This Mother's Day I am Celebrating Thanksgiving

Mother's Day is a wonderful way to honor all of the mothers who tirelessly put everyone else first. Mothers teach us, care for us, listen to us, dry our tears, talk us up and love us unconditionally. But what is the true meaning behind Mother's Day and how can you enjoy it as a mom yourself? Is it to have a "day off"? A day of indulgence? A day all about you? A day with your children? A day with your mother? A day helping others?

Some of us are faced with disappointing circumstances that can make the day stressful or emotionally charged. Desperately wanting to be with your own mom but you can't. Experiencing a difficult time with your spouse or other family member. Being forced into doing something that is not what you wanted to do that day. Not having the means to celebrate the way you would like. High expectations that simply are not met.
​

We all can shift focus and remember what this day is really all about and spend it simply feeling thankful (not that a massage and flowers aren't a well-deserved, great thing). This year I am celebrating Thanksgiving (sans the turkey and the sides). My favorite holiday, Thanksgiving is a time of small expectations, indulgence, absent of religion. It is all about appreciation and being thankful.

What am I thankful for? 

I am thankful to be a mother. We are part of an elite group. It's nothing to take lightly. Not everyone has the privilege. For those of us who had a hard time getting pregnant I wanted to share with you one of my favorite moments as a humble reminder of how extraordinarily lucky we are to have children. As most of us probably know, Beyoncé famously went through an emotional struggle to become pregnant and revealed in her HBO documentary, "Life Is But A Dream," that she suffered a miscarriage. She revealed that was pregnant for the first time live on the VMAs in 2011 by singing her heart out to the "Love growing inside of her." Six years later she is now pregnant with twins.
​

I am thankful for my children. Who drive me crazy at times and seem to never not need me and only me. I am thankful for their giggles and hugs. I am thankful that they earned me the position of "Best Mom in the World." And I am thankful that they are finally reaching an age where they can make something for me that I can keep for eternity (a flowerpot this year).  I am so fortunate to have them. Sometimes I wake up exhausted from the roller coaster ride of #moming it and I listen to this song and it reminds me of how wonderful it is that they are here.
​

I am thankful for my family. After several years as a stay-at-home mom I decided to go back to work. It was a tough decision and one that I am so grateful for. The incredible challenge of getting my young children up, dressed, fed and transported to where they need to go each morning and make it to work can be overwhelming at times. Not to mention the reverse with getting dinner on the table, bath, bed after a full day at work. I am thankful for the support of my husband who always has my back, is my partner in crime and goes the extra mile when I need it. I am thankful for my parents, siblings, in-laws, cousins and entire extended family for being there and making our family strong. 

I am thankful for my mom tribe. The moms who listen, tell you how to get through whatever it is that day you need to get through, who get it, who make you laugh, who make you realize you are not alone in this crazy thing they call motherhood. These women can make all of the difference. They are your support system, your sounding board, your social life and your lifeboat.  They make you laugh, they tell you about things like the "NoseFrida" that can pretty much change your life. They pick up your kids when you are running late, they give you a place to stay when you need one and are the perfect companion at any mom class, establishment or event. They are geniuses, superheroes and everything in between. 

I am thankful for my mother. For being there throughout my life no matter what. For always listening to me. For being there for my children. For saving all of the things I made growing up. For giving me the incredible opportunities I received. For teaching me well. For helping me grow into the woman and mother I have become. For celebrating holidays and special occasions with me. For letting me say whatever I want and never judging me. For being an amazing grandmother. Until I became a mother myself I could not fully appreciate and understand what you have done for me and continue to do for me.

This Mother's Day be thankful. Dance with your children (might I suggest the Trolls soundtrack). Hug them tight. Love your family, your mom tribe, your friends, your world. Don't take it for granted. Drop the expectations and be thankful for all of the wonderful things being a mother means. 

Need some more ideas? Check out what these moms are thankful for.

Wishing all the moms, step moms, foster moms, single moms, first time moms, expecting moms, grandmothers, mother in-laws, nannies, babysitters and anyone else who #momsit a Happy Mother's Day. This is your day, be thankful!

---