A mothers love is powerful, selfless, and enduring – there is nothing else like it. She embodies the shining beauty, silent resilience, and is often the psychological protector of the family, carrying burdens that are faced not only with endless determination, but quiet strength. A mother is a nurturer, caregiver, reassuring presence, planner, and spiritual guide. This often comes with a level of self-sacrifice, which is common amongst many South Asian women but often intensified in motherhood. There is a selfless attentiveness towards meeting others’ needs, yet a quiet neglect towards their own. Fulfilling family obligations can become burdensome and overwhelming, often resulting in exhaustion and a loss of personal identity, which can negatively impact physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.
Small daily gestures can go a long way to support mothers and ultimately strengthen the family network. Showing empathy and consideration is shown to be supportive, and often looks like; creating a safe space for mothers to express their stress, worries, and anxieties; listening without judgement; showing them they are not alone by formulating a plan for shared responsibilities; along with having open and honest conversations to help mothers feel deeply connected, seen, and heard. Whether in personal or professional spaces, enhancing awareness of self, along with the deeper understanding to meet one’s own needs, can contribute to a more enriched and fulfilled life.
A mother gives her heart to the family – perhaps it’s time we start taking care of her heart as well.