The Mother’s Day I’ll Never Forget: Why I Stopped Waiting for a Mind Reader
I tell this story to almost every mom I meet, and now I’m telling it to you.
Ten years ago, I was facing my very first Mother’s Day. I was a new mom, navigating the world with a tiny human, and I was actually pregnant with my second child. I was exhausted, and in my head, I was expecting a spectacular celebration of myself. I needed some recognition that I was doing all the “right things.”
But I never said a word. That Sunday came and went, and my husband did… nothing. No card, no flowers, no “Happy Mother’s Day.”
Before you get angry on my behalf, let’s look at it from his perspective: He grew up in a household that didn’t celebrate birthdays or holidays. To him, it was just another Sunday. He didn’t know how important it was to me because I hadn’t told him.
From Devastation to a Candid Conversation
I was devastated. But instead of letting that bitterness fester, I pulled up my big girl pants and had a candid conversation. I didn’t want to make him feel guilty; I wanted to set us both up for success.
I simply told him: “Next year, I need you to celebrate me.” I explained that I wanted our kids to grow up seeing us take the time to celebrate the people who love and care for them. It wasn’t just about me—it was about teaching them how to express gratitude for everyone in their lives, from their parents and grandparents to their teachers and friends. I also made sure he knew that when Father’s Day rolled around, I wanted to do the exact same for him.
It Was Never About the “Stuff”
That first Mother’s Day taught me that “filling your cup” isn’t selfish; it’s about being self-aware. Looking back, that conversation wasn’t about demanding a material gift. It was about two things:
- Feeling Appreciated: We all have a way we feel seen. For me, it wasn’t about jewelry; it was a card and a hug. By speaking up, I was letting my partner know exactly how to fill my cup so I could keep showing up for our family.
- Modeling Gratitude: If we don’t show our children how to celebrate the people in their lives now, how will they learn? By asking for what I needed, I was giving my kids a roadmap for how to be grateful, empathetic humans.
We Celebrate Together
Ten years later, things look a lot different. I’ve even started buying what I want for myself and wrapping it up! If you like a surprise, tell your partner that. But if you know what makes you feel special, don’t be afraid to make it happen. They aren’t mind readers, but they are usually our biggest fans when we give them the directions.
I created our Mom and Baby Socials for this exact reason. I wanted a space where you can feel supported, pampered, and celebrated—even if you’re the one who bought the ticket. Sometimes, the best way to fill your cup is to choose to show up for yourself in a community that “gets it.”
Ready to feel pampered and have some fun with your little one? Check out the details for this year’s Mom and Baby Mother’s Day Event here!
Good luck, mamas. Speak up, fill your cup, and let’s show our kids what it looks like to live with gratitude.
