Each year, as Mother’s Day comes around in Australia, I am reminded that it provides a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our mothers and the ‘mothering’ each and every one of us does. Happy Mother’s Day, everyone!
I like to expand the definition of the word ‘mother’ beyond female parent, to include both its creative aspect—a condition that gives rise to something else—and its kind, loving and caring aspect.
As we are all mothers in the creative sense, it’s helpful to be aware of what we are creating through our language, actions and thoughts.
We all have the opportunity to be ‘motherly creators’ by showing kindness to others, regardless of whether we are related.
Whether we are a female parent or not, we can extend motherly kindness toward children, partners, relatives, friends, strangers, pets, other creatures, the environment and, of course, ourselves. Let’s celebrate that.
During my cancer road trip, I have been overwhelmed—in the best possible way—by the motherly kindness and care extended to me. I am beyond words grateful for the kindness of staff at Cabrini—medical, domestic and volunteer—as well as friends and family, and the café, shop, post office, medical centre and reception workers. Beautiful mothering energy in action everywhere.
My book-writing journey has provided yet another opportunity to be grateful for the motherly kindness of others.
This all culminated in the amazing book launch last Thursday. My heart was blown open by the overwhelming—in the best possible way—motherly love and kindness in the room.
My heartfelt thanks to all the wonderful people in my life.
Following the launch, my mother popped into my head to remind me “not to get too big for my boots”. I thanked and reassured her that I was doing my best to be grateful and to adopt a ‘better for others’ attitude rather than a ‘better than others’ one.
I was then reminded by my friend Shadi that as our spiritual and emotional feet grow—in wisdom, love, compassion, kindness, positive self-perception and self-assurance—we outgrow our old boots. It is then that we need new boots to accommodate our bigger feet. I love this reframe.
Also a check in with my intention for writing the book is useful. I am sharing what has been helpful to me, in the sincere hope that it will help others navigate life's inevitable ups and downs, and lead to happier and more meaningful life.
This Mother’s Day, let’s celebrate the motherly kindness, care and love shown by and received from everyone—including ourselves, and of course our own mothers, without whom we would not be here. Let's remember all the sacrifices our mothers made to care for us: sleepless nights, endless jobs... I could go on and on.
I also like to remember forgiveness, both for myself and my mum, for any past hurts, no need to hang onto those.