Mother’s Day, 11th May 2014
Today I chose to celebrate motherhood in a different way. Not in a better way for sure. As having a lie-in, being served breakfast in bed or not having to do chores all day are the preferred way to spend Mother’s Day. Like all mums, I love it that way. But I have to be honest, gone are the days when the kids present me with cute greeting cards and even cuter presents made at school. Those days are past. I am not being bitter. It’s just the way it is. (Update: Migo’s class however still makes those lovely greeting cards, so I got one 🙂
What I am saying is, my reality is not Hallmark perfect. I feel that this event is too hyped up, such that when my reality falls short, I feel…disheartened? Left wanting? Perhaps a little incomplete?
I don’t like any of the above discontent, created by…society (for lack of a real person to blame!)
This year, my friend Anna offered a different way of celebrating motherhood. I don’t think she realised that this “offer” was so “freeing” for me. Or maybe she did, discerning as she is. A few of my mum friends joined Anna to a Mother’s Day Classic 8KM FunWalk, a Cancer Foundation initiative.
This event meant going to the Sydney CBD, out of the house, and not having to think of my little darlings (who are now bigger than I). I spent the day feeding my own needs. Being with my friends and walking for a cause spelt fun fun FUN. I was outdoors. I was on my own. I did not have to think what Migo might need, I did not have to think about wiping out the glum look on Gab’s face when I nag him, and I did not have to keep checking that my husband was OK. All I ever thought was… ME. That I had to go to the loo. That I had to get to the venue on time. That I can enjoy the sunshine and fantastic scenery. That I can soak in the festive atmosphere with all the mums in pink. That I can chat with my buddies with no care and with much silliness.
I was with friends who chose to get off their beds early and walk/run to raise cancer awareness. Sure I can publicly declare that I was doing this for Anna and for the cancer cause. That was true of course. But first and foremost was my enjoyment. My own happiness.
So I owned my Mother’s Day today. I did not have to expect anything from the brood and they did not have to do anything for me. Here’s the key. I also did not need any of my girlfriends to make me happy. I was not concerned if any of them was happy or unhappy. I found my own joy and it was mine and mine alone.
Did I say I owned it?
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Thanks for reading. This wraps up my 52 Weeks of Writing. I remember that I started this 52 Week Challenge in June last year, the month after my ‘Daily Blogging in May 2013’. WOW. It was a writing marathon. Long and meandearing requiring endurance and mind tricks for sure. I even finished a week before my self-declared FINISH time.
YEY ME. Let’s do this again. I quite like the way I numbered every post. I think I will keep the numbers. I will keep writing. I hope you keep me company for…EVER!
I AM GRATEFUL FOR YOU! See you shortly….
Much Love Always,
Cha