With Mother’s Day fast approaching, you may be asked that loaded question: “What do you want for Mother’s Day?”
Oh man. This one always stumps me! Why does that question have to be so difficult to answer?? Do I want something sweet? New clothes? A vacuum? Flowers? A quiet day to myself? A trip somewhere? A nice dinner out? Nothing at all? Ugh…it’s so hard to choose!
The truth is, for me at least, I want a nice relaxing day with my family, enjoying each other’s company, with no stress, no meal prep, no responsibilities. And then I immediately think about that and feel extreme guilt. I want a day that I don’t have to do anything??? But I love doing things for my family!! Oh the internal struggle that occurs when I’m trying to decide on what to say out loud.
It’s true, though, isn’t it? We mamas sometimes feel guilty for wanting/needing/taking a day or two of rest. But that’s that “mom guilt” talking, and nothing more. We can tend to feel like we should be all things to all people at all times, but take it from me…that’s a recipe for burnout…physical, mental, emotional, or all of those. It might not surprise you to know that I am one of those “never say die” people. I have a hard time giving up, even when it’s in my best interest. At our house, my amazing husband is really great at making sure I take rest days. He provides opportunities for me to take a “time out” because he knows I am definitely not good at taking them for myself.
Last year, my Mother’s Day was me sitting on the couch, just a few days out of major neck and spinal cord surgery. My family made me gorgeous cards, made delicious food, and made sure I got to watch whatever I wanted on TV, even though I slept through most of the day. It was definitely different than maybe I would have chosen, but hey–we make the best of what we’ve got, and boy did my family do that! They showed me so much love. One day, I’ll share that whole story with you. Today, we are exactly one year out from that time, and I am so happy we are.
And this year, I decided to think hard about that loaded question above. When my husband asked me that infamous question, at first I honestly tried to think of something that would be pleasing to the whole family. He kept stopping me, asking “But what do YOU want to do?” So I thought and thought. And finally, I told him just what I wanted. My answer was that I would love a trip up the mountain (about an hour and half away from us), to enjoy the forest and maybe do a little stream fishing. With coffee. Always with coffee. So he made it happen. Just like that! This Sunday, that’s where you’ll find us. In the woods, with a fishing pole and a cup of coffee. And my new camo T-shirt. I can’t even describe how excited I am!
So let me ask YOU, mama: What do YOU want for Mother’s Day? Maybe it’s something simple, like me. Maybe it’s an elaborate trip to the spa. Whatever it is that you have in mind, I pray that your day of honor will be beautiful and full of joy, no matter where you are or what you’re doing. Happy Mother’s Day from this mama’s heart to yours.