Mother’s Day can be a time of immense joy but also a challenging and emotional period for many. It's an opportunity for celebration, but it can also bring up grief, strained relationships, or longing for healing.
In this blog post, I’ll delve deeper into the stories and insights shared in this heartfelt episode, offering wisdom to navigate Mother’s Day with grace and healing. Whether you’re a mother yourself, remembering one, or simply supporting a loved one, there’s something here for everyone. At the end, I’ll let you in on the greatest reason why I think tuning in to the full podcast episode will be transformative for you!
Podcast Highlights
Introduction: What Makes Mother’s Day Complex (2:00)
Grief and Healing for Those Who’ve Lost Their Moms (6:30)
Navigating Strained Relationships with Family (14:50)
Self-Care as A Gift to Mothers (22:15)
How to Create Meaningful Traditions (29:00)
The Layers of Mother’s Day: Why It Can Be So Complex
Mother’s Day carries so many different meanings depending on where you find yourself on life’s journey. For some, it’s a beautiful day filled with brunch, flowers, and hugs. But for others, it can be a source of grief, longing, or even emotional stress.
I remember my first Mother’s Day after losing my mom, standing in a room full of celebration while silently carrying the weight of my heartbreak. What helped me most was embracing the complexity—acknowledging my feelings rather than running from them. That’s why, on this podcast and in this post, I wanted to dig deeper into how we can honor this day in a way that feels authentic to where we are in life.
Healing from Loss: When Mother’s Day is Bittersweet
One of the questions I often receive is: “How can I get through Mother’s Day after losing my mom?” It’s a tender inquiry. To those who’ve lost their mothers, I want you to know—grief doesn’t follow a timeline, and there’s no one-size-fits-all way to observe this day.
In the podcast, I shared how I honored my mother’s memory by creating small rituals that allowed me to feel connected to her. Whether it was finding a quiet corner to read one of her favorite books or lighting a candle in her honor, these moments helped me reclaim Mother’s Day instead of feeling like a bystander to a cultural celebration.
I encourage listeners to create their own traditions. Perhaps volunteering or extending kindness to another motherless child can create healing. Revisiting the podcast will give you even more tools for navigating loss and finding connection.
Navigating Difficult Family Dynamics
Let’s be real—Mother’s Day can shine a spotlight on family tensions. During this episode, I share how to approach strained relationships during this holiday with grace, boundaries, and healing.
If your relationship with your mother or child feels complicated, I encourage you to honor what you’re feeling in the moment. Attempting to patch things up prematurely—just because the calendar says it’s Mother’s Day—can lead to disappointment rather than healing. I know this firsthand.
Instead, finding neutral moments of gratitude and kindness can pave the way for future connection. Or maybe this is the year to spend the day reflecting and journaling rather than hosting big family gatherings. Navigating strained relationships isn’t easy, but the tools we discussed on the podcast can guide you to clarity and boundaries.
Self-Care: The Gift Mothers Deserve
It’s incredibly easy for moms to spend the day ensuring everything is perfect for everyone else. But let me remind you, dear mothers, that Mother’s Day is yours too.
In this episode, we explored how to make yourself a priority during this special day. Here’s my challenge to every mother reading this: Choose at least one thing that’s completely about nurturing yourself this Mother’s Day.
Maybe you’ll take a long bath filled with soothing oils and candles.
Maybe you’ll allow yourself to read those books piling up on the nightstand.
Maybe you’ll gather with women who embrace and uplift you.
You don’t need permission to pour into yourself—this is inherently your gift to claim.
Building Traditions that Honor Everyone’s Journey
Finally, let’s talk about traditions. Do the typical Mother’s Day expectations (like brunch and cards) actually resonate with you? During the podcast, I discussed why creating meaningful traditions, rather than following outdated norms, can lead to fulfillment.
For me, the most impactful traditions involve open-hearted connection: Listening to stories that hold weight, reminiscing over shared experiences, or even creating space for the uncomfortable yet honest conversations with loved ones.
In the podcast, we shared simple ideas for customizing your celebration to fit your soul—not the trending culture.
Why You Can’t Miss the Full Podcast Episode
Throughout the episode, we go deeper into these topics with heartfelt stories and evidence-based strategies for navigating Mother’s Day. The raw and authentic conversations bring healing to the surface.
If you’ve ever felt like this holiday doesn’t quite fit your life’s circumstances, then this episode will offer both grace and insight to make it meaningful again.
Q&A
Q: How can I celebrate Mother’s Day while grieving my mom?
A: Honor her memory with rituals such as lighting a candle, writing a letter, or spending time reflecting on her values and love.
Q: What’s a simple self-care tip for mothers on their special day?
A: Claim the day for yourself! Take a break, indulge in relaxation, or do something that fills your soul.
Q: How do I navigate strained relationships on Mother’s Day?
A: Set boundaries and give yourself permission to approach the day authentically. Reflection or journaling may help restore clarity.
Q: Can I create my own traditions for Mother’s Day?
A: Absolutely! Design traditions that speak to your heart—like storytelling, volunteering, or embracing quiet, meaningful moments.
I hope this blog post resonates with you and encourages you to navigate Mother’s Day with compassion for yourself and others. It’s never just one thing—Mother’s Day is as layered as the story of motherhood itself. You’ll feel affirmed when you tune into the full podcast episode, so don’t wait.
Sending love and healing to you on this Mother’s Day,
Dr. Anna Cabeca
