Happy Mother’s Day

Happy Self-Love Sunday and Happy Mother’s Day!

This Self-Love Sunday I want to take the time to show gratitude towards the women in my life because I have been privileged enough to cultivate healthy relationships with them. I stand on the shoulders of the women who came before me. They taught me strength, resilience, persistence and determination. Their presence has taught me the importance of having a large support system. They are the reason I am who I am. Their experiences and encouragement has brought me twenty-one years. I have been able to learn from their mistakes which has allowed me the opportunity to be the best version of myself. I come from a clan of strong women who believe in the power of sharing stories of their successes and failures in hopes that the generation that comes after will be better prepared and more successful.

 

If I had a penny for every time I heard “I don’t want you to be like me…. I want you to be better than me” I wouldn’t have to worry about paying tuition. More than just speaking those words, the women in my life believe this sentiment and act accordingly.

 

When I feel as though the task ahead of me is too much for me to handle, I simply remember the fact that I am not alone. I stand on their shoulders and they stand by every single decision that I make. When I want to give up and I feel that life is weighing me down, I call on them and their answers always remind me that never trying is the only sure-fire way to fail. I am constantly reminded that their goal for me is not perfection but that I find myself and I find my calling.

 

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the fact that there have been moments in my life, both fleeting and lasting that could’ve and would’ve taken me out if it wasn’t for the prayers of God-fearing women.

 

Gracias Abuelita…words aren’t enough. Words aren’t enough. Words aren’t enough. You are my rock. You keep me grounded. You taught me the importance of prayer. You’re always rooting for me even when I don’t believe that I have what it takes. You are my angel. Tornado whirling through the kitchen whipping up a meal fit for kings. Abuelita, you held my hand and taught me the importance of listening regardless of what language is being spoken…

English

Spanish

French

Pain

Sorrow

Joy

Love

Abuelita, your resilience taught me what fighting looks like. It isn’t loud, proud or angry. The true battle is fought in silence, between heart-felt prayers to God. I stand on your shoulders.

 

Mommy, all my mannerisms come from you. You gave me my smile, my sass, and the way I roll my eyes. You taught me how to love myself. You called me beautiful when I couldn’t see it myself. Not a day goes by when I don’t thank God for you. You’ve shown me how privileged I am to have a mother who is loving and positive. I pray I never take you for granted. One day I’ll be able to provide for you and that’s a promise. I never want to see you struggle, because you never let my brother and I go without. Your heart is huge and many people gravitate to you because the love you exhibit is rare. The empathy you show towards people who have been tossed aside and forgotten is admirable and if I could be half the woman you are, then I know I’ll be alright. I love you I love you. I stand on your shoulders.

 

To my god-mother, Aunt Gen, I love you. You were the first person to cultivate my love for singing and performance arts. You and I sang opera arias in a language only we understood. You have shown me that true beauty is internal and self-less. I can’t thank you enough for being such an amazing example of what a true woman of God looks like. Thank you for your prayers. I stand on your shoulders.

 

To my Aunt Sonia, girl. You know everything…about everything. You know your spirit is amazing if old teachers continually ask your niece how you are YEARS after you graduate. You’re my doctor, my wig adviser, my natural hair guru, my skin-care consultant, my make-up artist and so much more. If there’s something I don’t know, rest-assured I’m texting you about it because even if you don’t know the answer, you know someone who does. Thank you for spoiling me and loving me like your own daughter.  I stand on your shoulders.

 

On this Mother’s Day, I say

“Thank you” to every woman I call mom. You know who you are and I am grateful for you. I love you. Happy Mother’s Day. The women in my life have taught me how to love myself so it’s only fitting to honor them on this Self-Love Sunday.

 

If Mother’s Day is a difficult day for you:

I pray you find peace on a day that may be painful. I pray the space you are in allows your growth. I pray you are surrounded by positive people. Water your own plant. Allow the pain to pass.

 

Happy Self-Love Sunday! I’ll see you on Free-Thinking Friday