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.
"Here's to the bright New Year, and a fond farewell... Read More
The word mother and mothers day are simple, yet powerful... Read More
No matter how old we are, we enjoy being remembered... Read More
If you were asked to name 10 reasons why you... Read More
Halloween ? so starts the Holiday Season. The average American... Read More
Christmas is one of those times when the social norm... Read More
Most of the plants we associate with the holiday season... Read More
With all the travel, gift buying, last minute cramming at... Read More
After some recent reports it seems that 90% of all... Read More
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas and the... Read More
Direct Answers - Column for the week of November 29,... Read More
"If you love somebody, let them go. If they return,... Read More
Throughout the year we have many gift-giving opportunities to show... Read More
Christmas dinner probably the most elaborate and complex dinners you... Read More
The Holidays are coming and children have thought long and... Read More
As the countdown to Christmas day continues, most everyone is... Read More
Family traditions connect us to past and future generations. They... Read More
The holidays are supposed to be a time of celebration... Read More
"I Just Love It!"You know the scenario. You're sitting at... Read More
"This year will be different. I vow I won't get... Read More
Instead of scouring the mall for gifts this holiday season... Read More
Fun, though they are intended to be, The Holidays can... Read More
Christmas shopping online is not for you? If you are... Read More
Every year I vow to make Christmas easier, simpler -... Read More
Have you ever thought what you would do without your... Read More
Now that the hot weather is finally here, we are... Read More
Do you know someone who is absolutely crazy about polar... Read More
While mothers have had their special day since 1914, fathers... Read More
Easter is Sunday, March 27th! Don't forget the flowers! Your... Read More
Country Christmas Idea: Milkweed Pod Poinsettia OrnamentsAt first glance, milkweed... Read More
It's CHRISTmas!Where are the wise men?WOW - The wise men... Read More
Christmas is such a special day. It is a day... Read More
Ok, the end of October is approaching, and you desperately... Read More
It is never too soon to begin planning the perfect... Read More
Are you looking for the Ultimate Army Themed Party Games... Read More
Country Christmas Idea: Milkweed Pod Poinsettia OrnamentsAt first glance, milkweed... Read More
To a large extent the holidays have come to be... Read More
Teddy bears have been around since 1902. The teddy bear... Read More
Let's take a look at a typical Christmas To-Do list:... Read More
Fathers Day is the one day of the year when... Read More
Do you know how to save money at Christmas and... Read More
Beyond trees and wreaths, there are few symbols of the... Read More
Mother's Day is, in many countries, a day for celebrating... Read More
Valentine's Day is often synonymous with lush velvety looking red... Read More
First, a disclaimer:This article requires information about John the Baptist,... Read More
Happy New Year! Around the world, this is a time... Read More
Valentine's Day is just around the corner which of course... Read More
It is widely known that many men enjoy fine jewelry.... Read More
Do you know a Mom who needs to be thanked... Read More
Father's Day is just around the corner. If you're looking... Read More
Depending on the age of your little ones, you may... Read More
Gift Baskets are an ideal gift for nearly any occasion.... Read More
Infidelity is at an all time high. According to the... Read More
What does your holiday season usually look like -- a... Read More
Being alone for the holidays is a major challenge for... Read More
Ever wonder why there's an "Easter Bunny"? Ever wonder why... Read More
Traditionally Christmas ornaments were bulbs of all the same color... Read More
No matter how many lists you make, cards you send,... Read More
Wonderfully simple to do and oh so impressive!You don't need... Read More
At the end of the movie "Braveheart," William Wallace is... Read More
When it comes to holiday greeting cards, to send or... Read More
"It is therefore recommended ... to set apart Thursday the... Read More
Ever wondered how February 14 became, the day on which... Read More
With all the travel, gift buying, last minute cramming at... Read More
Every year I watch as advertisers begin to promote their... Read More
Every year we search our brains for a unique, exciting... Read More
Holiday |