05/10/2025
With Mother's Day approaching this Sunday, I've been thinking about how complex this holiday can be for so many of us. 💗
For some, it's a joyful celebration filled with brunches, family and beautiful tributes.
But for others (maybe you?), it can stir up a whirlwind of complicated emotions – from grief and loneliness to anger and disappointment.
I still have memories of scanning the greeting card aisle, searching for something that reflected my reality, only to walk away empty-handed. They just don’t make cards that cover “it’s complicated”...
Perhaps you can relate?
💔 Maybe your mother wasn't safe or nurturing.
💔 Perhaps you're estranged or grieving a loss.
💔 Maybe you're navigating fertility challenges.
💔 Or maybe you’re navigating the complex emotions of being a mother yourself while healing from your own childhood wounds.
Whatever your unique situation, I want to gently remind you of something really important today - that there is no "right" or “wrong” way to feel on Mother's Day.
All of your feelings are valid. Which is why I've included a few gentle suggestions I hope will help you navigate this weekend with a little more ease and self-compassion:
A Weekend of Gentle Self-Care - 3 Ways to Support Your Tender Nervous System
If this day feels like a wave, let’s find ways to anchor you—softly, kindly, without pressure.
1. Intentional self-care (without guilt)
This may not be the time for bubble baths and candles—unless that genuinely soothes you.
Intentional self-care is simply about pausing long enough to ask: What do I need right now?
That might look like:
🌿 Unplugging from social media for the day
🌿 Saying "no" to plans that feel to heavy
🌿 Curling up with a book or movie that feels like comfort food
🌿 Sitting with a cup of tea and feeling--without judgment
🌿 Going for a quiet walk in nature
🌿 Doing anything else that brings you respite, comfort, or peace
Whatever it is—make it yours. You don’t have to earn rest. You don’t need a reason to be gentle with yourself.
2. Honor Your Boundaries - a Gift to Your Nervous System
You are allowed to say no.
You are allowed to change your mind.
You are allowed to protect your peace.
It’s okay to skip the brunch. To silence your phone. To opt out of social media. To cancel plans you said yes to before you knew how tender you’d feel.
If you do attend something out of obligation, it’s also okay to set a time limit, plan breaks, or leave early. You’re not being difficult—you’re being discerning. You are the keeper of your own emotional safety.
You are not responsible for managing other people's expectations--only your own capacity.
That is more than enough.
3. A Soothing Havening Practice: “I Am Safe to Feel”
If your body feels tight or overwhelmed, this soft, rhythmic touch can help calm your system and bring you back into your center.
Here’s how:
1. Rub your palms together slowly, like washing your hands—soft and rhythmic.
2. Cross your arms over your chest and lightly rub your upper arms, as if giving yourself a hug.
3. Gently stroke your arms from shoulders down to your elbows. Repeat, slowly and rhythmically.
As you do this, breathe in and softly repeat (aloud or silently):
It’s safe to feel whatever I feel today.
It's okay to feel everything I'm feeling.
I am allowed to take care of myself first.
This moment belongs to me.
There is no wrong way to be today.
I am allowed to protect my peace.
I am loved. I am enough. I am healing.
Breathe deeply as you continue, and notice if your body begins to soften.
Let yourself feel held, just for a moment.
You don't need to "fix" anything.
You are already enough.
Let this be a moment just for you.
A Gentle Reminder
You are not alone in the way you feel.
Remember, my friend, you are not alone if you’re experiencing complex feelings right now. Behind many of those "perfect" posts are people sitting with (or avoiding) their own complicated stories.
You are not required to perform gratitude, joy, or forgiveness if it doesn’t feel authentic.
You are allowed to honor what’s real—even if it’s messy, even if it doesn’t fit into a Hallmark card.
You are doing the brave, invisible work of healing.
I'd love to know – what's one small way YOU plan to take care of yourself this Sunday? Hit reply to this post and let me know. I read every message. 🥰
With love,
Tiffany 💜
Serenity by Sarah, Reiki Master & CMT batools_esthetics Beautigirl Esthetics Tiffany King Hypnotherapy
