Making Mother?s Day Special

How many times have you heard a friend say about someone who's no longer here, "I never got to tell her (or him) how much I really cared."

We've all felt this way at some stage about someone in our lives. Yet it's hard to sit down and tell a person face to face exactly what they mean to you. Perhaps it feels a little artificial, or you're not comfortable expressing yourself so directly. But there is a way to convey those feelings in a manner that's comfortable to you both.

This Mother's Day, write a personal note to your mother telling her what she's contributed to your life. Make this a time to put aside your differences (or grievances) and search for the positives in your relationship.

Here's a step-by-step approach to composing your message:

1. Set aside some time as soon as possible to start making notes. If you leave yourself a few days to work on this, you'll find that your subconscious mind will start searching for more examples of your mother's gifts to you. So assign it this task and don't be surprised if you start remembering events you haven't thought of in decades.

2. Your first list will be of your mother's positive qualities, many of which you will hopefully have modeled. For example, is she patient, kind, gentle, forthright, accepting, questioning, assertive, accommodating?
Even behaviors like carping or nagging can be seen in a positive light (she's persistent or concerned). Or you can leave them off the list.
Does she have a good sense of humor, a knack for making other people feel at ease, a way of persuading others to do the right thing?
Is she a good listener, a good hostess, a great organizer?
Look at the way she handles her mothering role, as well as the other roles she plays in her life. How does she juggle it all?
What does she love? Do you share these passions?

3. The next list is her talents. Where does she excel?
For example, is she artistic? Does she paint, draw, sculpt, arrange flowers or decorate well? Do you exhibit the same traits or perhaps a variation?
Does she have a good singing voice? Good looks? An ability for math, English, writing, gardening, science?
What natural talents do you share with her?

4. The final list focuses on what she taught you.
Did she instil specific values, beliefs, attitudes that have served you in your life?
Did she teach you skills that have benefited you in some way?
Did she arrange lessons in other areas where you expressed an interest, so that you could develop new skills or talents? This is a gift too.

5. What is her greatest gift to you?

6. When your list is complete, set aside an hour or so and write a thank you letter. It doesn't have to be sweet or sentimental. Just list all the gifts she's given you, whether through heredity, example or teaching, and thank her for them. You can embellish your message if you wish, but the whole point of the exercise is to express your gratitude for what she has contributed to your life.

7. You can handwrite the message or type it into your computer, then print it in a plain or calligraphic font. Whatever feels right for you.

8. Include it with the card you give her on Mother's Day. It will be an occasion she'll never forget.

© Marguerite Bonneville

Marguerite Bonneville is a Master Practitioner of Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) whose passion is publishing information online. She is a contributing writer at http://www.rosaflora-flowers.com, an online florist service that delivers flowers around Australia and across the globe.

---

Inexpensive Christmas Stocking Stuffer Ideas For Kids

After all the gifts have been purchased and placed under... Read More

Youre How Old?!?

"Well, Happy Birthday! How old are you anyway?""Oh, I'm just... Read More

Legends of the Christmas Tree

The Christmas tree is a much loved symbol iinstantly calling... Read More

The History of Christmas Ornaments

History of OrnamentsIn A.D. 336, an early Roman calendar first... Read More

Find Great Halloween Costume Ideas! Have The Most Creative Costumes This Year

Usually, the hardest part about Halloween is finding the perfect... Read More

Ill Be Home For Christmas

Direct Answers - Column for the week of November 29,... Read More

Aran... Where the Sweaters Come From

Aran Sweaters. The Aran sweater takes its name from the... Read More

Why July 4th ?

On July 4th 1776 the Continental Congress adopted the Declaration... Read More

The Gift of Failure

During this Thanksgiving holiday, we are reminded to reflect on... Read More

Hassle-Free Holiday Baking: 6 Easy Days to Perfect Christmas Cookies

Like many people, I love the idea of making a... Read More

A Dash of Cinnamon, A Pinch of the Past, A Smidgen of the Future

Close your eyes and remember December, the smell of cinnamon... Read More

Christmas Gift Guide

Christmas is a magical time of year, both for kids... Read More

Dont Want Another Carpet Sweeper This Year For Christmas?

Unique "Drop-A-Hint" Plan Sends Your Gift Wishes Via E-mailSure, they... Read More

How to Put Some Sizzle in Your Summer Parties: 5 Ways to be a Gracious Host and a Great Guest

Now that the hot weather is finally here, we are... Read More

Christmas Shopping for a New Love

Christmas is a magical time of year, especially for those... Read More

Making Mother?s Day Special

How many times have you heard a friend say about... Read More

Traditional VS. Modern Anniversary Gifts

Most people are familiar with the traditional materials list that... Read More

Where Have All The Wise Men Gone? Jesus Is Not Acceptable For Christmas!

It's CHRISTmas!Where are the wise men?WOW - The wise men... Read More

Gift Wrapping Ideas

If you're tired of your gifts looking like everyone else's,... Read More

Practical Ways to Keep Your ADD Under Control During the Holiday Season

Do November's Thanksgiving experiences have you dreading the December holidays?... Read More

Thanksgiving Memories

Turkey ... Stuffing ... Cranberry Sauce ... Pumpkin PieThis is... Read More

Dress To Impress! Find Your Sexy Halloween Costume And Shake What Your Mamma Gave You

Everyone loves to look and feel good, right? Well, why... Read More

The Fathers Day Celebration

Fathers Day is another reason to celebrate another responsible adult... Read More

Easter Party Ideas

Easter marks the start of spring and is a sacred... Read More

Gift of the Month Clubs: The Lazy Mans Guide to Gift Giving

If you are like me and are a very lousy... Read More

Going Solo on Valentines Day: Advice For Singles

The stores are decorated in candy hearts, flowers and bears.... Read More

Happy New Year for 2005

It is 7:45 a.m. in Port Moody, British Columbia Canada,... Read More

Important Chinese Festivals

Chinese New Year/Lunar New Year (January/February)It is usually in the... Read More

SALOME and HERODIAS, A Curious Mothers Day Story, Part 2 of 2 Parts

First, a disclaimer:This article requires information about John the Baptist,... Read More

The History of Teddy Bears

Teddy bears have been around since 1902. The teddy bear... Read More

Birthday Gift Baskets ? The Ideal Gift For Everyone!

No matter how old we are, we enjoy being remembered... Read More

Celebrate the 4th and Help a Soldier

My good friend, Rae, just called and suggested having a... Read More

Valentines Day - A Guide for Men

Did you know that after Christmas, Valentine's Day is the... Read More