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Mother’s Day comes but once a year, and each year families look forward to honoring the mothers among them in special and familiar ways. From the mothers’ perspectives, however, sometimes it may be equally nice to celebrate their day in manners and with activities that may not actually involve the family at all. Indeed, it may be perfectly acceptable for a Mother’s Day honoree to be a little selfish and do whatever she believes makes her happy.
How selfish?
Selfishness is often thought of as having no consideration for others and putting one’s own pleasure above that of others. However, there is another way we can look at it. Putting one’s self first (arguably momentarily) does not void the love and care a mother has had for others, but it’s simply realizing that she also needs time to reflect and renew herself in order to be the happy and healthy person the family has come to count on. Being Mom is a full time job. Whether she stays home or works outside, her children and spouse are everything to her. Day in and day out we as mothers are constantly consumed with ensuring the comfort and well-being of our kids, husbands, relatives, friends, etc. Therefore, it would seem to go against tradition that Mother’s Day activities should be shared with or involve the whole family. As a result, as mothers many of us would find it difficult to declare the day to ourselves.
How selfish, indeed.
Of course we want to spend time with our families but I also believe that on Mother’s Day, we can be a little selfish too and take this day to reflect and renew ourselves. This will not only improve our lives but it will also improve the lives of the ones we love because we will be able to reboot our mind, body and soul. For the next 364 days ahead. If you really think about it, most of the time we as mothers are doing for others instead of ourselves. When is the last time on of us got her hair or nails done without the kids? Treated yourself to a spa day? Sat idly in a coffee shop to searched the web or read a book? Few too few, if you asked me. The instinct to be a nurturer should be celebrated. This is natural feeling and we shouldn’t give it up for the world. (Except for that annual 24-hour respite, perhaps.) Nor do we want to. My children are everything to me and I will continue to learn from them as they will embody my everyday teachings. However, there comes a time when everyone needs a break. A break from the everyday life, a break from the wants and needs of others, a break from wanting to please everyone. I say use Mother’s Day to our advantage. Treat the holiday as an opportunity to speak up and say what you want and need for a change. By definition, it’s the one day that we’re supposed to be indulged, to choose what we want to do and how we want to do it.
So go get your nails done. Go shopping. Go out and finally get that spa treatment that you have been wanting. Go and do whatever makes you happy. And if you want to, go do it by yourself, without the well-meaning horde. It’s OK to be selfish on Mother’s Day. But most of all, remember yourself on this day and remember that you are a great Mom and deserve to do things that make you a happy and healthy and better you. Happy Mother’s Day.
