I ruined so many Mother’s Days in the past. Yes I ruined them not my family. I was too caught up in unrealistic expectations. I was looking and believing all the “perfect” pictures and gifts that I would see on social media. I was awful. My family tried to show their love for me but I didn’t think it was “good enough”. I would get so upset when I couldn’t even get a “perfect” picture of myself and the kids. I would let them know how unhappy I was. It was so unfair to them.

Then a few years ago, I stopped having unrealistic expectations. Actually, I had no expectations at all. I didn’t worry about a picture. If I got one great, if not oh well. I even joke about the fact that usually one kid looks miserable or isn’t even in the picture. I approach the day with love and kindness. I focus on the smiles on their faces, the pride in their eyes and the warm hugs and kisses. I do my best to ignore the fighting and whining which always happens. As for the picture, I try…sometimes it works out and other times it doesn’t. I still look at all those “perfect” pictures but I look at them with a different mindset. Who knows what happened before or after that picture…it could have been all smiles or World War 3.

So as Mother’s Day approaches, I’m reminding myself that what is most important is the love. Not the gifts. Not the picture. Just the smiles, hugs, love and happiness.

 

Picture from Mother’s Day 2017. Emily looks thrilled…lol.