Rethinking Mother’s Day

Once a shopaholic, always a shopaholic. Well, mentally at least. Now that I am “allowed” to shop, I often find myself thinking: It’s a nice day and I should go to the store and buy something. But wait, what is it that I need??? We all know that most of the time, the answer to that question is nothing. I doubt that I am alone in falling into the consumerist draw. This is particularly true as spring is now upon us and a change of season dictates new items.

With spring, comes our one of my favourite (Hallmark) holidays: Mother’s Day. The sign at my local shopping mall said it all:

Why is it that Mother’s Day means that you have to buy your mother something to show her your love? Like I always say, all those marketing teams are working hard to convince you to buy the latest gadget or item because it will make you happy. And a thing, like flowers or chocolate or perfume, is also what you need to make your Mom happy. But is it? I was fortunate having grown up with a mother who didn’t care much for Mother’s Day and the stuff that went with it. My mom was just happy to have us helping her out around the house. I now understand why she wanted that… because I want the same thing. Fortunately, my daughters understand this and were generous with their time today.

Like all Moms, I like nothing better than having the gift of some free time. One of my favorite pastimes is working out:

I am using my own in your face marketing to inspire others to reconsider consumerism for a simpler and more minimalist lifestyle.

As for flowers, I love hyacinths. Fortunately, I don’t have to have anyone buy them for me as I have them in my garden:

This flower garden was literally humming with birds today and I was glad that they got to enjoy the flowers as I did. Having a garden is not only beautiful, it helps our bees and animals.

But best of all, I enjoy spending time with my daughters, even if it is over a simple breakfast:

Most of the time (or should I say always), what we really want for Mother’s Day does not come from a store.

How did you spend your Mother’s Day?