Sometimes the strength of motherhood is greater than natural laws.” — Barbara Kingsolver

It’s Mother’s Day.

For some, this is a joyous occasion filled with gatherings, flowers, greeting cards, and lots of hugs and kisses. For others, it’s a day of remembrance for Moms who are no longer with us, or a challenging day for those who are estranged from their Moms or for those who are unable to experience motherhood.

Wherever your day lands on this national day of recognition, it can be an emotional one. Moms — and those in our lives who are like Moms to us — are central to our lives. Our relationship with our Moms, stepmoms, grandmothers, foster and adoptive moms, and mentors is like no other relationship we’ll have.

One of the best tools in our mental wellness toolbox of self-care that we have is to act on feelings of gratitude. Bringing awareness to what you are grateful for will shift negative thoughts into positive ones, sparking a whole host of health benefits from peace of mind to better sleep.

Let’s try it!

On this Mother’s Day, do more than give flowers and buy a card. Tell the moms in your life why you are grateful for who they are and what they do. Let them know that they make a difference in your life. And, remember, those “like a mom” moms! All around us are teachers, mentors, friends, and so many more Mom-like roles that many of us find ourselves in.

Happy Mother’s Day to all, and to all a grateful day filled with good health and love!