May 7, 2024

? In celebration of Mother’s Day this Sunday, we wanted to impart some motherhood wisdom that children have taught about what matters most.

Some of our keynote speakers—Vernice “FlyGirl” Armour, Karen Allen, and Eliz Greene—have shared touching stories during our podcasts about the important life lessons their children have imparted to them during their journey of motherhood.

Whether you have children or not, you know that mothers are always in role model mode. But when you observe children closely, they continually offer new ways to exist in this world. In celebration of Sunday—and in honor of the simple but invaluable lessons kids teach us to live more fulfilling lives daily— we’re sharing big perspective shifts mothers have lifted from their little ones.

Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff

Let go of the need for perfection and embrace life’s unpredictability. Parenting presents unexpected challenges, requiring parents to adapt without hesitation. This lesson can be liberating for everyone. Learning to let go and accept ‘what is’ lifts the weight of constant micromanagement off your shoulders.

Play More

It’s easy to forget, but a balanced, healthy life includes fun, laughter, and just playing around. Everything doesn’t have to have a reason behind it or an end goal.

Don’t Be So Critical of Yourself

When kids experience something disappointing, hurtful, or a failure, they vent their feelings. But then they get up and try again or move on. They forgive others, and most importantly, they forgive themselves. Don’t be so critical of yourself.

When Panicked by Change, Think ‘What Would Kids Do?”

Change can scare adults. Try adopting a kid mindset. Swap your perspective and get psyched instead. Kids have a natural curiosity and excitement about learning. Adults can learn to value and adapt to each stage in life, too. Celebrate the little things you panic over just because they’re new.

Take a Chance and Trust

Kids try new things because they trust adults to catch them when they fall and keep them safe. During our transition into adulthood, we start to lose that sense of trust. Relearn to trust that others support you. It makes life more enjoyable.

Love Big

There’s a huge lesson in the power of greeting someone with a dramatic, sweet hug, especially your family members, as if you haven’t seen them in weeks instead of hours. Science has shown it takes a 20-second hug to release oxytocin, which creates feelings of psychological safety and connection between people. Go ahead, squeeze longer, and love bigger.

Laugh Heartily

Children have contagious belly laughs. William Fry, a professor of psychology at Stanford University, helped pioneer the research on the health benefits of laughter in the 1960s. He found that laughter enhanced the activity of immune system cells through an experiment in which he drew blood at regular intervals while watching comedies. Doctors have been prescribing laughter as part of a proper wellness routine for years because laughter is no joke. Do it more.

Stop Running

When did running everywhere become the norm? To work, to home, to stores, to appointments, to the gym, to school. Parents often get annoyed when their kids stop to look at a ladybug while rushing somewhere. Life is happening all around us. Take time to be present in the moment and feel the beauty around you before time slips away.

Adapt and Accept

Embracing spontaneity can transform your approach to each day, making you more patient, mindful, and attuned to the organic flow of life. Letting go of control enriches every aspect of your life, enabling you to embrace each moment with openness, grace, and a newfound sense of freedom and ease. If you can’t change it, accept it, let it go, and continue. Your destination isn’t determined by what you can’t control.

Listen Up

Along the path to adulthood, we start to second-guess ourselves and seek approval from everyone else. Social media has exacerbated this unhealthy dependence. You are the only person you need approval from. Start listening to yourself and trusting your intuition. It’s always right.

? To all the incredible mothers reading this, we celebrate you. The path of motherhood looks different for everyone; embrace yours with pride and resilience. Remember, your love, sacrifices, and unwavering dedication shape the lives of your children and the world around you.

Happy Mother’s Day!

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