This One’s For You, Mom
Appreciation is an expression of gratitude — an opportunity to pause, reflect, and acknowledge the impact that people, places, and things have made on your life.
Appreciation for loved ones raises your consciousness to the gift of their presence — the pleasures, the challenges, and the insights they bring to your life. It’s a reminder that nothing happens in isolation.
Though we seek independence in so many ways in our society, we are all connected and dependent upon the reciprocal give and take of relationships. Our vulnerability connects us as human beings, opens us up to reflect upon the value we bring to each other’s lives.
Since yesterday was Mother’s Day, I’d like to take a moment to reflect on and appreciate the leading lady in my life — and maybe it will register with you as well, sparking a phone call to be placed, a letter to be written, or even a door to be knocked on. Perhaps it will shape how you show up in the lives of your loved ones.
This one is for you, Mama:
My mom is a woman like no other. She’s a never-ending well of compassion, curiosity, and perfectly placed puns. A master wordsmith, a loyal friend, and a fierce protector of her values, she has passed along more than just her love of language, family, cooking, and card playing…
She gave me life, nurtured me, fed me, dressed me, taught me, held me, and fought for me. She disciplined me, shouted at me, showed up for me, kissed me, and made me laugh out loud. My mom made a choice every day to put her family’s happiness and well-being ahead of her own, she taught me the hard lessons, and she loved me through all of life’s ups and downs.
She may not have understood all of the decisions I’ve made in life but she never turned her back on me. She’s allowed me to walk my own path, fly with my own wings and has always stood by me and loved me no matter what.
A powerful influence she continues to be. Because neither of us are perfect, she’s been able to teach me the gift of forgiveness, the power of being an ambassador for peace, and the ever-available grace in learning and re-learning from our mistakes. She’s demonstrated the value in standing up for what she believes.
She’s imparted her wisdom, her love, her silliness, and her compassion deep into my own being. Thank you, Mom, for being who you are; for never giving up; for always seeking to learn and grow.
You are precious to me and I love you dearly.
Reach out today. Tell someone about the impact they have had on your life. Expand the gift of appreciation by creating a ripple effect with the words you speak.
In Love & Gratitude for all the mothers, stepmothers, grandmothers and Godmothers,
Missi Holt