With Mother’s Day just a few weeks away, I was reading a quote that really stayed with me: “Motherhood is a choice you make every day to put someone else’s happiness and well-being ahead of your own, to teach the hard lessons, to do the right thing even when you’re not sure what the right thing is…and to forgive yourself over and over again for doing everything wrong.”
First things first – as a mental health professional, I feel compelled to say that you are not doing it wrong and, if you’ve taken my workshop, you know I’ve got a lot to say about the importance of boundaries. One thing you learn throughout that workshop is that putting the happiness and well-being of others before yourself goes against the healthy boundary setting we all need to lead happy and balanced lives. But I’m also a mom. I’m guilty of losing sleep, missing a workout, and putting my children’s needs before my own. If we’re being honest, their precious little souls can make it difficult not to. Our responsibilities as mothers can lead to exhaustion, frustration, guilt, insecurity, and yes, even feelings of failure. Motherhood is both the most magnificent and the most heartbreaking journey many of us will ever take. There’s no “right” way to do this. There’s no straight and perfect path. We are here to lift each other up and we’re continually learning as we go with our children, our families, and our friends by our sides.
This is a reminder that you’re doing great, just as you are. It’s been a very long year and you’ve no doubt taught hard lessons, you’ve done the right thing, and you’ve likely chosen to forgive yourself more times than you can count. As Mother’s Day draws near, let’s focus on lifting ourselves up. This gift guide is for every mama out there, no matter where you are in your journey, and I hope it inspires you to carve out space and time for the activities that bring you joy.
FOR THE mama WHO loves TO SWEAT
FOR THE fashionista mummy
for the mum who's all about that self care
for the mommy-to-be
for the mom who loves being warm and cozy