How Moms Can Celebrate Every Day — Even When Mother’s Day Feels Quiet

May'25

The Quiet Truth About Mother’s Day

The sunlight seeps in through the blinds as the clock ticks 8. Rustling of the sheets next to her lets an annoyed Jules know that her husband is still in bed. She quietly pulls out her compact mirror and adjusts her natural makeup, she did the night before, and loosens the curls to give a ‘I woke up like this’ look. In case her family wants to surprise her with breakfast in bed.

For the past month she has been hinting to her husband and kids about the upcoming Mother’s Day, and now it's finally here. Maybe this time will be different and she will get the appreciation she craves and deserves.

Across the hall the toddler wakes up. Jules quickly closes her eyes and pretends to sleep. “Not today, this is all about me and I’m not getting up,” she thinks as she cuddles in the blanket.

The soft whimper of the child grew louder. She ‘accidently’ kicks her husband’s foot to get him out of bed, but he just turns and snores louder. The child begins to wail, and with a deep sigh she grudgingly pushes herself out of bed and makes her way to the other room.

The day begins, same as every other day.

Every second Sunday in May, social media lights up with floral tributes, brunch photos, and glowing posts dedicated to moms. And yet, quietly in the background, there are countless mothers who sit in silence, feeling the ache of being overlooked.

Maybe your kids forgot. Maybe they’re too young to plan anything. Maybe your partner didn’t think to make it special. Or maybe, you’ve given your all and the silence of the day feels deafening.

First, let’s pause and say this: you are not alone. If Mother’s Day passes and no one acknowledges you, remember this: you are still a mother, and you are still worthy of celebration.

But instead of hoping others recognize that, let’s talk about how you can honor yourself — not just on Mother’s Day, but every single day.

You Are the Celebration — Empowerment Starts Within

Reframe the Day: Release the Expectation, Embrace the Intention

Disappointment is often rooted in expectation. We create a picture in our minds — breakfast in bed, handmade cards, thoughtful gifts — and when reality doesn’t match, you feel let down.

Instead, reframe the day with an intentional time for self-celebration. Ask yourself: What do I need today to feel appreciated? Then go give it to yourself.

Here are a few empowering ideas:

• Take yourself out for a coffee and wear something you love.

• Write a letter to yourself honoring the mother you’ve become.

• Buy your own flowers — not because no one else did, but because you deserve them.

Make Space for Daily Rituals of Joy

Why wait for a date on the calendar to feel seen?

Create daily or weekly rituals that bring you joy:

• A morning walk with your favorite music

• A journal practice reflecting on one thing you did well as a mom

• A standing solo “date” every month — be it a bookstore trip or a quiet bath with no interruptions

You teach your family how to treat you by how you treat yourself. When your children see you modeling self-love and joy, they learn to value your presence — and their own.

Celebrate Small Wins (They Are Everything)

Did you get everyone to school fed and alive? Did you listen patiently when your teen was melting down? Did you hold back from yelling when everything in you wanted to scream?

Those are victories.

Create a “Mom Wins” journal. Celebrate your growth, your patience, your creativity. Honor the invisible work that rarely gets applause.

Communicate with Courage, Celebrate with Intention

Talk About What You Need and Without Guilt

Many moms stay silent because they don’t want to “make a fuss” or “seem needy.” But unspoken needs don’t get met.

Try something like:

“Mother’s Day is important to me. I don’t need anything fancy, but feeling appreciated really lifts my heart. Could you help the kids make a card, or plan a small moment together?”

You’re not demanding — you’re teaching. And children and partners often just need guidance.

Create a Family Culture of Appreciation

If you want to feel appreciated more often, create the rhythm in your home.

Some ideas:

• Start a weekly gratitude circle: “One thing I appreciated about Mom this week is…”

• Hang a “Thankful Wall” where anyone can post a kind word

• Model appreciation by affirming others out loud: “I love how Daddy helped with dishes today!”

The more appreciation becomes part of your family language, the more naturally it flows back to you.

Build Your Own Celebration Squad

Find or create a circle of fellow moms — in your neighborhood, online, or among friends — who cheer each other on.

Make a pact: every Mother’s Day (or even monthly), you check in with a message, a call, or a small gift. That way, no matter what your family does, you have your own people lifting you up.

Closing Thoughts: You Are Not Forgotten

Let us say:

You are an incredible mother. You are doing hard work and giving parts of yourself for your family. And you matter.

This year, and every year after, we invite you to take back the narrative. Be your own celebration. Set the standard. Light the candle. Write the card to yourself. Show your children that self-worth doesn’t come from others — it comes from yourself.

And maybe, just maybe, as you celebrate yourself, others will learn to follow your lead.

Happy Mother's Day — today, and every day.