Celebrating Mother’s Day: Honouring the Diverse Journeys of Motherhood

Mother’s Day isn’t one-size-fits-all. It’s a patchwork of joy, tears, quiet moments, loud laughter, late-night cuddles, missed milestones, unconditional love, and fierce resilience. It’s about the mothers who show up—in big ways, in small ways, in ways that are sometimes invisible to others. Today, we honour you.

Because motherhood isn’t defined by biology. It’s not reserved for picture-perfect moments or glossy cards. It’s shaped by love, sacrifice, strength, and the choice to keep showing up. Whether you’re a birth mother, adoptive mum, guardian, grandmother, solo parent, foster mum, mother figure, or navigating the complex spaces of loss or longing—you matter. Your story matters. And this day is for you, too.

The Many Faces of Motherhood

For some, this day brings joy—sticky handmade cards, hugs that never seem long enough, and a warm reminder of how far you’ve come. For others, it brings grief, reminders of what could have been, or memories of someone loved and lost.

Let’s celebrate:

• The mums who wake up early and go to bed late, holding everyone together.
• The ones parenting through heartbreak, illness, or solo journeys.
• Those who’ve lost a child or lost a mum—and still carry their love forward.
• The hopeful hearts waiting, yearning, trying.
• The aunties, sisters, teachers, and friends who’ve stepped in to love and nurture.
• The mums who have made brave decisions and those who have chosen different paths.

Motherhood doesn’t have to fit a box to be powerful. Every path is valid. Every journey is worth celebrating.

The Strength in Showing Up

There’s something bold about choosing to mother in a world that often overlooks emotional labour. It takes courage to keep giving, nurture yourself while nurturing others, advocate for your children, and sometimes, let’s be honest, for yourself, too.

Motherhood is a power in its rawest, most transformative form.

It’s teaching your child to be kind when the world is not.

It’s holding space for big feelings—yours and theirs.

It’s whispering “I’m doing my best” on the hard days and celebrating the little wins on the good ones.

Yet for all that strength, mothers are often taken for granted. The world doesn’t always see the full weight of what we carry—physically, emotionally, and mentally. And for new mothers, the pressure to feel joyful can mask real struggles. If you’re finding it hard to cope or think you may be experiencing postnatal depression, please know you’re not alone, and you don’t have to go through it in silence. The Women for Women Foundation offers practical support, a listening ear, and access to therapy for those who need it. Reaching out is not weakness—it’s one of the bravest things you can do.

Today, We Celebrate You

This Mother’s Day, let’s go beyond the flowers and chocolates. Let’s celebrate the truth of motherhood in all its diversity. The softness. The strength. The stories often left untold.

Let’s say thank you to the women who raised us, with arms or with influence.

Let’s check in on the ones quietly grieving.

Let’s uplift the women who are still waiting or choosing other ways to mother the world.

And if you’re a mum reading this—take a moment. Breathe. Celebrate yourself, too. You’re doing better than you think.

You Are Not Alone

No matter where you find yourself on the motherhood map today—seen or unseen, joyful or tender-hearted—know this: You are not alone. You are part of a sisterhood of strength, love, and resilience that stretches far and wide.

Your journey may look different, but your story is powerful. And this Mother’s Day, we see you.

Happy Mother’s Day—from one heart to another.