With Mother’s Day fast approaching, it’s hard not to think about everything our mothers have done for us, and what we’d like to give back to them. Most mothers are guiding forces in our lives, helping us, and supporting us. This is no small feat.

We see the sacrifices our mothers make for us—not only physically as we were carried in their womb, but emotionally as well. Raising children is never easy, and it requires a huge amount of patience, understanding, and compassion. Pregnancy and childbirth alone can be difficult. There are no words to truly describe the effects our parents have on us—their role is so important that it’s impossible to step back and look at our relationship objectively.

When we focus on the positive aspects of our lives–our loved ones, our support networks, our attitudes–it is easier to handle the negatives. We need to learn to re-program our minds, to speak to ourselves in life-affirming “I Am” statements. I am loved, I am content, I am healthy.

When you find yourself having negative thoughts, stop and acknowledge to yourself what you are thinking. Internally imagine windshields wiping away, or say “Cancel.”  You then create a positive affirmation that FEELS GOOD IN YOUR BODY.

Some examples of helpful statements are: I am kind and loving, and I am grateful for all that I have and feel right now. Choose the statement that feels most natural to you. Close your eyes, dive deep into your heart and give thanks.

As we grow up to be adults and begin to look more like our mother, and often behave like them, we are our own unique selves!  We come through our mothers – but we are not them.  Let go of the negative stressors and anxieties that keep you from living a healthy life. When you are a thankful, present person, you attract MORE of what you are grateful for!

We all get caught up in our everyday stresses. But we can take the small opportunities—Mother’s Day, a wedding, graduation—to celebrate our families and let them know how grateful we are. Do your best to make your relationships with your parents and all of your family members the best that it can be.