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My mother's day gift to myself

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mother'sdayfinal

Yes, it is true that mother's day is all about sweet little cards and gifts that our children give to us. And, it is also about flowers and chocolates that we purchase for the moms in our lives. But, it dawned on me that maybe what mother's day could also be about is giving myself something special. I mean really who knows better what I need than...me? Now, I'm not saying that moms do not deserve all the love and niceties, rather I think what I give to myself can me appreciate those things even more.

Turn down my expectations

This isn't meant to sound so sad. I simply mean that I spend a lot of time teaching my kids about having realistic expectations and yet I have grand expectations for one day out of the entire year. Perhaps having realistic expectations might help me appreciate whatever I receive.

Spend some time alone

It always sounded counterintuitive to me to spend time alone on mother's day...not this year. I'm not talking about spending the entire day away from the family. I just might take a few minutes to work in the garden, alone, or go for a walk, alone. Enjoy some peace...and then embrace the family when I return.

Let go of some GUILT

Don't we as mothers all feel some amount of guilt. Why? I'm not sure. But maybe this mother's day I'll allow myself to let go of some of it. Whether it's guilt over not letting my kid not have that particular toy, or guilt over not doing this or doing too much of that. Let...it...go.

Reflection and gratitude

I have been thinking a lot about life lately (I seriously think too way much). You know every couple of years you do a personal inventory of where you are and what you've accomplished. I am not a high powered executive. I do not make hundreds of thousands of dollars a year. I never really had those goals to begin with. I did think that I might be able to solve homelessness or make those living with mental health issues feel more accepted by society. I haven't really done those things in my life...yet. What I have accomplished is pretty amazing. But, I like many others, need to remember those accomplishments. This mother's day I will find some time and sit down and write out those accomplishments and be grateful for all that I have seen, done and will do.

That's it. That's all I really need this Sunday. I truly believe these are the most wonderful gifts any mother can give herself. And a good hug from my girls and my husband would be nice too.

More mother's day

About Jen

Jen Farr is a mother living in Toronto, Canada. She has been sharing her DIY crafts, recipes, activities and parenting advice for over 15 years on her blog Kitchen Counter Chronicle. Jen is the mom of 2 lovely daughters. She believes in the power of taking small steps that can make big impacts on the world.

Comments

  1. Deborah @ Teach Preschool says

    Sounds awesome! Sending you wishes for a happy and reflective Mothers Day! You deserve it!

    • KitchenCounterChronicles says

      Ah, thanks Deborah! You too, Happy Mother's Day.

  2. The Iowa Farmer's Wife says

    Wonderful ideas! Happy Mother's Day to you! And if I'm being honest, the one thing I'd like on Mother's Day...is a nap. 🙂

    • KitchenCounterChronicles says

      Pencil me in for one of those too!

  3. tori says

    What a nice thought - really like your 'gift' ideas.

  4. Debs- Learn with Play @ home says

    Great ideas 😀

  5. rachelle | tinkerlab says

    Fantastic ideas. I'll also be taking a little time for myself, and I won't feel guilty about it! Happy Mother's Day.

  6. megan says

    All great ideas. I think spending time alone is really important and it's something I've been trying to do more of, especially before baby #2 comes. I hope you have a wonderful Mother's Day:)