Mother’s Day can be a triggering time for many people every year, and this year adds its own unique and unprecedented triggers. Another holiday spent during quarantine and isolation is making a would-be happy day for some feel sad and lonely, and a difficult day for others even more challenging. Thoughts for those who may be struggling with Mother’s Day this year:
To the first-time mom:
This is not the first Mother’s Day you envisioned for yourself. You may be feeling scared and sad. You may be feeling lonely and isolated from friends and family, and may be grieving the loss of being able to truly celebrate your first Mother’s Day. It’s okay to feel this way.
To the woman who is not yet a mom on Mother’s Day:
This day is hard, always. Especially if you envisioned being a mom this year. Especially if attempts to become pregnant have been cancelled or delayed. Especially if you’ve had a loss. This day is hard.
To the mom who is doing it all while in quarantine:
This sucks. You really needed this day. I mean, REALLY. You’re tired, stressed, overwhelmed and burned out from the last (seemingly) 384849 days of parenting, working, and managing a household. You needed a break today, to be able to celebrate in the way you so deserve.
To those who can’t be with their moms today:
Whether it’s because you’ve lost your mom, have a strained relationship, or social distancing is keeping you away. This is hard.
Ways we can take care of ourselves this Mother’s Day during quarantine
Prepare for the upcoming day. Often anticipation feels worse than the actual event. Journal and notice what thoughts/feelings come up when anticipating Mother’s Day this year.
Create a proactive self-care plan. Identify what forms of self-care resonate with you and make space for those activities.
Listen to your body and what it needs. Are you craving connection with others? Do you need some quiet time alone? Do you need movement and productivity, or rest?
Identify your triggers and set boundaries. This may mean limiting social media, contact with triggering people, exposure to news/Mother’s Day content, etc.
For those who want to celebrate this Mother’s Day: Find joy in simple, ordinary moments. Find creative ways to celebrate. It might not look the same, or feel the same, but we can still celebrate our love and relationships.
If you’re not in the celebrating mood, that’s okay. Take what you need to get through the day, and remember tomorrow is a new day.