| Hi read,
How are you today? How's everything going? Are you looking forward to the celebration of all things you next weekend? Yes? Maybe? Not at all?
Before I get started, let me say one thing. I hope that you have a Happy Mother's Day! I hope you feel celebrated and loved the way you want. This newsletter is more than that message, though! Let's talk about how you can get the Mother's Day you want! Yes, you read that right.
I'll be honest. For years Mother's Day left me feeling disappointed. I had such high hopes for the day, but it never was quite what I wanted. I felt misunderstood and unappreciated.
What changed? I was tired of not enjoying Mother's Day. So, years ago I changed my approach. I got specific with what I wanted, including food options, activities, etc. Really specific. I started to suggest the gifts, activities, etc. I was interested in. Sometimes I send links for several options so there is still an element of surprise. When it comes to what I want to do, I let my family know what I would like to do. And I don't do housework on Mother's Day weekend. All the household duties 100% fall on the hubby and kids -- yay!
So...Have a spa day. Get the day to yourself. Binge-watch a new Netflix show. Have the day with your mom, sister, or mom friends. Lay in your backyard if the weather is nice. Hang out as a family with no plans. Go for a hike. Eat brunch at your favorite restaurant. You get to decide what you want!
Take a moment to create an image of pure bliss in your mind. Have you got it? OK, so ask for it. You don't have to explain why. Ask for what you need for a few hours or the whole day.
Let me address one thing that I hear again and again from moms when I share my approach. Yes, I understand the idea of: "How does my spouse/significant other not already know this (by now)?" Remember that mindreading is a very unusual skill.
A few other things to keep in mind (it's helpful to keep these in mind always when you're asking for something):
Be as specific as you need to be. If you're not specific, it's hard to get what you want. That might mean you do the initial research. If you're OK with going with the flow, share general themes or tips and let your family take the lead on the specifics.
Ditch mom guilt. Want to watch a new Netflix series in peace? Do it! Want to hang out with your mom friends? Do it! Looking forward to a brunch with your mom without the kids? Do it! Whatever you're looking for on this special day is OK.
Let yourself lean on your family. It's OK to say you don't want to clean. You can breathe a sigh of relief if you choose not to plan a thing. (Trust me on this one!) Your kids, even your young kids, can help with clean up, food prep (even little kids can help with something), and other things so you don't have to.
Be flexible and give grace. This year might be a year of figuring out a new Mother's Day normal. It might not be exactly what you want but it will be closer. Things will move in the right direction. Also, be gentle with yourself. If you're asking for something new, that can come along with new emotions. Give yourself some space to feel all the feels.
You know what you want and now you've got a better idea of how to get it. Now imagine this. It's Monday morning after Mother's Day and you're feeling appreciated and seen, and your cup is full. How does that make you feel?
I really do hope you get the day you want (I'd love to hear more about it if you're willing to share!)! Happy Mother's Day, mama! You're doing an amazing job and I hope you feel special and celebrated!
Sending so much love and positive energy your way,
Suzanne
PS Don't forget to share these ideas and tips with a sister, friend, or colleague. She'll thank you! | 
No comments:
Post a Comment