Preface
The following was originally written on May 14, 2023 ~ Mother’s Day ~ with the intention of being posted on Instagram that same day. Unfortunately, the app I usually use on my phone was glitching, causing either the image to not load or the post to not publish. I made at least 3 attempts before I ran out of time and patience. At that point, I didn’t even have time to post it manually. It was days later before I figured out a solution with my app.
I had contemplated publishing this on Stepmother’s Day the following Sunday. I felt ambivalent about it, however, because this post is really meant for ALL mothers and mother figures, not merely stepmothers. As such, there seemed to be a mismatch between the vibe / intention of my post and what Stepmother’s Day represents. It didn’t feel right to post it, so I chose not to.
But then it kept bothering me that this didn’t get posted at all. Not anywhere. I had put considerable thought into what I wanted to say. The day and what it represents is important. It’s important to me, as is the essence and purpose of this post to honor motherhood and the Sacred Mother Journey. It didn’t make sense to post this on social media several days after the fact given the fleeting nature of all topics there. Finally, I got the inspiration to publish it here on my blog where it can be appreciated any day of the year. The essence of it is what matters anyway. Also, I’m considering writing a few other blogs about my stepmom journey. In that vein, this one serves as a precursor.
Honoring the Sacred Journey of Mother
Motherhood is universal, yet personal.
We all have individualized experiences with our mom. And if you’re a woman, you also have an experience as a mother, mother figure, or the journey of not mothering. Regardless of your personal experience, you can likely agree that a mother’s role is important.
Last week, I reflected upon my journey as a stepmom with the intention of relaying what I learned in order to help new stepmoms in a similar position. It quickly brought up a heap of emotions which I’ve spent years healing.
At the same time, I’ve been reminded of mothers who lost a child to death or estrangement, mothers who’re mourning the loss of their mom, moms with children having an array of challenges, moms celebrating proud moments, and step moms having their very 1st Mother’s Day!
With a vast array of subjective experiences, what could I say to honor all of them ~ to celebrate the beautiful rewarding aspects of motherhood, while also being sensitive to the moms who are having a challenging time emotionally. That led me to acknowledge the sacredness of motherhood.
Our relationships with our own mom, or lack thereof (if she passed away early or left), influences how we view the role of mother, our expectations of such, and how we show up in our family. Spouses and ex’s have their subjective view and expectations; Hence, the clash in parenting (and discipline) in some households.
No matter where you are on the spectrum of the motherhood journey, it’s a sacred journey marker that is personal to you and you alone. Some will be able to grasp what you are going through, while others can’t. But we can all recognize the special bond between a mother and child, and that’s sacred.
Today, I honor the Journey of Mother ~ the sacredness of it ~ in all its glory and its messiness. Even the mother wounds point back to the depth of sacredness.
To all women who chose to take the Journey of Motherhood, I honor you and send you many blessings.
Namaste!
Recent Comments