Call Me Mother

Having escaped, this weekend, for a well-earned and much needed break, I can report that all is well and I highly recommend regular “flits to the hills”.

Catering for my modest needs and indulging in lengthy periods of reading, walking and reflecting have proved to be incredibly simple and highly effective methods of recuperation.  The weather conditions have not dampened my enthusiasm and the lack of television, communication and companionship has only added to the pleasure of my retreat.

I hope that the gentle glow will continue, unabated, when I re-enter the responsibilities of daily life.  (My reading has left me armed with enthusiasm and plans to create ravioli, explore the beach more and revel in the uniqueness of my children.)

To anyone for whom Winter has continued just a little bit too long, and Spring appears a too distant dream,  I encourage you to take a break somewhere and re-discover yourself.  It will make a huge and positive difference.

Mothering Sunday is an appropriate time to consider that motherhood is not the sublimely positive experience so often portrayed – particularly today of all days.  It is also the ideal time to appreciate that, given the expectation of almost endless maternal sacrifice, one day of recognition is staggeringly disproportionate.

As mothers, in so many homes, joyfully welcome the cards, gifts and salutations of their loved ones, we push to the back of our minds the memory of all that we have done to organise the picture-perfect scene.  We choose not to remember that we did the shopping (often after earning the housekeeping), we enabled the creation of the “breakfast in bed” and lunch (which we will welcome with genuine delight) and that we will begin our next round of Spring Cleaning (kitchen first) tomorrow!

This is one of the difficulties of motherhood; sacrificing everything, visibly appreciating the minutiae of all that is offered by our dependents and constantly seeking to increase the opportunities for our loved ones’ futures.  All this done, whilst attempting to remain in the background and plan for an independent, exciting and positive adventure once our offspring attain adulthood and the mantle is passed on.

Mothers, you truly are amazing.  Enjoy your day!

Absorbing all that politicians have been considering during the last few months has confirmed my position as “in the world, but not of it” completely.  This, in turn, has prompted more exploration of others with such an attitude.

Reading about the Amish principle of courtship which is never even slightly physical (let alone sexual) reveals a refreshing and inspirational concept.  It is Spring Cleaning.

Ponder, for a few minutes, your adult relationships.  How deep and meaningful would they be without physical contact – now and prospectively for years?  To assist in the analytical process, consider a few questions.

How well do you really know Person X?

What do you know about him/her?

What do you like about him/her?

What would you like to know?

How essential is your relationship?

Why does your relationship exist?

How healthy is your relationship?

How interesting is your relationship?

Is your relationship worth further investment of time, energy and emotion or would it be wiser to abandon it?