Now that we’re in between the Mother's Day and Father’s Day season, we owe it to ourselves to walk away from this holiday looking for all the good there is to be celebrated around us. Look past what may not be the way you like and choose to see the good. The single mom working hard for her family, the new mom trying to figure it all out, the recent grandma experiencing motherhood in a whole new way. There is still so much to be celebrate should we choose to do so.
I try to choose to continue to celebrate. That option writes a new story for my boys and their families in the future. That option sets my family up for joy and hope in our current lives. That option helps me move into the future and move forward creating happy new memories that will eventually snuff out the less than ideal. That option allows for grace and the enjoyment of reality despite whether it's picture perfect or not.
A huge key to this method being a success? Letting go of perfection. The perfect day just won't happen but you can find perfect moments in the day. Look at the intention and maybe not the execution. Let go of ANY expectations and just settle into whatever the day will bring. Enjoy the handmade cards or short stemmed flowers picked by chubby hands.
Focus on your ability to be a mother in whatever facet you have been able to do so. Look around you for mothers who may need a hand or a hug or a card and some flowers. I have found that focusing on the moms around you and celebrating them, turns Mother's Day into an everyday kind of holiday I want in my life. Reach out to the friend who has always wanted children, include her in your plans for a day -- celebrate your husband’s Mom or your best friend’s mom for all the ways she has been there for you.
This Father's Day, find the men who mentor you, father or not. Find the men who pour into your children with time and attention and celebrate their role. Some years I have just taken an inventory of the men in my life who are good fathers and sent them a card to say so, whether they "father" me in any way or not. Look for the men who need a little encouragement and take it upon yourself to do so.
The way it goes, many of us are not necessarily blessed with amazing parents but if we adjust our approach to these holidays, we will find that we all have something to celebrate.
It all comes down to this....these are YOUR holidays so you can make them be what you want! You can make the rules and you can choose the focus. Let’s celebrate all mothers and fathers, every day. There are many and much to be celebrated if we choose to focus on all the ways we are blessed and not on the ways we are not.
We can all dig deep and find the good, because it's there, regardless of our past, our present or our future.
Can you find it? Who's a mom you'd love to celebrate? A dad? Your favorite memory?
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Visit New York Life's Celebrating Good page here to share your own photos and memories, and to see how others are celebrating mothers and fathers, every day. You can also share a photo on Twitter or Instagram with the hashtag #KeepGoodGoing.
Overlook the hard and look for the happy!
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135 comments:
My godmother (may she rest in peace) was a wonderful mother figure to me and a great mom to her 3 daughters. She would go on trips and always send me a postcard and bring me back a gift. I saved those postcards and I have read them to my own daughter.
mami2jcn at gmail dot com
tweet--https://twitter.com/mami2jcn/status/599216160249401345
I am so thankful and blessed by my relationship with my in-laws. My husband's parents have always always been kind and generous with both of us, and not those blessings extend to our kids.
I would love to celebrate my mom
elena150980@yahoo.com
https://twitter.com/ElenaIstomina/status/599246259002544128
elena150980@yahoo.com
I would love to celebrate my Dad because he is 84 years old and he is still helping me out with his advice and he is comforting and so supportive of me! He has dedicated his life to his kids, and he is always there with a shoulder to cry on when needed!!
Tweet entry
https://twitter.com/JewelWood/status/599574958465921024
my email jewelwood55(at)gmail(dot)com
I would love to celebrate my own Mother.
prettyinhotpink6 at gmail dot com
Tweet: https://twitter.com/PrettyHotPink6/status/599764962743975937
I would love to celebrate my mother. She is the one who makes all birthdays and holidays happy.
tcarolinep at gmail dot com
-https://twitter.com/tcarolinep/status/599781832893149185
I would celebrate my dad: fair minded person, gentle, kind.
https://twitter.com/LuLu_Brown24/status/600267210578206721
I am blessed to have a wonderful step-dad who has stepped in and been a great dad and grandpa too.
Twitter Entry: https://twitter.com/zanderbear/status/600269522227060736
I'd celebrate my dad, who worked hard but always showed us love and took time to do special things for us.
My mom passed away almost 3 years ago from breast cancer. I honor her memory every single day, not just on mother's day.
groogruxking40 @ gmail dot com
Both of my parents and grandparents have been equally important and supportive in my life and I celebrate them daily!
nathansmommy619(At)aol(dot)com
Tweeted to share https://twitter.com/StaceyNNE/status/601401063573446656
Nathansmommy619(At)aol(dot)com
I celebrate my mom who raised me by herself for 9 years and sacrificed so much so that I could have a wonderful childhood. bethalee13 at gmail dot com
I would celebrate my dad not onlyl is he the best dad ever but he just recently moved to the phillipines so I NEVER get to see him :( miss him all the time!!!
vanitizebaby@yahoo.com
tweet
https://twitter.com/MeandBells/status/601532809178525696
vanitizebaby@yahoo.com
I would love to celebrate my great grandmother, she always taught me how to be giving, kind, and nurturing.
nicole.ddziedzic at gmail dot com
Shared on Twitter: https://twitter.com/lil_lady_dz/status/601652150574284800
nicole.ddziedzic at gmail dot com
my dad passed away over 3 years ago from lung cancer. I treasure all the great memories we had. Especially our weekly lunch date. Where we would catch up. I miss him so much.
amypugmire@live.com
tweet. amypugmire@live.com
https://twitter.com/1amypugmire/status/601791593713168384
I have a wonderful Mother who has always taught me to be kind and to help others! She is a rock in my life! my4boysand1@gmail.com
I tweeted
https://twitter.com/my4boysand1/status/602344061362642944
my4boysand1@gmail.com
My Mom and Dad are both wonderful! I'm adopted but I always felt special, like I was chosen.
madelinebrubaker {at} gmail [dot] com
Tweet link: https://twitter.com/shala_darkstone/status/604080597879906304
madelinebrubaker {at} gmail [dot] com
I'd like to celebrate my grandmother who was my grandfather's second wife and who we couldn't have loved more!
tweeted
https://twitter.com/rubylorikeet/status/604108299169067008
I would love to celebrate my Mother-In-Law! Without her, I won't have such a good husband! ;) Yup, gotta give her all the credit. Now that I'm a Mom, I know it's not easy to guide and lead. She really teach by being a good example to her kids.
amy [at] utry [dot] it
tweeted:
https://twitter.com/uTry_it/status/605246792217722880
amy [at] utry [dot] it
I would love to celebrate my mother.she is so sweet.
tina19820115@gmail.com
https://twitter.com/HappyTina0115/status/607126741535092736
tina19820115@gmail.com
My Mom, as a mother of 8 & the wife of a military husband my Mom has sacrificed a lot for our family. Over the last few years life has several obstacles from a brother in the thick of alcohol & substance addiction, to walking her sister through losing her husband & a grandson who was very ill, she has been our rock & deserves to be celebrated.
My favorite family memories are cooking together at holidays, especially baking Christmas cookies together.
My favorite tradition for Mother's Day is making breakfast for my family then spending the day crafting together
mummytotwoboys@yahoo.com
tweeted
https://twitter.com/mummytotwoboys1/status/608787585113145344
mummytotwoboys@yahoo.com
I have lost both of my parents and I remember the good memories of our lives together.
s2s2 at cox dot net
https://twitter.com/susan1215/status/609009679260336128
s2s2 at cox dot net
I would like to celebrate my parents. They are truly selfless people who have always led by example and have demonstrated the blessings of giving time, resources and love to others. Not only are they a blessing to others, they are a blessing to my children as well.
sazzyfrazz at gmail dot com
Tweeted: https://twitter.com/sazzyfrazzy/status/609802700503433217
sazzyfrazz at gmail dot com
Some of my favorite memories of of my grandfather on the farm. He would bring lambs in and let me feed them by the wood stove; taught me to make homemade maple syrup; brought me to the garden to gather food with him; made me feel so loved.
My favorite memory is my love for teddy bears!(I still love them now, but back when I was a kid you wouldn't find me without one at home!)
https://twitter.com/Attea2d/status/610797645301448704
I'd like to celebrate both my parents. My Mom really treated people well and was always so loving and caring. My Dad also is one to always be there to help others. They were/are a great inspiration.
Thanks so much.
rickpeggysmith(at)aol(dot)com
Tweeted: https://twitter.com/peg42/status/610813722773295104
Thanks so much.
rickpeggysmith(at)aol(dot)com
My parents sacrificed their needs to make sure we kids got everything we needed and wanted, including paid-for educations. I appreciate them so much.
Tweet
https://twitter.com/clc408/status/610839222560399360
I would celebrate my mother who taught me good values.
Both of my parents deserve to be celebrated! They are both amazing people who have wonderful qualities. They are both loving, giving and always doing things for others. I would not be the person I am today without the influence of my mom and dad.
Addictedtorodeo at gmail dot com
I do want to celebrate my late parents. They taught me how to get along in the world, and they adored my children!
I would like to celebrate my birth daughter as a great mom.
She amazes me how patient she is!
thank you
barbara dot montyj at gmail dot com
Tweet https://twitter.com/JalapenoMama/status/610981948543078400
I'd love to celebrate both of my parents, they shaped who I am and continue to be amazing roll models to me and my kids!
demureprincess7(at)gmail(dot)com
I would love to celebrate my mom
My dad, as he is one the most selfless and generous person that I know. My Dad has shown his love in countless of other ways to his family. One of those ways was working long, grueling hours at the coal mine to ensure that his family had the best of everything. Even now, he is always there lending a helpful hand, whether it is words of encouragement or a household project. :)
Lesha@tothemotherhood.com
I'd celebrate my mom! She's the best :) One of my favorite memories of her is her making us enchiladas and tacos! Always a good time in the kitchen :)
anastasia2013@gmail.com
Tweeted :) - https://twitter.com/Enter_Now/status/611429672786726912
anastasia2013@gmail.com
i'd celebrate my mom for all that she has done for me
stigay at comcast.net
I would like to celebrate my mom. She is my rock.
kport207 at gmail dot com
My parents raised 4 good citizens and I think I followed their path as my 2 (grown) children have turned out pretty well too.
my son, my blessing – who teaches me to stop and enjoy life’s precious moments
tvollowitz at aol dot com
My dad and mom they have me the best life they could and made sure i went to college
https://twitter.com/purplelover04/status/612700982716141568
I would love to celebrate my mom because she is amazing.
pokergrl8 at gmail.com
https://twitter.com/aes529/status/613023744194412544
pokergrl8 at gmail.com
We celebrate family at all of our events.
i would love to celebrate my mother!
debbiebellows (at) gmail (dot) com
I would like to celebrate my mother.
MCantu1019 at aol dot com
i posted a tweet here:
https://twitter.com/bellows22/status/613175895960846337
debbiebellows (at) gmail (dot) com
2ND ENTRY TWITTER!!! https://twitter.com/kytah00/status/613252824638492672 afjackly@oakland.edu
MY FAVORITE MOTHER'S DAY MOMENT WAS THE MOTHER'S DAY BEFORE MY GRANDMAMA PASSED AWAY... SHE WAS LIKE A MOTHER TO ME! SLIGHTLY HARD TO TALK ABOUT THOUGH... afjackly@oakland.edu
I want to (and do) celebrate my ex-MIL. She is such a wonderful, caring person. Though I'm not married to her son anymore she treats my son (not her blood grandchild) just like the rest of her grandchildren. She's taught me so much about life, love, gardening, knitting, etc. I love her to pieces and she brings joy to my life.
dmarie824 at aol dot com
tweeted - https://twitter.com/dmarie824/status/613435026164678656
I gave you the wrong tweet link in my first post. Here's the correct link - https://twitter.com/dmarie824/status/613437339545636864 . Sorry for the inconvenience.
I always celebrate my mom, she is awesome!
celebrating Grandma
I would like to celebrate my Father, he taught me to be kind and generous to everyone I meet.
I love to celebrate Mother's Day with my mom. She's not only my mother but my best-friend too!
We don't have any specific traditions but enjoy spending time together that day, playing board games and staying off electronics!
aleksnearing gmail com
I would like to celebrate my mother, who is not only a good mother but a good person, she doesn't judge or talk about or down to people she always makes time for her children and grandchildren
tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com
tweet https://twitter.com/ChelleB36/status/614657965694537728
tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com
Every day right now I am celebrating my Dad, who is currently living with me after having a leg amputated due to artery issues. I am constantly astounded by his positive attitude and general good cheer.
Every day right now I am celebrating my Dad, who is currently living with me after having a leg amputated due to artery issues. I am constantly astounded by his positive attitude and general good cheer.
tweeted: https://twitter.com/tinawoo21/status/614660940252844032
I would love to celebrate my mom because she is awesome!
rounder9834 @yahoo.com
tweeted
https://twitter.com/thomasmurphy40/status/614666299680116736
rounder9834 @yahoo.com
Because I lost my mother early, the mother I love to celebrate with is Grace: my babysitter when I was growing up, who now happens to be my sister's mother-in-law. I contribute my love of cooking to her influence, and Mother's Day is often spent making giant batches of tamales.
Our favorite way to celebrate is by having a picnic at a scenic location!
Thanks for the chance to win!
wildorchid985 AT gmail DOT com
tweet--https://twitter.com/WildOrchid985/status/614827263713001472
I would celebrate my mother she was very independant and raised my brother and I all by herself.
I would celebrate my mother she was very independant and raised my brother and I all by herself.
https://twitter.com/klp1965/status/614927307292151808
I celebrate my mom, for all the hard work she put into rearing her two children. She homeschooled us (from preschool to 12th grade)... and she put in many long-hour days for the betterment of myself and my brother. She's awesome!
pixelberrypie at yahoo dot com
Tweeted! https://twitter.com/pixel_berry_pie/status/614974635671691264
Both of my grandmothers were amazing women that I still remember fondly and celebrate!
nuthouse(at)centurytel(dot)net
tweeted: https://twitter.com/KerryBishop/status/614978411325489152
nuthouse(at)centurytel(dot)net
My in-laws who are now passed meant the world to me.
https://twitter.com/smilekisses/status/615059763731300352
i loved my Grams she was the piece of happiness in a hard life growing up! Thanks Grams
https://twitter.com/mkjmc/status/615105453941460992
I would love to celebrate my dad who is so sweet !
He taught me to cook, it was our little sunday tradition.
redaurelie(at)gmail(dot)com
My tweet https://twitter.com/AurelieRed/status/615234722956886016
redaurelie(at)gmail(dot)com
I don't have to dig deep to find the good. I was blessed with the best parents who have always been there for me.
I'd like to celebrate my son. My baby had his first baby this year and he's doing an awesome job.
tweeted
https://twitter.com/eswright18/status/615353397479235584
eswright18 at gmail dot com
I would love to celebrate my dad for all this amazing things he does to encourage my children.
I tweeted: https://twitter.com/lisalmg/status/615606297002508288
Mt favorite memory would be baking cookies with Mom, just before Christmas.
theyyyguy@yahoo.com
I would celebrate with my dad, he's always so easy going I love it.
https://twitter.com/Stephanie64030/status/615651875652677632
My grown daughter and I like to celebrate my mom (passed in 2012) by going to her favorite restaurant on Mother's Day.
I would love to celebrate my mom because she has been such an inspiration in my life by just being her kind, gentle, positive, faithful self.
https://twitter.com/myfolly/status/615705131385012224
I'd celebrate my grandmother.
I am blessed to have a faithful mom who taught me the ways of the LORD
iamdadtastic@gmail.com
tweeted https://twitter.com/iamdadtastic/status/615810461582241792
iamdadtastic@gmail.com
I am happy that my kids learn many good things at school
https://twitter.com/momsfocus/status/615853644127178752
My dad and I haven't seen each other since I was 16. I still love him and thing of him often but it hurts to be treated this way. My mom has been the main one who has helped me over the years, although we've never been close. amysmeltzer21521 at yahoo dot com
my #SweepstakesEntry tweet:
https://twitter.com/thrincor/status/615961326712655873
KC
kacor7@hotmail.com
#SweepstakesEntry:
my parent's kindness & compassion for others & even animals was passed down to me & to this day I'm a better person for it
KC
kacor7@hotmail.com
One of my fav Mother's Day memories was the 1st year I was able to afford to have flowers delivered to my mom. I was 14 and had some babysitting money and could afford to have one single red rose sent to her. The look on her face Mother's Day morning when she answered the door is something I will never forget.
Angie
14earth at gmail dot com
I tweeted here: https://twitter.com/MsTofuFairy/status/615972028458356736
Angie
14earth at gmail dot com
I would celebrate my Grandmother who brought so much joy to me
https://twitter.com/ardy22/status/615984110205599748
I celebrate both of my parents.
I would love to celebrate my hubby. I don't think we do enough for him to let him know how important he is to us and how much we appreciate all he does for us. Thank you!!
crystalfaulkner2000 at yahoo dot com
we all get together and go to breakfast
My mom was an incredable woman who would do anything for her family.
https://twitter.com/davisesq212/status/616117870762790912
I love celebrating with my mom...our tradition is to have a day of fun of her choosing.
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