It's that time of year again - Mother's Day. While it's generally seen as a day of celebration and honor for the women who have given us life, the truth is that it can be a difficult and emotional day for many people. The reality is not everyone has a positive relationship with their mother or children. And although this can be uncomfortable and painful, being honest about our feelings can benefit our emotional and mental health.

For those who have lost a child, Mother's Day can be a stark reminder of the grief and loss felt daily. It's important to acknowledge and honor that pain and give ourselves permission to feel it fully. We don't have to pretend everything is okay or put on a brave face. It's okay to cry, to grieve, and to take time for ourselves.

For those who have chosen to place a child in an adoptive family, Mother's Day can be bittersweet. While you may feel proud and happy that your child is thriving in a new home, there may also be feelings of loss and sadness. It's important to honor those emotions and seek support from others who have been through similar experiences.

For those who’ve experienced abortion, this day may bring up some unexpected emotions or memories. Always remember that you have value and worth that can never be taken away, no matter the choices you’ve made or the ones made for you. ​It's okay, in fact, it's good to allow yourself to grieve the loss of your child​ or children. If you want, do something special to acknowledge them today. And if you need someone to talk to, we're always here for you.

For those who have a strained relationship with a mother or children, Mother's Day can be a day of tension and discomfort. Not all relationships are perfect, and setting boundaries and prioritizing our emotional well-being is okay. We don't have to force ourselves to participate in events or activities that make us uncomfortable or unhappy. It's okay to take time to work on building a stronger connection. We can use this day as a reminder to reach out and connect, even if it feels difficult or awkward.

For those who long to be a mother, Mother's Day can be particularly challenging. It's important to remember that motherhood can take many forms and happen at any stage of life. It’s important to recognize that motherhood is not limited to biology or traditional family structures. There are many women who may not have given birth but are mothers in every sense of the word - through adoption, foster care, or simply by being a maternal figure to those around them. We can use this day to celebrate and honor all types of motherhood and the love and nurturing that comes with it.

Mother's Day is a day to celebrate the complexities of motherhood and the wide range of emotions that come with it. It's a time to be genuine and honest about our feelings, honor our experiences, and seek support and connection with others. 

At Collage we recognize that there are times when seeing the beauty in a situation or person can be difficult. It might be buried under the rubble of past decisions or circumstances in our lives. But no matter how badly we may have been broken and tarnished, but the fact is, that beauty remains, waiting to be uncovered. 

So let's get real this Mother's Day and honor the human side of motherhood. #realmotherhood