As I prepared for this year’s Mother’s Day I had something interesting happen to me.
I was sitting in my vehicle after purchasing a few things for my mom. As I started up the car, I instinctively reached for my phone to take a picture of the gifts.
Now this is the interesting part.
As I was about to take the picture I thought to myself ,
Who are you going to show that picture to?
And immediately another question came into my mind :
Why would you show that picture to someone?
The Back Story
Several months ago I made the decision to walk away from social media.
And perhaps I’ll address the reasons in another post, but suffice to say I felt like my life would be better without social media.
The reason I bring this up is because I wouldn’t be able to share the photos on social media even if I did take them.
So why did I instinctively feel to take a picture of those gifts?
Perhaps it was because of some sense of competition.
Perhaps I felt like I had to provide proof to “someone” that I had done something special for my mother.
Perhaps I was a figurative participant in a competition amongst sons and daughters all over the world to see who could be the best child to their mother.
Who wins the competition you ask?
The one who:
- Spends the most
- Takes the best picture
- Finds the most unique item
- Gives the gift first
- Etc.
A Moment Of Clarity
Let me be clear. I’m not condemning spending money on your mother. Neither am I against taking pictures with her, or finding that extra special gift.
But I am against doing it so you can be seen. Now I’ll explain why.
When we take private moments and make them public we take away the intimacy of those moments.
Intimate by definition means to be close, personal, and private.
And this is a great way to express so many of the memories and moments we have shared with our mothers.
Making this moment as special as can be will likely mean keeping it as private as can be.
Remember, some of the most meaningful things happen behind closed doors. Make Mother’s Day personal.
The Issue With Overexposure
When we open these moments up to the masses, we are asking for trouble. We are exposing what is precious to the outside.
How would you feel if someone made a negative comment about your photo?
What would cross your mind if a stranger saw what you had done for your mom and said “it wasn’t good enough”.
But let me give you a secret: everyone doesn’t need to be involved.
Everyone doesn’t need to know what you did for your mother. It’s not about everybody.
It’s about your mom.
Consider keeping this year’s festivities limited to the people who matter.
And remember taking pictures is ok, but consider keeping it for the family’s eyes only.
Tips For a Great Mother’s Day
Keep It Intimate
When you get ready to present your mother with whatever you’ve prepared for her, consider doing it in a somewhat private way.
Set up a time to visit her house or to meet up with her. Rather than doing it in front of a lot of people, do it just in front of her and other loved ones.
If she feels like crying, or saying something from the heart in response, it will be much easier for her in this environment.
Make It Meaningful For Mom
Take time to figure out what she likes and wants.
My mom isn’t big on going out to restaurants, so we aren’t doing that.
This is contrary to what most children do for their mothers on this day. Everyone makes plans to go out to restaurants and take her out.
But all that doesn’t matter. What does matter is doing what your mom likes. It’s her day.
So do something she will find meaningful.
Keep Things Affordable
The LAST thing your mom wants you to do is go into debt to do something for her.
It’s very contradictory to her nature which is to make sure you are well taken care of. So for you to be in a bad situation because of her would be heart-breaking.
Have a plan, keep it within your budget, and execute accordingly.
When the light bill comes next week you’ll be glad you did!
Remember The Big Picture
Mother’s Day is all about celebrating your mother .
If you don’t spend any money, don’t give her any gifts, or do anything to be seen by others, you can still make this day special.
She just wants to see you, hear from you, and know that you love her as much as she loves you.!
Conclusion
Hopefully what I’ve shared today will help make this year’s Mother’s Day even more special.
Until next time Gents!
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