Making Mother?s Day Special

How many times have you heard a friend say about someone who's no longer here, "I never got to tell her (or him) how much I really cared."

We've all felt this way at some stage about someone in our lives. Yet it's hard to sit down and tell a person face to face exactly what they mean to you. Perhaps it feels a little artificial, or you're not comfortable expressing yourself so directly. But there is a way to convey those feelings in a manner that's comfortable to you both.

This Mother's Day, write a personal note to your mother telling her what she's contributed to your life. Make this a time to put aside your differences (or grievances) and search for the positives in your relationship.

Here's a step-by-step approach to composing your message:

1. Set aside some time as soon as possible to start making notes. If you leave yourself a few days to work on this, you'll find that your subconscious mind will start searching for more examples of your mother's gifts to you. So assign it this task and don't be surprised if you start remembering events you haven't thought of in decades.

2. Your first list will be of your mother's positive qualities, many of which you will hopefully have modeled. For example, is she patient, kind, gentle, forthright, accepting, questioning, assertive, accommodating?
Even behaviors like carping or nagging can be seen in a positive light (she's persistent or concerned). Or you can leave them off the list.
Does she have a good sense of humor, a knack for making other people feel at ease, a way of persuading others to do the right thing?
Is she a good listener, a good hostess, a great organizer?
Look at the way she handles her mothering role, as well as the other roles she plays in her life. How does she juggle it all?
What does she love? Do you share these passions?

3. The next list is her talents. Where does she excel?
For example, is she artistic? Does she paint, draw, sculpt, arrange flowers or decorate well? Do you exhibit the same traits or perhaps a variation?
Does she have a good singing voice? Good looks? An ability for math, English, writing, gardening, science?
What natural talents do you share with her?

4. The final list focuses on what she taught you.
Did she instil specific values, beliefs, attitudes that have served you in your life?
Did she teach you skills that have benefited you in some way?
Did she arrange lessons in other areas where you expressed an interest, so that you could develop new skills or talents? This is a gift too.

5. What is her greatest gift to you?

6. When your list is complete, set aside an hour or so and write a thank you letter. It doesn't have to be sweet or sentimental. Just list all the gifts she's given you, whether through heredity, example or teaching, and thank her for them. You can embellish your message if you wish, but the whole point of the exercise is to express your gratitude for what she has contributed to your life.

7. You can handwrite the message or type it into your computer, then print it in a plain or calligraphic font. Whatever feels right for you.

8. Include it with the card you give her on Mother's Day. It will be an occasion she'll never forget.

© Marguerite Bonneville

Marguerite Bonneville is a Master Practitioner of Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) whose passion is publishing information online. She is a contributing writer at http://www.rosaflora-flowers.com, an online florist service that delivers flowers around Australia and across the globe.

---

Anniversary Gift Ideas Year by Year, the First Nineteen Years

It's impossible to remember what gift is traditional for each... Read More

The Gift of Failure

During this Thanksgiving holiday, we are reminded to reflect on... Read More

Country Christmas Idea: Milkweek Pod Poinsettia Ornaments

Country Christmas Idea: Milkweed Pod Poinsettia OrnamentsAt first glance, milkweed... Read More

Valentine?s Day Ideas for Singles

Maybe your significant other is overseas in the military. Maybe... Read More

Memorial Day a way to Celebrate

Memorial Day is May 30th this year, are you ready?... Read More

The Holiday Shopping Experience - Rewarding or Traumatic?

Picture this scenario! It's December 24th, the day of Christmas... Read More

Fun, Fireworks, & Flowers!

The 4th of July is a time for celebrating Freedom!... Read More

10 Stress Free Tips to Pamper Mom This Mothers Day

Mothers Day is the day we set aside each year... Read More

Valentines Day

Ever wondered how February 14 became, the day on which... Read More

New Year?s Resolution ? Why Not Resolve To Take Back Your Life?

It's time once again for the dreaded New Year's Resolutions.... Read More

Cornucopia Centerpiece for Thanksgiving Day

As we enter into the month of November my thoughts... Read More

Patience

Ever since my girls were little, I've tried to teach... Read More

Gifts: What Do You Give A Couch Potato?

So you know someone who likes to "veg out" in... Read More

Fathers Day Gift Ideas for Dad!

Father's Day...Father's Day only one month away! Father's Day is... Read More

Contact Lenses for Halloween

It is never too soon to begin planning the perfect... Read More

Traditional VS. Modern Anniversary Gifts

Most people are familiar with the traditional materials list that... Read More

How To Stay Slim During The Holiday Season

The majority of people find themselves carrying additional fat once... Read More

Easy Costumes Kids Can Make

The kindergarten class I was teaching was scheduled to perform... Read More

Stress-Free Party Planning

It's a fact; most of us feel immediately stressed and... Read More

Marching Towards Mothers Day

"Mother: the most beautiful word on the lips of mankind."... Read More

The Bloated Bar Mitzvah Celebration: 6 Ways to Take It Back

Bar Mitzvah celebrations have grown exponentially in size and scope... Read More

Celebrate the 4th and Help a Soldier

My good friend, Rae, just called and suggested having a... Read More

Are You Going To Survive The Holidays?

Admit it! You promised this year was not going to... Read More

Unique Mothers Day Gift - No More Flowers and Chocolate

With Mother's Day approaching fast, it's time to begin thinking... Read More

Stress-Free Holiday Entertaining

The holiday season is upon us! It is a time... Read More

Camping And The Right Kind Of Tent

Campers all over the globe prefer to use tents in... Read More

An Easy Gift For Many Occasions

It can be very hard to find that one perfect... Read More

Relaxing Holidays - Five Ways To Make Your Next Holiday Stress Free

For many people the end of a year is a... Read More

Mothers Day Flowers & Gifts!

Mother's Day is Sunday, May 8th! Whether she lives next... Read More

Holiday Gift Ideas For Antique Lovers

1. Knowledge is Power. Whatever the area of collecting ?... Read More

Is Labor Day Passe

In a word, yes !Labor Day, which started in 1882... Read More

Top Ten Tips To A Terrific Valentine?s Day - For Women in Relationships

So Valentine's Day is upon us yet again, and most... Read More

Alone for the Holidays?

Being alone is a challenge for many people. This challenge... Read More