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“All that I am, or ever hope to be, I owe to my angel mother.” These are the immutable words of Abraham Lincoln, the 16^th President of the United States. Many scholars consider Abraham Lincoln to be America’s greatest president due to his leadership during the Civil War, his role in preserving the Union, and his commitment to ending slavery.

Today is Mother’s Day, a day we appreciate and celebrate our own mothers and the mother of our children. We should not need Abraham Lincoln to tell us just how important and worthy of appreciation and celebration our mothers are. But sadly, I needed that encouragement more than anyone else in my growing and adult years.

Gratitude for Our Mothers

I chatted to a waitress recently who seemed quite nice. But she was very happy that there were no customers in the restaurant. I quizzed her about it, and she exclaimed, “It’s okay because I get paid anyway!”

I immediately thought, “How selfish – and for how long?”.

I smugly thought, “How greedy and egocentric of her. This waitress doesn’t care. She is taking her boss and job for granted”. Suddenly, I realised that is exactly how I treated my mother when she was alive.

I am the hypocrite of hypocrites.

Here I am telling you to appreciate and celebrate your own mother and the mother of your children.

Yet, I was selfish and egocentric as a young child and not much different as an adult. I did not care for my mother as well as I could have. I took my own mother for granted.

Sadly, growing up, I thought the world revolved around me. If you asked my wife today, she might say nothing much has changed.

Let me add one caveat. For the last 18 years of her life, my mum lived in Tasmania, 1,500 km away from me. Thank God, my brother Cameron Marsh, who died early this year, really looked after her.

For that outpouring of sacrificial love, I owe an eternal debt!

You cannot change the past, but you can change the future. Today is the first day of the rest of my life, and yours too.

Appreciating and celebrating the mothers in our lives isn’t just a kind gesture – it’s essential to the health and strength of families and society. Whether it’s your own mother or the mother of your children, recognising their impact promotes emotional well-being, stronger relationships, and greater family unity.

Here are six reasons why it is so vital to appreciate and celebrate your own mother and the mother of your children.

1. Mothers Shape Our Early Development

From the beginning, mothers play a crucial role in our emotional, cognitive, and social development. They nurture, teach and guide us, helping shape the foundation of who we become. According to Psychology Today, mothers provide emotional security that supports mental health. Dr Linda Mintle adds that honouring them reinforces those early bonds, which improves adult relationships.

2. They Make Selfless Sacrifices

Mothers often put their own goals and needs on hold to care for others. This selflessness strengthens family structure and teaches empathy. LittleThings explains the countless daily sacrifices mothers make. Therapist Patricia Morgan emphasises that such devotion builds resilient, grateful children.

3. Unconditional Love Builds Emotional Resilience

The unwavering support mothers offer serves as a protective shield against life’s hardships. The Odyssey Online notes that this love fosters confidence and security. Newton Baby suggests that children who feel loved by their mothers become more emotionally stable adults.

4. Their Strength Inspires Generations

Mothers often show immense resilience in adversity. This strength teaches perseverance. Vivian Bricker from Christianity.com emphasizes the spiritual and moral influence of strong maternal figures. Dedicated Dad, Issac Khalil, on Life Hope & Truth, highlights how celebrating them inspires future generations.

5. Celebrating Mothers Strengthens Family Bonds

Appreciation builds trust and closeness within the family. Operation Warm explains that expressing gratitude improves communication and love. Science Daily further notes that these acts of recognition lead to happier family dynamics.

6. Thanking Your Mother Will Help You Live Longer

Gratitude improves mental and physical health. Thanking your mother strengthens emotional bonds, lowers stress, and boosts well-being – factors linked to longer life. Harvard Health confirms gratitude enhances happiness and health, while Greater Good Science Center shows it reduces depression and improves heart health.

In conclusion, honouring mothers creates a legacy of love, respect, and connection. 

Lovework

While exact numbers can vary, research suggests that people who regularly express gratitude may live up to seven years longer than those who don’t.

Tell yourself, and tell your children, this on Mother’s Day.

Let the celebrations begin and don’t stop. You will live longer if you do.

Yours for Mothers,

Warwick Marsh

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Image via Adobe.