05/09/2026
BALANCING JOY AND SORROW ON MOTHER'S DAY
The journey with motherhood is just that: a journey. Those on it travel between its phases, often beginning with a sense of joy and wonder, leading sometimes through difficult obstacles and emotional hurdles. The word “mother” has different meaning for each of us. While many approach the Mother’s Day holiday with joy and appreciation, it’s imperative to recognize those facing Mother’s Day with a cloud of grief or sadness hanging over them. Mother’s Day celebrates a mother’s light in the world, but not everyone defines a mother the same way.
Those facing infertility have an obvious challenge to celebrating Mother’s Day as they long for children of their own. Women who have miscarried or lost a living child may feel similar grief for a child’s life that could have been or once was. But even those who are not striving for motherhood may face challenges on Mother’s Day: Those who have lost their mother, those estranged from their mother, or those in a difficult relationship with their mother. Existing mothers who are divided from their living child for any reason may feel an emptiness as they cannot celebrate with them. Women who choose not to be mothers may also feel heavy on Mother’s Day as they carry a familial or societal pressure to change their mind. Regardless of reason, those struggling are just trying to balance their sorrow with the cheerfulness around them.
Joseph Campbell said, “Participate joyfully in the sorrows of the world. We cannot cure the world of sorrows, but we can choose to live in joy.” No matter your relationship with motherhood, all emotions and feelings are valid and welcome on this day. If you have an ache in your heart, know you are not alone and you don’t have to let your feelings consume you. Mother’s Day is meant for celebration. You have the right to spend Mother’s Day however you want to. What might you want or need to support you? What do you want to lean in on? How will you show up for yourself today?
Mother’s Day can be made easier by unapologetically letting yourself feel your feelings. You can choose to share your feelings with loved ones if it helps you. Listen to your heart when Mother’s Day comes around. Release the pressure to be joyful if you feel sad. Or, in some cases, release the guilt you have about feeling joyful when times are challenging. Do whatever feels right to you on this day. You matter, and we are meeting you wherever you are on your journey. Hold on to your hope.
The journey with motherhood is truly a journey. For non-mothers, life still presents its ups and downs. By accepting what is and staying open to possibility, choosing happiness, and welcoming the compassionate care yourself and others give you, you can celebrate each day in a bright light.
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