How To "Mother Yourself" With Nurturing Energy This Weekend & Beyond

Mother's Day can be a really connecting holiday for people, or a very triggering one. Use the following tips to make this weekend a nurturing experience for you:

What nurturing words of wisdom would you give a small child you loved if they regretted an action? Meeting yourself with unconditional love is a mindfulness exercise—like practicing thinking before you speak when you're angry—that gets easier with time. Consider it a self-love experiment that will help you meet others with unconditional love too!

Again, you don't have to give what you craved more of to yourself in a "perfect" way, just in any way you're able. Healing generally happens in small moments and tiny steps, so don't underestimate the power of your actions today to help heal childhood wounds.

Make yourself feel special now by being aware of your greatest strengths, which can be revealed through compliments you receive from others. Also look back on the most unique experiences you have survived, your most unique traits, and your most unique accomplishments, which also hold clues to your specialness. When you remind yourself how and why you're special, and unlike anyone else, you'll feel more valued. Feeling more valued and worthy makes you more comfortable seeking out and asking for what you need and desire.

Whether touch is one of your love languages or not, there's science-backed evidence that healthy, loving touch improves your mood and overall well-being. We often picture mothers or nurturing caregivers as hugging, holding, and kissing infants. Give yourself the nurturing skin-on-skin touch by holding a loved one's hand or putting your arm around them when you're walking down the street or sitting on the couch. Make a point of hugging good friends hello and goodbye. Get a massage from a caring practitioner. Let a pet lay their head on your shoulder or leg, or snuggle up with your favorite comfy pillow, weighted blanket, or soft sheets to feel nurtured.

Mindfully exposing yourself to music, books, articles, and movies that contain a comforting message is a wonderful way to parent yourself and can increase feelings of calm and contentment.

Comforting yourself every day isn't a way to ignore painful issues in your own life or the world but rather a way to balance that energy so you have more overall stamina for being with life unconditionally.

Helping their child feel grounded and safe is one of the greatest gifts a parent can provide. If your parents are elderly and require your care, your parents are deceased, you never knew your parents, or your guardians aren't able to act as a source of grounding and safety in your life, give yourself this vital gift. Develop a healthy relationship with discipline, stay on top of your practical responsibilities, start a savings fund, take good care of your physical body, and seek out loving relationships based on mutual respect.

Is there a friend, colleague, or family member you admire for their comforting, protective, loving, nurturing energy? Or maybe there's a public figure, expert, or author who has taught you how to mother yourself more proactively. Who is the first person your intuition brings to mind? When you need motivation to mother yourself, connect with this person.

If you're in a particularly busy cycle personally or professionally—or both—aim for days when you can slow your roll and have a more gentle to-do list. Gentle energy is something we often associate with mothers, which is why Mother's Day cards often contain flowers and soft colors. Be gentle with yourself regarding your schedule!

I heard and saw the number three in my mind, which means I might work more on making myself feel special and worthy right now. Or scan the numbered items in this article and see which one you feel most drawn to. Wherever you land, wishing you a Mother's Day that is truly nurturing.