Mother’s Day…It’s all about love.

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Dr. Gold, Ph.D, LMHC, Licensed and Board Certified Clinical MentalHealth Counselor, with a Ph.D in psychology, specializes in relationships and integrating traditional methods with holistic ones. She is a Life Coach, Workshop Leader, Lecturer, and published Author. Please contact her at drgold6@optimum.net.

Hello again, Friends. Our topic is Mother’s Day, which will be here  before we know it. First, a bit of history… 
    On May 8, 1914, The U.S. Congress passed a law designating the second Sunday in May as Mother’s Day. President Wilson issued a proclamation where American citizens show the flag in honor of those mothers whose sons had perished in war.  In 1934, President Franklin D. Roosevelt approved a stamp commemorating the holiday.
    Mother’s Day is one of the most commercially successful occasions, and generates a significant portion of the US, annual revenue in retail. It’s also the most popular day of the year to dine at a restaurant, splurge on jewelry and flowers or pampering gifts, such as spa treatments and alike.  
    I was very fortunate to have had a supportive and strong mother. Though she is no longer with us, I cherish the warm memories. I hope that you were equally fortunate, although I know not all of you were.  Your feelings about your mother might not be as warm and fuzzy as mine. And perhaps, justifiably so. If that is the case, please contemplate the truism of this passage from the bible: "Forgive and you will be forgiven.  Do not forgive and you will not be forgiven.”
    You might now be a mother yourself (as am I).  If so, ask yourself this: “Have I been the perfect mother?” Of course you have not been, nor have I. We’ve all made mistakes with our children.
    Years ago, psychologist Karen Horney(hor-nye), coined the term “Good enough mother.” Meaning: we are not perfect, but if we meant well and did the best we could, we were a good enough mother.
 So think back and perhaps concentrate on the good things that your mother did give you, rather than dwell on the bad. Even if you had an absent or dysfunctional relationship, your biological mother did give you one priceless thing: Life. You would not be here if not for her.  Let’s honor that.
     I find Mother’s Day a perfect time to apologize to our children for the mistakes we might have made in the past. So, let us honor Mothers or the maternal figures in our life. If you do not have a mother, it would be nice to honor  an older woman whom you admire. Perhaps send her a card or deliver a small gift.  Or, surprise her by paying a visit and spending quality time with her.
    Have a wonderful Mother’s Day.  It’s all about love. God bless you now and always- Dr. Phyllis-Terri.