Mother’s Day, in all its beautiful complexity
Hi love,
As a small example, I knew I wanted to write an email this week but my topic list was endless: gratitude for the moms before and around us, healing generational wounds, celebrating the gift of motherhood, stopping the martyr mom cycle...
Mother's Day can be sweet and joyful and full of handmade cards (thank you teachers!)…
And it can also be emotional, overwhelming, and a reminder of just how much mothers carry. Their role is So Damn Important.
Focusing on the present moment and weekend ahead, I asked a bunch of mamas about their favorite Mother's Day traditions, and the responses were beautiful. Scroll down for inspiration; I also have some journaling prompts if you're interested.
But First, I want to say this:
I have deep respect for mothers.
For the hardest job in the world.
For holding space through tantrums and teenage side-eye.
For those moments when we lose our own sh*t… and then come back to repair, to soften, to try again.
For how much we’re learning about ourselves in real time, as we teach tiny (or not so tiny) humans how to navigate life… hopefully a teeny bit better and wiser than us.
Motherhood is hard AF.
All the swirling questions. All the navigating. All the activities. All the emotions.
It's hard.
I love and respect every mom showing up to it all.
My hope is that we all see and honor ourselves and each other as we show up doing our best.
If you need permission this weekend to take care of you—to sleep in, to have coffee in bed, to ask for exactly what you want—this is it.
Figure out what you need and what you're craving... ask for it and receive it. (And maybe do this next month too ;). ).
Over the years, what I’ve wanted for Mother’s Day has changed.
Early on, I needed silence and space. A chance to do nothing and be needed by nobody, no matter how friggin' cute they were.
Then I wanted a whole f'n weekend to celebrate all the parts of me—date night with my husband, relaxing time with girlfriends, playful time with kids, time to honor the mothers and grandmothers in my life, and sacred time alone.
• Now, I want a homemade bouquet (my fav tradition), a meaningful card (ideally a keepsake sharing one way I show up that matters to them at this age), and a chance to play together as a family. *I also got a great idea from a friend… see #12 on the list below.
You get to decide.
Let this day be what you need—not what’s expected.
Whether your day includes sticky pancakes and soccer games…
Or journaling, solo walks and deep sighs of relief...
Whether you’re in postpartum, the thick of toddler life, navigating teen years, or learning to let go more each season...
Whether you're a mother by birth, by heart, by circumstance, or by love—
You're amazing.
You're presence is beautiful.
The way you show up. The way you try. The way you hold so much, even when it feels like too much.
It is seen. And it is appreciated. It is sacred. 💜
And as promised, a few favorite traditions from other mamas - maybe you want to try one of these this weekend??
Brunch with my family and then sweats, Chili’s, and going to the movies with my girlfriend
Kids picking me a special flower bouquet
Lacrosse games and mimosas
Letters from my kids that I re-read when I’m feeling low—I really appreciate that my husband has them reflect on who I am
Being outside
A nice restaurant in a different town—nothing themed, just a special outing
Breakfast in bed delivered by little hands
A workshop of some kind the day before
Spa day with my best friend on Saturday
A concert all by myself—a little sanity break
A photo book from my husband with highlights since last year (I have 20+!)
Gardening with my kids, then my husband and kids clean the garage while I lay in the backyard
A mix of planned and unplanned time.
Whatever you choose, may you feel loved, appreciated, and connected—to your people, and to yourself.
With a mama bear SQUEEEEEEEZE,
Abbey
PS - if you want to go a little deeper, here are some journaling prompts for you to consider:
What’s one thing you appreciate about your own mom or those who played a motherly role?
What’s the hardest part about being a mom?
What’s the best part about being a mom?
When do you feel most connected to your kids?
•. What was the last thing your kid/s did that made you laugh?