Do you *turn* on yourself?

Do you *turn* on yourself?

kindnessandcompassion

Think of another mother you know personally, whom you love.

Maybe it’s a close friend…or someone in your own family. Think about what she does every day…how much of her time, attention, and love is poured out for her family.

Think about all the un-witnessed moments of her life where she gives without anyone ever knowing about it.

If you had a magic wand and could wish for her to experience something today, what would it be? 

More peace, more joy, spontaneous laughter, lightness, times of refreshment and renewal, a solitary hour on a hammock with a good book?

One wish…do you have it?

Now…turn that wish toward yourself.

Pause right here, and put your hand on your heart, and allow yourself to truly and deeply wish that toward yourself.

Sometimes I think we can go for so long being so focused on others needs we lose touch with what our heart desires.

I can find myself wishing for blessings of good to be on other mothers as I watch them live their beautiful, messy lives…but I often forget to turn those loving wishes for deeper blessings toward myself as well.

There is such healing when we, as women, begin to look inward with kindness and outward with compassion. It changes the world.

 


Comments

119 responses to “Do you *turn* on yourself?”

  1. Ana Sofia Santana Avatar
    Ana Sofia Santana

    My wish for all mothers on this Mother’s Day is for them to learn to have time for themselves, without feeling guilty.

  2. Jennifer Vizina Avatar
    Jennifer Vizina

    My wish for all mother’s is that they find peace within themselves so that in the process of caring for others, they also care for themselves.

  3. Eloise Wagner Avatar
    Eloise Wagner

    My wish is for all mothers out there to get wisdom and peace from God. As mothers, this will help them more than anything else.

  4. My wish for all mother’s is time. Time to stop and breathe and tell ourselves, “I am doing an awesome job!” And bonus if you can squeeze in a massage, pedicure and some shopping 🙂

  5. Mama Tango Avatar
    Mama Tango

    My wish for all mothers on this Mother’s Day is forgiveness and grace. We mamas beat ourselves up terribly, and we often feel guilty for sitting down to read a book or to go to bed early when we’re sick (at least I do!). We need to realize that we work so hard and that just taking a little but of time each week to rejuvenate will make us better in the long run. God didn’t call us to be mothers so we could be worn down and weary. We need to give ourselves the grace that God gives so freely.

  6. My wish for all Mother’s is that they feel loved and needed by all of the important people in their lives, but most of all I pray that they know the love and joy that can only come from Jesus. With His joy, they will find strength and renewal like none other. Happy Mother’s Day to all of the wonderful moms in our world!

  7. My wish for all mothers is that they realise that looking after their children begins with looking after themselves.

  8. Lavena Fisette Avatar
    Lavena Fisette

    My wish for every mother on this mother’s day is for them to experience the same kind of love and care they continuousling pour out on their families.

  9. Joanna Breault Avatar
    Joanna Breault

    My wish for all mothers on Mother’s Day is that they catch a glimpse of the deep impact they are having on the lives of their children — that those who see their lives as “same old same old, not very significant” will realize that their selfless, daily outpouring is leaving a legacy that is eternal.

  10. Amanda Avatar
    Amanda

    My wish for all mothers this Mother’s Day is to enjoy their family. Whether it be in the traditional sense or their extended family including friends. To know that they are loved and cherished more than they know!

  11. Grace Avatar
    Grace

    My hope is that every mother can enjoy Mother’s Day with a little “me” pampering time. Also, that she has a support network at home that shows just how much they appreciate all she does for the family!

  12. Danita Avatar
    Danita

    My wish for mothers is for them to seek Christ, who if the only source of true peace, so they may enjoy being with their families.

  13. My wish for all mothers, including myself, is to grant themselves the rest and renewal in whatever way it serves them best. For me that is a quiet moment in nature, stillness and solitude and peace away from the noise of daily life.

  14. Julie W Avatar
    Julie W

    My wish for all mothers is to feel appreciated for their hard work. I also wish abundant rest for all mothers to have the energy for the things they both need and want to do each day.

  15. Trish Avatar
    Trish

    My wish for all mothers is that they could see a glimpse of the immense impact their efforts have, be it on their families or on those around them, so much is done by moms that is never highlighted.

  16. Michelle F. Avatar
    Michelle F.

    My wish for all mothers is that they be able to soak in the joy of appreciating their children in the moment, for who they are as individuals, and that they will be able to let go of the fear that it is never enough, trusting that God will lead each child to his/her purpose in life.

  17. Lyndsey Heng Avatar
    Lyndsey Heng

    My wish for all mothers this Mother’s Day is that they would know that they are enough and that how they love their children (seen or unseen) is enough.

  18. Susanne Avatar
    Susanne

    My wish for all mothers on this Mother’s Day is that they may feel the deep love of their children and know that it’s all worth it – and that their eyes may be opened for all the blessings in their lives so that they overflow with gratitute.

  19. Susan Alexander Avatar
    Susan Alexander

    My wish for all mothers this Mother’s Day is peace of heart and mind. I wish that when they get frustrated with their children, they would be able to stop and breathe and handle it in a Godly way.

  20. My wish for all Mothers is to know that they are enough. To be free from comparison and doubt.

  21. Melissa Hodson Avatar
    Melissa Hodson

    My wish for all mothers this Mother’s day is to feel loved as much as their family loves them! Because they may not show it as often as they mean to.

  22. My wish for all mothers is to be able to see that what they do — no matter how small or seemingly insignificant — really doesn’t matter. These are the moments that often stick in our children’s minds more than anything else.

  23. Kimberley Avatar
    Kimberley

    My wish for all mothers this Mother’s Day is that they would see their children as rewards from God and be blessed by them.

  24. Karianne Avatar
    Karianne

    My wish for all mother’s this mother’s day is for whatever wishes they hold in their hearts

  25. Jennifer Avatar
    Jennifer

    Peace and love. Everyday, in everything.

  26. My wish for all mothers on this Mother’s Day is that they would get a glimpse of how important and valuable they are to the world and that they would feel valued and appreciated for the incredibly meaningful work they do.

  27. Sarah J Avatar
    Sarah J

    My wish for all mothers on this Mother’s Day, is that they would know how much they are loved, not only by their family, but by the One who made them. (Eph.3:14-19)

  28. Kaye Herbert Avatar
    Kaye Herbert

    My wish for all mothers on this Mother’s Day is to feel appreciated & valued by their family but also by their Maker.

  29. My wish for all mothers on this Mother’s Day is smiles, happiness, giggles & laughter, and to truly know that no matter what the days bring that their families love them more than words or gifts can express.

  30. Amanda R. Avatar
    Amanda R.

    My wish for all mothers on this Mother’s Day is for us all to have family around to help ease the burden we all shoulder, and for us all to remember the greatest burden is the light burden promised in Matthew 28:11.

  31. My wish is for mothers to have the freedom to be who they really are, not what pinterest, or a book, or a person might say they should be. And then to revel in that freedom.

  32. My wish for all mothers is that they would let go of sell judgement and instead recognize the amazing inner gifts they have been given, that when shared, truly bless others around them.

  33. Bridget R Avatar
    Bridget R

    My wish for all mothers is that they’d have the loving support of their families. Motherhood is a hard job, but with the proper support we are more than capable. It is so much harder to “go it alone” or feel like you’re fighting the world.

  34. Meredith Avatar
    Meredith

    My wish for all mothers on this Mother’s Day is that we take time to realize how awesome we are and how hard we all work. And that we are all in this together 🙂

  35. Kjelse Avatar
    Kjelse

    My wish for all mothers this Mother’s Day is that their husband and kids, if old enough, would surprise them with something that tells them they are SO appreciated. Like an afternoon of shopping by themselves.

  36. My wish for all Mothers on this Mother’s Day is That God fills them for one more year with the wisdom of Solomon, the patience of Job and the willingness of Abraham and Ana to offer theirs sons to God. Because when we give our best to God, He pours out of His best on us; and I wish the best of God to all moms!

  37. andrea Avatar
    andrea

    i wish for all mothers to have their love cups full to the brim this mother’s day.

  38. Kelsi Avatar
    Kelsi

    My wish for every mother is to get one true, loving hug from each of their children. I think we take those hugs for granted sometimes as not every mom can get them all the time. I try to cherish each hug I get but sometimes I forget.

  39. My wish for Mothers is…for them to feel and know their worth as women. To know that it is an honor to mother themselves while mothering the next generation. To own that it is a journey unlike any other to Mother this planet so it flourishes along side our passions and our children. To know that it is enough to just be Mother. To hold the raw, everyday-ness of life that stretches us beyond where we would have comfortably gone ourselves as a sacred journey of awakening to the deep connection of Love. of Mother.

  40. My wish for mothers is that they would feel appreciated and love for the hard work they do!
    Sarah M

  41. Alisa Avatar
    Alisa

    “My wish for all mothers on this Mother’s Day is…. that they would know they are truly loved and they are not alone.”

  42. Michele Stahl Avatar
    Michele Stahl

    My wish for all mothers is that they continue to have the strength,appreciation, and happiness for the rest if their days to enjoy the gift of motherhood and enjoy themselves.

  43. Christine Avatar
    Christine

    My wish for every mother this Mother’s Day is that at some point throughout the day they experience a tangible moment where they realize that God loves them and will provide them with everything they need to be the best mom for their kids.

  44. My wish for mothers everywhere is that we support ourselves and receive support in both nurturing our families and doing our work in the outer world.

  45. My wish for all mothers on this Mother’s Day is grace.

  46. Melody Avatar
    Melody

    My wish for all mothers is to feel love, peace and joy on Mother’s Day.

  47. Lorraine Avatar
    Lorraine

    My wish for mothers is that they see in their children the joy, security and love of life and know that they had a key role in developing these attitudes.

  48. Dana c Avatar
    Dana c

    My wish is that all mothers feel loved and appreciated by their families!

  49. Kristin Avatar
    Kristin

    My wish for all mothers this Mother’s Day is joy.

  50. Katie Avatar
    Katie

    My wish for all mothers on Mother’s day is to be filled with God’s peace! It is so easy to get caught up in constant worry, but to be filled with God’s peace and reassurance is heavenly!

  51. Katie Avatar
    Katie

    I hope all the moms out there find some rest and gratitude.

  52. Karen Avatar
    Karen

    I pray that all moms find rest! (Sleep and relaxation would be fabulous too! But…) rest in the knowledge that Gods grace is enough. Rest extra time with him in the word. Rest in joyful awareness of the fact that you’re a mom and you’re changing the world one kid at a time. Rest in a time of worship. Whatever methods you need to feel truly rested, I pray you get it!

  53. Heather Croft Avatar
    Heather Croft

    I wish that all mother’s get to enjoy Mother’s Day! Plus get tons of rest time!

  54. Sarah Avatar
    Sarah

    I wish every mother would slow down and just appreciate the little moments for the preciousness that they are. We all rush through trying to do so much for everyone. This morning I was laying with my son and he rolled over and said “I love you mom, all of you”. How amazing is that! Here I was laying there feeling guilty because I wasn’t getting anything done yet. But if I had been I would have missed out on the perfect start to my morning. Slow down ladies!

    Happy Mother’s Day!

  55. My wish for all mothers on this Mother’s Day is contentment. I want to feel fulfilled in this moment, knee deep in diapers or exhausted from a battle of wills. To see that each struggle I’m facing is purposeful & rich. I’ve been given the best gift, a child, and I want to treasure her each day. That’s what I want for every mother, every day.

  56. Bethany Avatar
    Bethany

    My wish for all mother’s this Mother’s Day is to revel in the knowledge of how much they are loved – truly loved by their Creator, their husbands and kids! And to relax and gratefully enjoy the little moments – the thousand gifts we have all around us.

  57. Valerie Avatar
    Valerie

    My wish for all mothers on this Mother’s Day is finding contentment in your relationships with your children. I wish that you, Mom, find a moment over this weekend where you realize that you are a wonderfully imperfect human being that is raising wonderfully imperfect human beings. Cut yourself slack and find a moment that you can carry into the next week, month, years that fill your heart when those times are tough. Happy Mother’s Day!

  58. Jessica Avatar
    Jessica

    My wish for mamas everywhere is to slow down and appreciate their babies. We all want and need a break from everything we do as mothers, but we also need to enjoy the children we’ve been blessed with. I am learning to play again. I have 3 boys and am convicted about how time is passing so quickly!

  59. My wish for all mothers on this Mother’s Day is to know how blessed and special you are. God has given you the children He knew you needed and you are special gifted to raise them. Rely on His strength and a big dose of grace.

  60. Eliesje Avatar
    Eliesje

    My wish for mom is that they take/make time to be close to God. When He refreshes your soul, you will be more “in tune” with your daily blessings and will be able to share His joy with your children.

  61. Heather M Avatar
    Heather M

    My wish is for all mothers to believe in themselves and just enjoy the moments we are given with our precious children!

  62. Samantha Layton Avatar
    Samantha Layton

    My wish for mothers vary on their situation. I wish for prodigal sons and daughters to return to hurting mothers and fathers. I wish for prodigal spouses to return to their hurting families. Above all else, I wish that God, who is our Everything, will hold all mothers in His loving arms, showing them that He loves each one, and He truly is all we need.

  63. Angela Avatar
    Angela

    My wish for all mothers on this Mother’s Day is respect. An extra dose from the Lord so that we can give it away to the men in our lives. Stay with me here 😉 The Bible admonishes us to respect our husbands because it is a CHALLENGE for us, but God tells us this FOR OUR GOOD. All of the above (peace, joy, happiness, respect for ourselves, healing, even connecting with our kids, etc.) will flow from this practice, and the Church will be strengthened when we choose to respect the fathers of our children simply because they are made in God’s image.

  64. Rebecca Avatar
    Rebecca

    My wish is for mothers to see themselves as their child or children see them, as a human being with real emotions–both pretty and not-so-pretty–and realize that they are the mother they always wanted to be, even if it doesn’t feel like it sometimes. Allow it, address it, accept or change it, and move on. Your family will be waiting for you!

  65. Jarah Whitaker Avatar
    Jarah Whitaker

    My wish for all mothers on this Mother’s Day is for all to be able to sincerely feel the love that God has for us as his daughters the same way we feel the overpowering love for our own children. To know that we are as perfect as we need to be and that He is guiding us while we guide our sons and daughters.

  66. Sandra Raskell Avatar
    Sandra Raskell

    My wish for Mother’s Day is to remember to good times with my children and spend the day enjoying them. To celebrate my mother and all she did for me. To remember that God trusted me with the precious ones!

  67. Kimberly S Avatar
    Kimberly S

    My wish for all mothers this mother’s day is to take an hour to focus on themselves and their needs. A healthy mom makes a health family 🙂

  68. Kimberly S Avatar
    Kimberly S

    My wish for all mothers this mother’s day is to take the time needed to take care of themselves. A healthy mom creates a healthy family.

  69. Tina J Avatar
    Tina J

    My wish for all mothers this Mother’s Day is the enveloping peace and joy found in God’s love. No matter what our circumstances we can always find love in Him.

  70. Jamie R. Avatar
    Jamie R.

    My wish for all mothers this Mother’s Day is to know that it is hard work and it matters, so don’t give up, keep showing up!

  71. Milissa Harding Avatar
    Milissa Harding

    My wish for mothers everywhere is that they will gift themselves with being MOTHERED, and then share that beautiful energy to MOTHER.

  72. Anna M Avatar
    Anna M

    My wish for all mothers is wholeness

  73. Mary-Sue Avatar
    Mary-Sue

    my wish for all mothers is guilt-free time for themselves to recharge.

  74. My wish for all mothers is the serenity prayer: The serenity to accept those things that cannot be changed, the courage to change the things that can be changed and the wisdom to know the difference. May all mothers feel peace and love everyday and especially on Mother’s Day!

  75. Laurie Avatar
    Laurie

    My wish for all mothers is to know how important their work is.

  76. Shala Avatar
    Shala

    My wish for all mothers on this Mother’s Day is to feel deeply connected with our real selves, to honor our gifts and special role…and to remember how to it feels to be perfectly content with the things allotted at this moment. When I open my heart to gratitude, I find that I already have everything I need…thanks for this amazing site and resources that speak to my heart.

  77. Elizabeth B Avatar
    Elizabeth B

    My wish for all mothers on this Mother’s Day is….
    for laughter! Not as many wrinkled brows, and more smiles, expressing our love and joy for our children and husbands!

  78. Fannie Avatar
    Fannie

    My wish for all mothers on this Mother’s Day is for them to realise they are good enough and that God chose them to raise the precious souls of their children. They are worthy and beyond valuable.

  79. Tracy Spangler Avatar
    Tracy Spangler

    My wish for all mothers on this Mother’s Day is for good health. I have suffered from an intensely painful, incurable nerve disease for the past three years, and despite two major surgeries, numerous procedures and taking handfuls of medications each day I still suffer each minute. I wish I had my health back so I could enjoy spending it with my children. My wish is that no mother ever have to suffer a serious disease that robs her of joy and precious time spent with her children.

  80. Wish for my mother this Mother’s Day is snagging the job she just interviewed for. She was dropped from a full time professor last year to an adjunct position and she would love the full time position again. Even though it’s only a visiting lecturer and she’d have to interview AGAIN for the percent spot next year, I know it would make her so happy. She’s so vibrant and dynamic and has a wealth of knowledge to offer her students.

  81. And since I responded wrong in my previous post, my wish for ALL mothers is peace. Peace that we never have enough time, or money, or the cleanest house (or sanity?), but we give our families the best we can and that is fabulous.

  82. Alicia Avatar
    Alicia

    My wish for all mothers on this Mother’s Day is that they know how much they are loved and appreciated.

  83. My wish for all mothers on this Mother’s Day is for them to realize that they do have worth and are truly loved and appreciated.

  84. Pam Koop Avatar
    Pam Koop

    My wish for all moms this Mother’s Day is that they would feel the freedom to give themselves the grace, love and care that they give to others around them!

  85. Michelle Avatar
    Michelle

    My wish for all mothers this Mother’s Day is freedom to be exactly yourself, the wonderful person God created you to be, right where you are.

  86. Toni Counts Avatar
    Toni Counts

    My wish for all mothers is to be content!

  87. Erica Avatar
    Erica

    My wish for every mom is for them to know that they are awesome.

  88. Sherri Avatar
    Sherri

    My wish for all mothers on Mothers Day is for all of us to remember that bad mothers do not worry about whether they are a bad mothers.

  89. Stephanie Avatar
    Stephanie

    My wish for that Mom is to have an all expense paid, relaxing, guiltfree, and child free weekend! Haha…maybe one day:-)

  90. My wish for all mothers this Mothers Day is to receive. Receive all of the love, quality time, gifts , etc. All of us mamas give, give, give and oftentimes we find difficulty in receiving. May we all be present with ourselves and our families as we celebrate 🙂

  91. My wish for all mothers this Mother’s Day is to be able to forgive yourself for anything you’re feeling guilty about, give yourself credit for the incredible woman that you are, and to feel blessed for the fact that you have given life, you nurture it daily, and THAT in and of itself is amazing!

  92. Briana Avatar
    Briana

    My wish for Mother’s Day is a year long cleaning service.

  93. Heather J. Avatar
    Heather J.

    My wish for all mothers on Mothers Day is for them to feel awareness, consciousnesses of HIS love!

  94. Chellyn Avatar
    Chellyn

    My wish is that all mothers would truly know how much God loves them and wants to be the Lord of their lives.

  95. My wish for mamas is that they could enjoy the freedom of embracing their imperfections; freedom from guilt and self condemnation and freedom to love and laugh through all the ebbs and flows of motherhood.

  96. My wish is for all mother’s is to be told by their children how much they are loved and appreciated.

  97. Beth M. Avatar
    Beth M.

    My wish for all mothers on Mother’s Day is joy to encourage our hearts.

  98. Oooohhh, what a powerful exercise!! My wish for all mothers on this Mother’s Day is to feel the freedom of release from believing you have to hold it all together, that it all hinges on you… just a moment of putting down that weight of the world that’s always on our shoulders. I would *love* to get this magazine! <3

  99. My wish for all mothers is the time to take a deep breath and let their shoulders settle into the place they are meant to be. To relax deeply. To know that they are enough.

  100. Jennifer Lawrence Avatar
    Jennifer Lawrence

    My wish for all mothers this Mother’s Day is a sense of confidence, grace and permission to be exactly where she is at this moment.

  101. My wish for all mothers this Mother’s Day is to not feel guilty about not being the ‘perfect’ mum when you’re already doing the best you can.

  102. Rachel B Avatar
    Rachel B

    My wish for myself and other mom’s is that we would be free to do things out of love and to feel free and not burdened or stressed or anxious, that peace and serenity to reign in each home.

  103. Angela Pinkelman Avatar
    Angela Pinkelman

    My wish is for all mothers to know just how spectacular they are and take a moment to embrace all the love, joy, kindness and caring that they bring to their children. Being a mom is an amazing journey! I think we all deserve a great big round of applause! Happy Mother’s Day to all of you wonderful moms!

  104. Donna Avatar
    Donna

    My wish for all mothers on this Mother’s Day is for a little rejuvenation.

  105. My wish for all mothers this Mother’s Day is joy in their calling to motherhood, peace in their decision making, and abounding love.

  106. Melissa Avatar
    Melissa

    My wish for all mothers this Mother’s Day is that we embrace the sacredness of motherhood living fully into the joys and challenges with forgiveness, grace and love!

  107. Erin Rae Avatar
    Erin Rae

    My wish for all mothers on this Mother’s Day is acceptance – of our own bodies, our strengths, weaknesses, and our own needs.

  108. Shannon Menendez Avatar
    Shannon Menendez

    My wish for Moms this Mother’s Day weekend is balance the opportunity to spend quality time not only with our precious families – being celebrated, loved and spoiled – but also some quiet time alone with Jesus so that we can be renewed and refreshed to continue being the mom-teacher-counselor-nurse-wife-lover-and-every-other-hat we need to be.

  109. My wish for every mother this mother’s day is to finishthe one task that’s been nagging at them , that theyve been puttting off but really WANTto finish but havent taken the time to do so…for me Im finishing my years of filing thats taken me weeks of moving around without doung much 6 boxes down to twoand a small pile left 🙂

  110. Candra Avatar
    Candra

    I wish for every mother (and those who have “mothered” others) is to give themselves grace. There is ALWAYS more that could be done, and things that could be better. Forgive yourselves for your failings, and let it go. Start fresh the next day, and don’t beat yourselves up for the past.

  111. nancy_p Avatar
    nancy_p

    My wish for all mothers on this Mother’s Day is to have a loving, happy child to celebrate with them”

  112. Jacqui Avatar
    Jacqui

    My wish for all mothers is that they know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, just how valuable they are and how important their role is.

  113. My wish for all mothers this Mother’s Day is that they can realize the blessing that tomorrow is another day, another chance to love and be loved. What happened today doesn’t have to define our tomorrows!

  114. Jennie Avatar
    Jennie

    My wish for all mothers on this Mother’s Day is a moment of clarity: they are awesome – and they deserve to love and be loved.

  115. My wish for all Mothers for Mothers Day is to see yourselves as God sees you, His wonderfully and perfectly made child. You are perfect in His sight. And that’s all you need to be.

  116. I wish all mothers a calm, relaxing and joyful day with their loved ones!

  117. Jennifer Avatar
    Jennifer

    My wish for all mothers is that there is someone in your life who makes you feel appreciated, loved, and just as happy as you try to make every one else feel.

  118. Rebecca fleishman Avatar
    Rebecca fleishman

    My wish is that all mom remember they are loved and appreciated

  119. My wish for all mothers is for self-acceptance and love. Once we are able to do that for ourselves, guiding our children becomes much easier.

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