As we look back on our memories of our mothers, it can be easy to slip into thinking about them in past tenses. The things they used to do, the way they used to sound, their mannerisms and quirks that have faded with time, but that we still hold dear in our hearts. Remembering our mothers like this can bring up many different emotions, from joy and nostalgia, to grief and longing. But beyond these individual feelings, there is another important lesson to be learned from this exercise: the opportunity to understand women more from a mother’s point of view.
Mothers are often seen as caretakers, nurturers, and emotional pillars within families. They juggle a million different tasks, from cooking and cleaning to driving kids to school and helping with homework. They are often the glue that holds a family together, working tirelessly behind the scenes to make sure that everyone is safe, healthy, and happy. But beyond these everyday tasks, mothers also have a unique perspective on the world, one that is shaped by their experiences as women.
For many mothers, raising children means confronting gender and societal expectations head-on. They are judged for their appearance, their parenting style, their career choices, and their relationships. They are held to an impossible standard of perfection, where any misstep can be seen as a failure. They are often denied equal pay and opportunities in the workplace, and struggle to find a work-life balance that allows them to be present for their families while also pursuing their own goals.
All of these challenges can shape a mother’s perspective on life, and give her a unique insight into the realities of being a woman today. By thinking about your mother in past tenses, you have the opportunity to reflect on the way she navigated these challenges, and the lessons she learned along the way. You can ask yourself how she balanced her own needs with the needs of her family, how she stood up for herself in the face of unfair treatment, and how she found joy and meaning in her own life outside of motherhood.
By understanding women more from a mother’s point of view, you can gain a deeper appreciation for the sacrifices and struggles that many women face, and the resilience and strength that they demonstrate in the face of adversity. You can learn to recognize the unique perspective that mothers bring to the table, and the important insights that they have to offer on everything from work and relationships, to personal fulfillment and happiness.
As we celebrate Mother’s Day and look back on memories of our own mothers, let us not only remember their love and kindness, but also the lessons they can teach us about what it means to be a woman in the world today. By learning to understand women more from a mother’s point of view, we can become more compassionate, empathetic, and supportive allies to all the mothers and women in our lives.
Transformation! 