Mother’s Day is a wonderful time to honor the women who have made a lasting impact on our lives. However, for many, the holiday can serve as a reminder of unfulfilled dreams and painful longing. Whether you’re single and wondering if the possibility of a family will ever be available to you or if you’ve tried desperately for years to start a family, here are five ways to lift the dark cloud hanging over you and this special day.
Express Gratitude for Mothers.
First and foremost, Mother’s Day is meant to be a selfless, reflective time to remember and express gratitude to the mothers in our lives. Let this become a focus as you prayerfully consider ways to serve the mothers around you. Contemplate the blessings that have come into your life because of righteous women. Thank Heavenly Father for these things in prayer and fasting. If you haven’t told your mother-figure these things yet, find a way to do so.
Study Mother Eve.
In Genesis, we learn that Eve was given her name because she is the “mother of all living.” This was long before she had a child; motherhood has been described as more of a statement about our divine nature than the number of children we have. Consider Eve and the experiences she went through. She was the first woman to long for a child and to live in a state where it was impossible to do so. She was the first woman to experience motherhood and understand what it means. To us, she is and forever will be Mother Eve.
Explore Family History.
Not being able to build a family in the way we wish is a truly painful experience. We can soften the sting by realizing the eternal nature and potential of our families. Making family history work a priority can be a great use of our time and give us something wonderful to focus on. You can search out your ancestors, study the examples of women in your life, and visit the temple to perform sacred ordinances in their behalf. Family history work gives us a way to serve and love that is directly related to our own family.
Pamper Yourself.
Most mothers receive a lot of pampering on Mother’s Day. While it may be hard to believe, you deserve pampering too. Go easy on yourself and recognize the ways God has been able to use to help others. Treat yourself to a favorite meal, sleep in a little later, let the chores slide. Take some time doing things you love and bring you joy. Don’t feel guilty for putting you first for a day.
Join With Others Who May Feel the Same Way.
You are not alone. There are many women who feel the same way you do and are walking down similar paths. Join together to lift one another up. Serve and spend time with others who may be lonely on Mother’s Day. Learn from one another. Talk about ways you can move forward and then do it together.
Aleah is a graduate of Southern Virginia University, where she studied English, Creative Writing, and Dance. She now works full time as a marketing and product manager, writer, and editor. She currently hosts the podcast “Single to the Glory” about singlehood in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Aleah served a mission in California and loves baking, Lang Leav poetry, Gaynor Minden pointe shoes, and Bollywood movies.
