Working mamas, on Mother’s Day, feel empowered to create the Mother’s Day you want. Make the day your own. You’ve more than earned it!
Mothers make things happen
On a normal day, mamas are likely to be the oil that keeps their families moving smoothly. They are often the who and what that enable everything to flow as it does. And when it comes to working mamas, you are making things happen at work and at home.
Nope, you’re not failing
You’ve got a lot of plates spinning. Feel like something is falling through the cracks almost every day. You are not alone. Moms constantly feel like they are missing the mark at home and/or with family. I hear moms talk about kids having too much screen time. Or they say the house is a mess. Spring cleaning fell to the bottom of the list. OK, and? You’re doing your best. That is all anyone can ask for.
Comparing can rob you of moments of happiness
You go online and see how someone you know appears to be doing better than you and managing everything with ease. Don’t compare. It can rob you of so many moments of happiness. We have no idea what happens behind closed doors. Their version of life likely doesn’t work for your family.
So, don’t compare to other families. Focus on your version of work-life balance and managing all the things now and always. Embrace JOMO (joy of missing out) vs FOMO (fear of missing out).
Give yourself grace
Remember that you’re doing your best. And, if you’re like most working mamas I know, you’re actually doing pretty well. So what if your house isn’t as spotless? Sure, the laundry pile might be getting bigger. You didn’t make it to every game your child played this season. OK, and? Your family is doing well. They are healthy, supported, and loved.
Consider getting another perspective. Instead of your take on everything, think about what your child would say. Yep, they would probably give you a gold star while you’re ready to take points away for every little “mistake” you think you have made.
As you’re having the conversation in your head, consider talking to yourself like you would a friend. Be gentle and kind. If you wouldn’t say it to a friend, don’t say it to yourself. Embrace the good enough and let go of the unrealistic.
Mother’s Day plans
It’s time to embrace your version of Mother’s Day. Be as restful or as active as you want. You can be uber casual or dress up. Spend the day with your family or take time for yourself. Ask for the day you want. Be as specific as you need to be. If you’re not specific, it’s hard to get what you want. If you’re OK with going with the flow, share that and let others take the lead. Do what works for you. You could:
- Take time (a quiet few minutes or hours) to curl up with a good book that your family gives you
- Meditate for as little or as long as you like
- Take a bubble bath without interruption, using bubbles or bath salts from your family
- Create a home spa day (ask for yummy scented body wash, a one-use mask or face scrub, new nail
polish, and whatever else you need to have a major moment of self-care on Mother’s Day and beyond) - Stay in pajamas all day and maybe even binge-watch a new show
- Listen to your favorite music all day (I’d be listening to 80s all day!! Who’s with me?!?!?)
- Order from your favorite restaurant and have it delivered or have someone else pick it up for you
- Grab some yummy stuff for a picnic if it’s a nice day
- Go for a hike nearby as a family (being in nature is a great moment of self-care, too)
- Get dressed up and take some family photos (you can be as serious or as fun as you want)
Really, though, it can be anything you want. Be as creative as you want. Spend as much time or as little with your family. This is a no-judgment zone.
Ask for help
Perhaps it’s the perfect moment for everyone to chip in to tidy up without you managing the whole process. Yes, you can release the mental load for this to your significant other. Have your family do the dishes all weekend and turn over cooking to your significant other and the kids (remember, you’re not doing clean up).
Want to make sure that someone is done in the house that you’ve noticed over the past few days, weeks, or even months. Share what that is. Explain what change you want. Be specific about what is good enough versus what you really want it to look like.
You are loved
Ultimately, on this day, I hope you know that you are loved, mama! Your kids, significant other, friends, family, and tribe love you. Cherish that love, whatever that looks like. And create the Mother’s Day you want and need. Happy Mother’s Day, mamas!
So, now I want to know…how are you spending your Mother’s Day this year?
