I felt inspired to write this blog post after watching my amazing friend, a mother of two men, who has not only successfully raised them single-handily, but also ran a business, set up a home, and provided physically, financially and emotionally with little to no support.
Her strength, independence and resilience has been nothing short of inspiring, but it also comes at a price.
The inability to allow love in.
This is not surprising as we live in a world that glorifies strength, independence, and resilience.
But that makes it easy to forget that even the strongest among us need love and support.
Me included!
I’ve always felt the need to be strong, independent, and resilient, but I realised some years ago that I needed love just as much as everyone else. Even if it only came in the form of self-love.
And now I am an advocate for self-love and compassion.
So today I want to look at self-love and compassion in the context of motherhood. Or I should probably say womanhood! Because whether you have children or not, being a woman automatically gives you a mothering nature. I’m sure whether you have children in your life or not, you are still taking care of someone, a friend, family member, pet!
So change the word ‘Motherhood’ to ‘Womanhood’ if it suits you better.
Motherhood, a journey filled with love, joy, and endless blessings, also presents its fair share of challenges. From the chaos of daily responsibilities to the constant prioritisation of others’ needs, it’s no surprise that self-love often takes a backseat in the lives of mothers. But amidst the whirlwind of nurturing our families, it’s crucial to remember that self-love isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity.
Many of us who exhibit strength, independence, and resilience have learned to do so through adversity. We’ve faced challenges and setbacks that have shaped us into self-reliant individuals. But beneath the exterior of strength lies a vulnerable heart that craves love and connection.
As mothers, we pour our hearts and souls into caring for our families, often forgetting to nurture ourselves in the process. We prioritise everyone else’s well-being, leaving little time or energy for our own self-care. But here’s the truth: we can’t pour from an empty cup. If we neglect our own needs, we’ll eventually burn out and become unable to give our best to those we love.
Self-love isn’t selfish; it’s essential. It’s about recognising our own worth and treating ourselves with the same kindness and compassion that we extend to others. It’s about setting boundaries, prioritising our well-being, and carving out time for the things that bring us joy and fulfillment.
This Mother’s Day let’s make a commitment to practicing self-love. Here are a few simple ways to incorporate self-care into your routine:
1. Prioritise Me-Time: Schedule regular moments of solitude where you can recharge and reconnect with yourself. Whether it’s a bubble bath, a solo walk in nature, or simply enjoying a cup of tea in peace, find what brings you joy and make it a priority.
2. Practice Self-Compassion: Motherhood is filled with ups and downs, and it’s okay to not have it all together all the time. Be gentle with yourself and remember that you’re doing the best you can. Treat yourself with the same kindness and understanding that you would offer to a dear friend.
3. Set Boundaries: Learn to say no to things that drain your energy or don’t align with your priorities. It’s okay to prioritise your own needs and decline additional responsibilities when necessary.
4. Connect with Other Moms: Surround yourself with a supportive community of fellow mothers who understand the challenges and joys of motherhood. Share your experiences, offer encouragement, and lean on each other for support.
5. Practice Gratitude: Take a moment each day to reflect on the blessings of motherhood and express gratitude for the love and joy that your children bring into your life.
Remember, you are worthy of love, care, and appreciation—especially from yourself.
This Mother’s Day let’s celebrate the incredible mothers that we are by prioritising our own self-love and well-being. Because when we nurture ourselves, we become even better mothers, partners, and individuals.
And it’s ok to put down the suit of armour; strength, independence and resilience every now and then. There’s a time to pick it up and a time to put it down. So this Mother’s Day put it down and bask in the glory of self-love.
Happy Mother’s Day to all the amazing moms out there—you deserve all the love and recognition in the world.
Love
Maria
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