts away certain familiar routines, but also opens up a wide array of new opportunity.
#4: Selflessness
Motherhood immediately demands we consider the needs of others beyond ourselves. It’s rewarding and perilous at the same time. It’s necessary to balance care-taking and self-care on an ongoing basis.
#3: Hug More, Yell Less
It’s important to vent our frustrations, but don’t hold on to anger. Let it surface, let it go, and hug it out!
#2: Villages Work
Motherhood does not have to be a lonely endeavor. Neighbors, family and friends all offer important back-up systems that make this important job easier. Create a village.
#10: Motherhood Never Ends
The period our kids reside under our own roofs is just a sliver of time we share in their lives. Motherhood is an evolution that adjusts to every stage (often without our consent)! Once a mother, always a mother. The parameters will continue to change throughout our lives if we let them!