Mother’s Day is supposed to be a day filled with joy and celebration, but for those struggling with infertility, estrangement, or other challenges, it can be a reminder of what one doesn’t have. However, it is possible to find joy on Mother’s Day, even when it hurts, by implementing a few strategies. Join us as we explore five practical tips to help you celebrate the beauty and strength of motherhood, even in the face of pain and unexpected circumstances. You are not alone; there is still joy to discover on this special day.
Five Practical Tips to Find Joy on Mother’s Day
1. Focus on Gratitude
One way to find joy on Mother’s Day, even in difficult circumstances, is to focus on gratitude. By taking the time to appreciate the good things in your life, you can shift your perspective and find joy in the present moment. Perhaps try writing down the first twenty things you are grateful for now.
2. Practice Self-Care
In addition to focusing on gratitude, another crucial way to care for yourself on Mother’s Day is to prioritize self-care. Taking care of yourself is essential for your overall well-being and allows you to show up for your loved ones more fully. Self-care can take many forms, from taking a relaxing bath to practicing yoga or meditation. It could also mean indulging in your favorite food or participating in an activity you enjoy. Whatever brings you joy and peace, incorporate it into your Day.
Here are a few more ideas:
- Start your Day with a mindful activity such as journaling, stretching, or a short meditation.
- Surround yourself with positivity by spending time with loved ones who uplift you.
- Listen to uplifting music.
- Read a book that inspires you.
- Get outside and soak up some sunshine and fresh air.
- Treat yourself to a special meal, whether cooking your favorite dish or indulging in takeout from your favorite restaurant.
- Take a break from social media and disconnect from technology for a set time.
- Take a walk.
- Light candles, diffuse essential oils, or take a bubble bath to create a relaxing atmosphere at home.
By prioritizing self-care, you are taking an active role in your well-being and setting an example for your loved ones.
Please share your ideas in the comments; you may have one that someone needs to hear.
3. Embrace the Present Moment
By taking the time to prioritize self-care, you are already on the path to finding joy on Mother’s Day. It’s crucial to focus on the present moment and appreciate the little things happening around you. Take a step back and notice the simple pleasures like the sun’s warmth on your skin, the sound of birds chirping outside, or the smell of freshly brewed coffee. Engage your senses and fully immerse yourself in the moment.
To read a sweet story about a friend with cancer who taught me to find beauty in my day amidst the pain, click here. I also add a few more tips not mentioned here.
Take a break from distractions like social media and email; instead, focus on spending quality time with your family or yourself and noticing the present moment. After all, those picture-perfect social media posts might not uplift your soul.
4. Connect with God and Others
Connecting with God and others can be a powerful source of joy on Mother’s Day. Whether spending time with your children, quiet time with Jesus, calling your mom for a chat or reaching out to a friend who may also be struggling. There are many ways to find comfort and connection through relationships.
5. Create New Traditions
As you navigate through the ups and downs of motherhood, it’s natural for your celebrations to evolve. Maybe your children are grown and have moved away, or you’ve lost your mother, and the Day carries a different weight. In these instances, shifting your focus towards creating new traditions that bring joy and connection to the Day can be helpful.
One way to do this is by tapping into your creativity and brainstorming unique ways to celebrate. Perhaps you and your loved ones can plan a picnic in the park or take a day trip to a nearby town.
Another way to create new traditions is by incorporating elements from your family history. Maybe there’s a recipe passed down through the generations you might like to make. Or a flower you or your mother always loved. By combining these traditions into your Mother’s Day celebration, you can honor the past while creating something new and meaningful for the future.
Ultimately, remaining open-minded and flexible is the key to creating new traditions. The beauty of Mother’s Day is that there’s no one “right” way to celebrate and find joy.
Discover five practical tips to find joy on Mother’s Day, even when it hurts. #mothersday #joy Click To TweetDon’t Miss Out on the Joy
As we wrap up our quest to find joy on Mother’s Day, remember that the most important thing is to be gentle with yourself. This particular day can be a tough holiday for those facing hardships. However, utilizing the five practical tips to find joy, you can still experience a wonderful day filled with happiness and love. Remember to focus on gratitude, practice self-care, embrace the present moment, connect with others, and create new traditions. You are not alone on this journey, so take the time to celebrate yourself.
Maya Angelou once said, “I can be changed by what happens to me. But I refuse to be reduced by it.” So, let us refuse to be reduced and discover the joy that can still be found on Mother’s Day.
What practical tips can you add to help others find joy on Mother’s Day, even when it hurts? If you are hurting this Mother’s Day, I would be honored to partner in prayer with you.
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Maree, this is such a beautiful, timely post. I was just talking with a friend about how, sometimes, we need to shift our perspectives as moms. Your suggestions are perfect for helping moms do this.
Thank you, Jeanne. Yes, as moms, we are sure to have to switch our perspectives often. I’m glad you thought my suggestion was helpful. Maree
Mother’s Day can be filled with such joy with daughters & grandchildren & at the same time much pain in the loss of relationship with my mother.
I love your statement highlighted above in that one emotion does not have to cancel the other.
I lost my Mum early last year, so yes Mother’s Day is a mixed bag of feelings now. Remembering what she is experiencing now; in the presence of God brings great joy, however we are human & grief is real.
Blessings to you sweet friend, Jennifer 💝
Yes, Jennifer, grief is so real. I’m so sorry for the loss of your mom. I bet Mother’s Day was mixed with joy and sadness. I would love to know what you admired most in your mom. Blessings to you my friend, Maree
Great tips. And I love the Maya Angelou quote.
Thank you! Yes, Maya Angelou has some great quotes. I hope you are enjoying a long weekend. Maree
Maree Dee, this is so incredibly beautiful, encouraging and much needed. I love how your beautiful hearts spills into your writing and connects your readers with God’s heart. Sharing this post … 💕
Thank you, Donna, for your wonderful words. You made my day. I hope you are having a great weekend. Blessings,
Maree
Such wonderful tips on navigating Mother’s Day when it’s difficult, Maree. I love the idea about engaging in an old family tradition. I was reminded of baking pies with my grandmother when I was a little girl.
Blessings,
Tammy
A pie sounds fabulous right now. What a fun memory with your grandmother. Thank you for sharing. Maree