May is a time for celebrating mothers. Even when there is a specific day set aside
just for us, it probably will consist of serving as a taxi driver, personal chef, maid,
cruise director, and more for our families.
We feel guilty for putting our feet up and relaxing, even for a few
minutes. When we do take a moment to
sit, our eyes drift to the ever multiplying dust bunnies, mysterious stains on
the carpet, or piles of things that somehow get left on any flat surface in our
home. Gone are carefree days of sleeping
into until noon and singing into our hairbrush.
Yet although we serve numerous roles and time can be limited, nurturing
ourselves, together with those we love, can make all the difference.
To quote a wise Ferris Bueller, “Life moves pretty
fast. If you don’t stop and look around
once in a while, you could miss it.” Isn’t
it time to pause and look past the list of things left undone for several hours
each week? Instead of frequent personal
embraces with cell phones and computers, be in the moment with family, friends,
or just by yourself. Plan adventures – time to explore new places,
check out a restaurant, or try a different activity. Play games with your kids, making up your own
silly rules as a family. Share the best
and worst moments of your day at the dinner table. Sit close in down time, huddling next to each
other just like our pets do with us. Ask
to listen to a song your child likes then start a funky dance or sing-along. Throw your teen a curve ball by writing
encouraging messages on mirrors or windows with a dry erase marker throughout
your home, and don’t be surprised when they write back. Or ask them to come with you on a quest to
find the best ice cream or chocolate on the North Shore, stopping at several
locations in one afternoon.
Take time to dream, keeping a small notebook by your bedside
with a list of places you’d like to visit.
Include date night ideas, family fun, vacation wishes, books or movies –
and when you suddenly find yourself with a bit of free time, use something from
your list instead of stressing over searching for a plan. Laugh as often as you can – including at
yourself – and you’ll get your family’s attention. We are far from perfect (our own mothers
remind us of that often enough!). Don’t
encumber yourself and your family with unattainable expectations and
over-scheduling. Instead, mingle with
the dust bunnies, make your family your back-up band while you sing away into
that hairbrush again, and have fun. Simple
moments can fill your soul and last longer than any self-help guide. Strengthening
the bond and connections you have with others, including moments just for you,
can be your Mother’s Day gift to yourself this year. Go ahead – you deserve it!
