Every Day Should Be Mother's Day

I have a friend who calls everyone mama. It's a term she uses in a spirit of friendship, a term that expresses what she sees in every woman: strength, caring, and vitality - the ability not only to love one's self, but to care for others and offer them love too. The love one person is able to offer another is what makes the world go 'round (at least according to my friend).

I am more than happy to agree with all of this. I too think all women possess 'mama' qualities to some degree. Furthermore I tend to find that a high degree of mama-ness is a good indication of a quality friend. So why is it that so many of us treat our mothers in ways we would never dream of treating our friends? I can't help but feel that for many of us, our relationship with our actual mama could be improved by comparing it to our relationships with all the other mamas in our lives.

We never take a friend's love for granted the way we often do with our
mothers, who seem to always be there when we need them.

In friendships we seek out and accentuate similarities in tastes, style,
and interests, whereas with our mothers we often try our hardest
to find differences, to show that we are individuals.

When friends offer us advice we are usually quick to take it,
though when our mothers offer their wisdom we tend to view it as criticism.

I suppose sometimes it is easy to forget that our mothers need us as much as we need them. It is important to think of all the patience, care, and affection your mother has shown you. A mother is there when you need someone to hear what you have to say and love you for saying it, no matter what it is. Why should a daughter be any different?

Take a minute to think about why you are celebrating this Mother's day. Is it because you need to, because the mom police are hiding behind the corner, waiting to nab you if you don't send a card or place a call? Hopefully not! It is because you love life and are grateful that mom brought you into this world and did her best to give you the tools you need to build a life for yourself. She may not be a part of your day to day life, but she is always a part of who you are.

Think of all the best qualities you see in yourself and I think you will find that you and your mother have a lot in common, including the most important thing of all: love for one another.

Happy Mothers day to all the Mothers and Mamas out there!!


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Elaine Raskin is the Director of Communications and Events at Talk To Jess. A Brooklyn native, she now lives in Los Angeles helping Jess transform the self-esteem of women and girls worldwide. Elaine has nothing but love for her Mama.