Five Practical Tips to Find Joy on Mother’s Day, Even When it Hurts

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. 

Don’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.

We would love to have you join our community.

Embracing the Unexpected | Maree Dee

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