My Wish for All Mothers
A reminder that your needs matter. Plus, a free coaching session with me.
One of the first questions I ask my coaching clients is, “what is the thing that lights you up the most?” It’s a gentle nudge to reconnect them to their deepest motivations — the driving force beneath their desire to improve their wellbeing.
For me, that spark is ignited by travel. And, this summer, I have a few fun adventures planned.
One of them is Paris, a quick pit stop on the way to the wedding of a dear friend. It’s a city that holds special meaning to me because it’s a place intertwined with memories of trips with my late mother.
As a teenager on Spring Break, I used to accompany Mom on buying trips to Paris for her fashion brand. I vividly remember gallery hopping, shopping and sitting with her at Cafe de Flore, enjoying the excellent parade of characters — the style, the dogs, the attitude!
Traveling truly feeds my soul. It satiates my curiosity in new things and nourishes my desire to forage for beauty in this world. It’s a passion I intend to pursue until I’m 90.
But, in order to reach this goal, I need a strategy. One that protects my resilience and ensures that I’m strong enough to lift my carry-on or walk the cobblestone streets of Europe without fear of falling.
Most of us do not do a good job projecting into the future to a time when we will have diminished capacity, but we absolutely need to in order to prevent it.
I lost my mother when she was 67 and I was 39. I had a front row seat watching her decline and it changed me forever. In many ways, she was conditioned by society to believe she had to sacrifice her own needs, which meant quietly enduring the “challenges of aging,” as a woman. To then be betrayed by a healthcare industry that was supposed to keep her healthy.
With the deluge of Mother’s Day messaging for the past two weeks, I can’t help but cringe at times at the role it perpetuates.
Women are groomed and praised for being of service.
Mothers are lauded for being selfless.
But, at what expense?
All too often, it’s their own health.
For every mother and maternal figure out there that puts their loved ones before themselves, I see you. I thank you. I appreciate you.
And, I’m encouraging you to prioritize your health, in whatever way you can.
Not only because you are a precious resource.
Not only because you are the backbone of your family.
Not only because you are a competent leader at work.
But, because your life matters beyond what you give.
In my dreams, I’m still traveling with my stylish, endlessly curious mother, who should be here today. Paris will be wonderful but it won’t be the same without her.
Happy Mother’s Day. Take good care of yourself.
🎁 I write this substack in the hopes of sharing critical wellness information with you. For the next few weeks, I’m doubling down on my support by offering you or someone you love a FREE mini health coaching session with me (30 minutes). Subscribe below and book your session here (before May 31).
All writing is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
Phenomenal message — today and always.