When musing on Mother’s Day, it occurs to me that like many of our opportunities for reflection and meaning, this Sundays (30th March) opportunity might be lost in the gift-giving, family visits, (or in reality the chance for reflection gets lost in the hustle and bustle of another Sunday packed with chores.) Mother’s Day sits nicely between Christmas and Easter, which often follow the same chocolatey, commercial path.
And of course there’s nothing wrong with that. Motherhood deserves recognition and it’s great that kids (and partners!) treat Mum to a lie-in and a proper day off (of sorts!). The same for dads in June of course, before I get into trouble!
But think about this
Working as a nurse gets me directly involved with those outside the perceived norm and my thoughts are drawn to all those for whom motherhood doesn’t fit in with the standard images. The list is longer than you might think. I would even say that the majority of us might find ourselves on it somewhere, at some time or another.
So, for this “everyone else”, my musing on Mother’s Day thoughts lie squarely with you this Mother’s Day, especially if, for example (the list is probably endless):
- you are struggling to conceive;
- you’re mourning children you have lost;
- you are raising a child with demanding, additional needs;
- you’re a recent mum exhausted or convinced that you’re no good at it;
- maybe you had a poor relationship with your own mother;
- or you are grieving your mum’s passing, finding it difficult to get through each day;
- perhaps you’re navigating the peri- / full menopause;
- or you are currently going through any other physical or mental health issues.
Everyone’s journey, all their feelings and experiences – everything – is all equally valid.
For mums or anyone else struggling at the moment
Maybe you or someone you know needs more support, due to family or health problems, relationship issues, money worries, bereavement or something else? Whatever the background to these issues, remember you are not alone, there is help for you out there and Treacle.me can help you find it, all year round.
Treacle.me includes links to hundreds of local and national groups offering free support and advice about family issues, finances, mental health and so on, many of which you simply won’t be aware of. Treacle is free to use, has no annoying ads and never asks for your data or anything about you.
I wish all of you a peaceful and relaxing Mother’s Day, whether it means something special to you or you are busy ignoring it all. Take care out there!
Helen