Celebration of Maternal Figures!

©Michelle Chan

©Michelle Chan

What a special day it is indeed to be celebrating all the wonderful, loving, and supportive Mothers out there! Often, we forget in our busy lives to thank those who have played a significant role in shaping who we are as individuals. However, maybe today should be broadened to be a celebration of all the women who are/were maternal figures. 

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While this may not sit well with some, consider the importance of the roles that Grandmothers, Aunts, God-Mothers, Step-Mothers, family friends, and/or neighbors play in the development of an individual, whether or not they're related by blood! It is definitely a day where love and gratitude should be expressed to those who have worked hard in playing an important part of a person's life, whether in their childhood, teens, young adulthood, or even through adulthood.
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However, unlike what Hallmark and all card companies would like us to believe, Mother's Day can also be a day that brings up a lot of pain, grief, and/or regret for some. At times, an actual loss has occurred (i.e. no longer being in contact with a maternal figure through death or being cut-off emotionally and/or physically). Sometimes, it can be a painful reminder for some that there was a lack of a maternal figure they would have wanted/desired to have in their lives. For others, it may bring to the forefront memories/thoughts of a loss of their child(ren) or inability to have children, robbing them of the opportunity/chance to be the mother they dreamt of being.

So, on this special day, remember to be kind to yourself if you notice that you're having certain thoughts come up that are leading you to experience a variety of emotions. Do not be afraid to reach out for support from loved ones and engage in some sort of self-care, whether it be a massage, getting pampered, grabbing a meal with a friend or family member, taking a hot bath, or even seeking out the support of a professional who can help you process some of these emotions so that it may affect you less in the future.


“Our life is what our thoughts make it.” –Marcus Aurelius