Mother’s Day is a special occasion that honours the profound influence of mothers in our lives. It’s a day to express gratitude, recognise sacrifices and celebrate the unique bond we share with our mothers. This blog post is a tribute to all the wonderful mothers out there – those who nurture, teach, and inspire every day.
The Origin of Mother’s Day
Mother’s Day has a rich history that dates back to the early 20th century. It was first established by Anna Jarvis in 1908 as a way to honour the sacrifices mothers made for their children. Jarvis’s intention was to set aside a day to express gratitude and love to mothers all around, recognising their inherent contribution to society. Since then, the day has been celebrated worldwide, evolving into a universal celebration of motherhood, maternal bonds, and the influence of mothers in our society.
The Many Faces of Motherhood
Motherhood does not come in a one-size-fits-all package. It spans different continents, cultures, and contexts. Some mothers balance professional careers with their home life, some dedicate their entire time to raising children, and others manage their households with quiet tenacity and unyielding strength. There are stepmothers, adoptive mothers, foster mothers, grandmothers, and more, each adding a unique shade to the spectrum of motherly love.
There are those who no longer have their mother around, mums who have lost a baby, mums who are on their own and women who would love to be a mother. Let’s not forget them this Mother’s Day.
The First Teacher and Lifelong Mentor
From first steps to first failures, mothers are there to guide, teach, and support. They are our first teachers, imparting lessons not just about the world around us but also about kindness, resilience, and integrity. Their wisdom becomes the guiding light in our darkest times and their belief in us fuels our ambitions. I work with many women who are mothers and often hear them say that their proudest moments, or greatest achievements are their kids and family.
The Heart of Family Traditions
Mothers often stand at the centre of family traditions, be it holiday celebrations, Sunday lunches, or bedtime stories. These traditions provide a sense of continuity, belonging, and love that nourish the family’s identity and bonds. We often don’t appreciate them until they are gone.
Ideas to Celebrate Mother’s Day
Celebrating Mother’s Day can be as extravagant or as simple as you like. The essence lies in showing appreciation and love. Here are some ideas I think mums would like:
- Prepare a Special Meal: Cook her favourite dish, or better yet, organise a family cookout where everyone pitches in, turning the meal into a festive gathering.
- Create a Memory Book: Compile photographs, mementos, and notes of appreciation from each family member, creating a keepsake that she can cherish.
- Give the Gift of Time: Sometimes, the best gift is simply being together. Spend the day doing what she loves, whether it’s a movie marathon, a day out in nature, or a craft session at home.
- Personalised Gifts: Consider gifts that speak to her passions—be it gardening, reading, or art. Personalised items such as custom jewellery, a subscription box, or a specially curated playlist can make her day.
- Personal Coach: If you know your mum has a goal she’d love to achieve but she’s struggling to get started, or to put herself first. Surprise her with a Life Coaching Session. Purchase a voucher that she can use anytime.
A Thank You Note
As we celebrate Mother’s Day, let’s take a moment to thank all the mothers for their love, sacrifices, and support. Thank you for the hugs that heal, the words that empower, and the love that never ends.
To all the mothers reading this: thank you, your love makes all the difference.
Happy Mother’s Day! <3
Finding some good reads about Mother’s Day? Here are some of my previous blogs.