To All the Mothers—On Mother’s Day and Every Day

Hey Mama,

Today is for you.

Whether you're reading this with a warm cup of coffee that hasn’t been reheated three times—or you’re hiding in the bathroom just to get a minute to yourself—know that I see you. I see your tired eyes, your full heart, and the thousand invisible things you juggle just to keep the world spinning for the people you love.

Let’s be honest—motherhood is hard. Like, really hard. It’s a full-contact, never-clock-out, emotionally loaded, socially policed marathon. There’s no “right way,” no quarterly reviews or raises. And most days, no one sees the magic you’re making happen in the chaos of dishes, school pickups, late-night feeds, or difficult conversations.

You are the keeper of appointments, the finder of lost things, the emotional compass, the planner, the cleaner, the chef, the therapist, the nurse, the bedtime story reader, the holiday-maker, the holder of tears—you are the everything.

And yet, you’ve probably felt like you’re not doing enough.

Because no one talks enough about how soul-wringing it can be to mother in a world that expects perfection and self-sacrifice with a smile. No one talks enough about how sometimes parenting isn't enjoyable, how some days it feels like too much, how admitting that doesn't make you a bad mom—it makes you honest.

So to all the mothers—yes, all the mothers—this is for you:

To the mother battling sleep deprivation and still showing up with love in her eyes.

To the mother quietly navigating mental health challenges while holding it down for her family.

To the mothers who have lost children—there are no words for your pain, but today and always, your grief is honored, and your love is eternal.

To those who have lost their own mothers—this day may sting. Whether it’s a fresh wound or an old ache, you are held.

To the mothers whose arms are aching to hold a child they long for—your yearning is real, and your hope is sacred.

To the mothers doing the brave work of fostering, adopting, and opening their hearts in ways most can’t imagine—you are seen.

To the joyful moms riding the highs and celebrating the wins—we cheer with you.

To the moms in the trenches with postpartum depression or anxiety—you are not broken. You are not alone.

To the mothers walking the complicated road of infertility—you are not forgotten.

To the moms whose relationships with their children are strained, who are walking through heartbreak with grace and grit—your pain matters.

To the moms who are just doing their best, even when “best” looks like survival mode—you are enough.

To those who never had the experience of having a loving mother—or whose mothers caused harm—your pain is real. And to the ones who’ve stepped in to mother you, who’ve shown up with love and guidance where it was missing—thank you.

You are mothering, too.

There’s no single definition of motherhood that captures it all. It is joy and grief. It is strength and surrender. It is identity and invisibility. It is soft and fierce and sometimes utterly exhausting.

So today, whether you’re holding a baby, a memory, a dream, or a boundary—know this:

You are loved. You are worthy. You matter.

Happy Mother’s Day to every version of “mom” out there. May you feel seen, celebrated, and held—not just today, but every day you choose love, even when it's hard.

With so much love,
Nia 💛