Advice
Navigating Mother’s Day with Love and Remembrance
March 7, 2024
Mother’s Day is a time of celebration and appreciation for the incredible women who have nurtured and shaped us – typically a day filled with joy, flowers, and heartfelt cards. However, for those whose mothers have died, Mother’s Day can be a bittersweet reminder of loss and longing. In this blog, we explore how young people can navigate Mother’s Day with love, remembrance, and inclusivity, honouring all of the maternal figures that mean a lot to us.
Embrace your feelings
For those whose mums are no longer with them, Mother’s Day can bring a flood of emotions. It’s natural to feel sadness, longing and even anger amidst the sea of Mother’s Day advertisements and celebrations. Remember, your feelings are valid, and it’s important that you acknowledge and honour them! Allow yourself to express your emotions in healthy ways whether through journaling, talking to a trusted friend or family member, or engaging in activities that bring you comfort.
During challenging times, it’s crucial to lean on the support of others – try reaching out to friends, family members, or support groups who can offer empathy, understanding and encouragement, as sharing your experiences with others who understand can really help you feel a little less alone.
Remember Mum
Take the time to honour your Mum’s memory in a way that feels meaningful to you. This might be visiting her favourite spot, looking through old photo albums or simply sharing stories with loved ones. Remind yourself that whilst your Mum may no longer be physically present, her love, memory and influence will always be a part of you and continue to shape who you are; why not try and use this day as a time for reflection, gratitude, and cherishing some of the good the memories?
If these things are just too tough this year, that’s perfectly OK as well – take it at your pace, and if you don’t feel up to it, don’t pressure yourself to do anything you’re not ready for.
Honouring all mother figures
Mother’s Day can encompass more than just biological mums; it’s a celebration of all mother figures who have left a lasting imprint. Whether it’s a devoted stepmother, grandma, guardian or any other woman who has made a difference to you, this is the perfect opportunity to express gratitude for them – even if they’re no longer with us, take a minute to reflect on the things they’ve taught you, and the role they played in your life.
Finding meaning in service
One way to honour the memory of your mum is through acts of service; why not try volunteering at a local charity, participating in a fundraising event or simply helping out a friend or a family member in need? Not only does service provide a meaningful way to honour the spirit of Mother’s Day but it can also help to shift the focus from grief to gratitude, and can be a great way of channelling some of that energy you’re not quite sure what to do with…
Practicing self care
Amidst the business of Mother’s Day, don’t forget to prioritise your own wellbeing. Engage in self-care activities that nurture your mind, body, and soul. Whether it’s spending time in nature, practicing mindfulness and meditation, indulging in a favourite hobby, or simply taking a quiet moment for yourself, self-care is essential for replenishing your energy and resilience.
Hope for the future
While Mother’s Day may be tinged with sadness now, remember that brighter days do lie ahead. Hold onto hope for the future, knowing that you are resilient and capable of finding joy and meaning in your life – even if it doesn’t feel like that right now!
As Mother’s Day dawns, may you find comfort, strength, and peace in the memories and love you shared with your mother, step-mum, mother-in-law, or other significant mother figures in your life. Know that you are not alone, and that your experiences and feelings are valid and worthy of acknowledgment.
If you’re facing the loss of a loved one this Mother’s Day, don’t forget we’re on hand to offer support – visit our online page to find out more.
