Positive Results by Sabrina

Mother’s Day is supposed to be a reminder to honor and celebrate the Mothers in your life. Hopefully a day of rest for her, pampering and love.  A day of remembrance and honor for the mothers who are no longer here with us but always in our hearts. 

We know that sometimes you often stress over finding the perfect ‘gift’ to celebrate her but from my point of view, the most important thing to remember is not the physical gift but to honor the woman herself. 

I am a firm believer in honoring people’s Love Languages. (If you are not familiar with “The Five Love Languages” by Gary Chapman, please do yourself a favor; grab the book, search on Google or YouTube.) When the concept was first introduced to me, I was not in a place to determine my own love language. I was at a place in my life where I had forgotten how to take care of myself, in survival mode, solely focused on taking care of my family. Fast forward quite a few years and I keep returning to the concepts. My love languages are quality time and physical touch. You will always make me happier with a walking date or family bbq than you will with a physical gift, and those are the memories I cherish. I am also a big hugger 😃

I have been a mother for over 20 years. I can’t recall a dozen gifts I’ve received but I can recall the most memorable moments. The most important physical gifts for me have been the ones that honored where I was in my life. The year my kids picked out a new workout outfit for me or the year my partner surprised me with new suitcases for my party business.  

Someone asked me for my guidance on gift ideas as a Mother, Coach and small business owner, so I will give you a few here, honoring different love languages. 

Quality Time: Hike, walk on the beach, picnic, movie date, date with her friends

Reminder: if you have small children, offering to take everyone out for the day but still expecting Mom to do all of the work preparing the children and herself for the day, is not a treat. You plan, prepare the children, pack the snacks, and allow her to get ready at her own pace and ‘show up’ in her own way. This also counts as an Act of Service.

Physical Touch: cuddle, massage, date night *wink*

Words of Affirmation: These are the women who love the beautiful, heart felt cards and letters. Take some time picking out the card and writing a personal message. Have your kids write notes or practice having them say what they appreciate the most. Record a few short messages for her to replay on stressful and dark days.

Acts of Service: Take care of the things that are normally hers by default, preferably for more than just one day. Do not be the person who ‘gives her the day off’ by letting everything pile up for the next day. 

Cook for her and serve her. If she’s not the type of woman that can tell you what she’d really like to do, maybe she needs a break from making decisions. Plan for her and LET HER REST!

If she’s been looking into a Coach, gym, race, or event, sign her up! Maybe agree to a few workouts with her too. Bonus quality time.

Detail her car or motorcycle

Check a few things off of that Honey-do list 

Gifts: Honor Her, not the ad you saw or the first rack of products you saw when you entered the store. 

In my circle, I know a lot of mother runners who would love new shoes, running gear, including socks, watches, gift certificates for a Coach, PT or Pelvic Floor Therapist.

If she loves flowers, help her plant a small garden. They will last longer than the bouquet you buy, bonus quality time, and hopefully give her some time in the future to relax while appreciating their beauty.

Try to recall anything special she has mentioned wanting in the last year but didn’t consider a ‘responsible purchase’. (We’re talking purses, jackets, new makeup or fancy coffee makers, not vacuums and other cleaning products…) Not coming up with ideas easily, ask her friends! 

Sign her up for a Fruit and Veggie delivery. Act of service and a gift. Saves time and benefits everyone’s health. My friends at RAW will take good care of you.

Mother’s Day is not a surprise event. It comes at the same time every year, just like her birthday. You have a lot of time to plan and if you forgot, I’m giving you over a week, you’re welcome. Pay attention to HER and what she likes, needs and wants.