Natural Awakenings Twin Cities May 2023
Featuring: First Signs of Menopause, The Divine Messiness of Motherhood, Taking Control of Our Hormones, Solving Stress, and more.
Candi Broeffle
Publisher
May is Natural Awakenings’ annual Women’s Wellness month, and we celebrate all the people who have accepted the nurturing role of a mother. In the early days of Mother’s Day, the idea was to honor the sacrifices that mothers made for their children. Though this sounds like a noble sentiment, it can set us up for unrealistic expectations and resentments.
If you are someone who was not blessed with a nurturing maternal person in your life, this day can leave you feeling lonely and hurt. Perhaps you are a mother who, God forbid, has lost one or more children or is distanced from them, leaving a void where love should be. Rather than a day of celebration, we are faced with a day of sadness.
Instead, we can all take this day as a reminder of the person we want to be and the life we want to live. It is the perfect time for a reset from the New Year’s resolutions we made, and the upcoming long, sunny days are the best incentive to focus on our wellbeing.
Take time for self-care. As a mother, it's easy to put the needs of others first, but it's essential to prioritize your own well-being. Schedule time for exercise, meditation or hobbies that bring you joy and fulfillment.
Pursue your dreams. Don't let the responsibilities of motherhood hold you back from pursuing your passions and goals. Whether it's starting a new career, taking a class or traveling to a new destination, show your children that it's possible to find purpose and joy outside of our everyday life.
Set a positive example. By prioritizing your own well-being and happiness, you are setting a positive example for your children. You are teaching them that self-care and pursuing one’s dreams are important parts of a fulfilling life.
Embrace joy. Let go of the idea that sacrifice is necessary for motherhood. Instead, embrace joy and all that life has to offer. Show your children that having a family and a life that brings you purpose and joy is not only possible, but necessary.
Inside these pages are articles to help you on your wellness journey, with more online-only content at NaturalTwinCities.com. There are suggestions for exercise, healthy eating, stress reduction and other self-care practices that can be incorporated into your busy life. Additionally, local advertisers offer excellent gift ideas for services and products that also help focus on your loved one’s well-being.
Remember, taking care of yourself is not selfish—it's essential. By prioritizing your own health and happiness, you are better able to care for your loved ones and live a wholly fulfilling life. So, let's toss out sacrifice and make room for all the joy we deserve!
Wishing you wellness,
