Thanks to the tireless efforts of one woman, Anna Jarvis, Americans have been celebrating Mother’s Day as an official holiday since 1914. Anna wanted to honor women for the many sacrifices that they constantly make for their children and communities. Most people would agree that our moms deserve all of the honor and gratitude we can possibly give them!
Celebrating Mothers!
As Cardinal Meymillod once said, “A mother is she who can take the place of all others but whose place no one else can take.” And in the famous words of Rudyard Kipling, “God could not be everywhere, and therefore he made mothers.” Everyone has a mother. She may have given birth to you, or she might not have. Either way, she is the one you ran to when you skinned your knee. The one who held you when you cried. The one who told you to wash your hands and say your prayers. Think for a moment about her. Feel the warmth of her arms enfolding you, almost fierce in their love. Picture her eyes—pinpoints of stars when happy, and terrifying laser beams when angry, but pure love either way. Just for a moment, remember her eyes filled with tears of anguish, even while she tries to smile, for your sake. Listen for her voice. Is it flowing with gentle words of reassurance? Or a little rough with scolding undertones? Both are love. Think of her working tirelessly, giving up the best of everything she had for you—and even more, wanting to do it. This is the woman who deserves your honor and love—on Mother’s Day and every day.
Self-Care Basics
If you are a mother, you understand well these words by Ricki Lake. “Motherhood is the greatest thing and the hardest thing.” You give even more than you have to give, because you love with even more love than you could ever imagine, but you still sometimes feel like it is never quite enough. You work, you love, you pray, you plead, you wear your hands and your knees and your heart out to help your little ones have the best life possible. Please, know that you are enough. You are the exact right woman for your particular set of children!
You also need to take time for your own self-care. Take good care of that amazing body of yours. Get enough sleep, eat the right foods, and exercise regularly. Spend some time relaxing and pampering yourself. Go out with your friends. Develop your talents and do something you love every single day. Not only do you need it, but you deserve it! You spend so much time taking care of everyone else, sometimes people forget to take care of you. But you can be that person. You can take care of you. Because you matter too.
Some amazing tools for this are essential oils for self-care. You can’t know what you are missing out on until you feel it for yourself! Our favorite essential oils for Mother’s Day are Eucalyptus, Lavender, and Peppermint.
Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus essential oil is first on our list because of the way it soothes your skin, muscles, and joints. Included in many muscle and breathing rubs, eucalyptus oil is perfect for massaging away those aches, pains, and built-up tension. Add a few drops to your favorite carrier oil for a relaxing and healing massage. At the same time, eucalyptus is perfect for providing peace and easing your worries.
Lavender
Lavender essential oil is a top seller for a reason. It is extremely versatile, and well-loved for its fragrant smell. Coming to you straight from the mountains of France, lavender is great for both relaxation and skin care. Used with a carrier oil, it can reduce redness and soothe cuts, scrapes, and rashes. To get both benefits of lavender, put a few drops into a hot bath and slip into blissful oblivion for a few precious minutes!
Peppermint
Peppermint essential oil is popular for its topical cooling affects. It is another wonderful addition to a massage oil or bath. You can also diffuse it to brighten your mood and freshen the air. It uplifts, soothes, and relaxes.
This Mother’s Day, give the gift of self-care—whether to yourself or to the mothers in your life. The mothers of the world deserve a little bit of rest and relaxation, after all they do for us. Let’s all find a meaningful new way to say thank you this year!
