Mothers give and sustain life. 

You might automatically think of a female parent as in the image above, but the definition of mothering goes far beyond that. 

Mothering is fierce, compassionate love that nurtures and heals. It knows when to gently push, and when to let go. 

It is defined by moments of love followed by moments of grief and change. 

It is vulnerable and tender as well as protective and angry.

It shows us what we care about, what we are willing to stand for and put ourselves on the line for.

It is the very heartbeat of life itself. 

It knows that things grow not by force and criticism but by compassionate attention.

It can lift a car if it is called to, or sit at the bedside of a dying parent. 

It is tapped into something beyond the mind, beyond ambition and goals. 

It is a love that knows no bounds, and outlasts any fear. 

We are all nurturing someone or something to grow.  

Today I mothered my garden, sowed seeds, watered and will now wait.

I mothered my family, watched them with love as they pursue their lives in their own ways.

And I mothered myself by walking, feeding myself well and forgiving myself for making mistakes and being an imperfect mother.

What are you mothering?

Happy Mothers Day!

Madeleine