Darling Letters: The Healing Power of Mothering

We are bringing “Darling Letters” from your inbox to the blog! We love the art of letter writing and believe it helps build authentic community. Our editors and contributors have thoughtfully written encouraging letters to cut through the busyness and speak straight to your heart.

I’m not sure there is another word that can simultaneously hold as much complexity, diversity, joy and pain as the word “mother.” On this Mother’s Day, each of us might have a different relationship with the word. Some of our mothers may have passed, some may be close and some may be far—emotionally or physically. Some of us might be mothers, some of us still longing to be one or somewhere in between.

I recently read a statement from Dr. Christiane Northrup, M.D. that really struck me. She said, “Every woman who heals herself helps heal all the women who came before her and all those who will come after her.” I thought it was a profound truth because it not only highlights the reality of the ripple effect of healing, but it also broadens the idea of what “mothering” can mean.

Here’s the beauty in this. No matter our reality, we can each be a mothering and healing presence in the lives of those around us when we take the time for our own healing.

We can each be a mothering and healing presence in the lives of those around us when we take the time for our own healing.

A mother isn’t meant to be perfect; a mother is simply a safe place and a person who sees, addresses concern, guides, cherishes and cultivates. It is through showing compassion and care to ourselves that we are able to turn around and give the same to other women. Healing isn’t neutral or passive. It’s powerful and it matters.

So today, remember the beauty of your story as a woman—all the ups and downs and things you’ve worked through. Take ahold of the victories you’ve won in shaping your character and perspectives and allow your healing to overflow onto others around you.