The Motherhood Handbook

Motherhood is, without a doubt, one of the greatest gifts life can offer. Few bonds are as deep as the one between a mother and her child.

Yet society seems to hand every mother a "book" that tells her how to be the ideal mother: what is right and wrong, what children should or shouldn't be allowed to do, what should be said to them, and what should be avoided.

What's remarkable is that this book changes from one culture to another—and even from one social group to another. In some places, almost sacred importance is placed on nutrition or hygiene. In others, love and emotional support are considered the highest priorities. Some families place academic achievement above all else, while others see sports or the development of a particular talent as essential. Every society writes its own set of rules.

Mothers are constantly exposed to these parenting models, and each "book" presents itself as though it contains the only correct way to raise a child. Surrounded by these messages, it is not always easy to step away and create a way of mothering that is unique and authentic—one that grows from our own values, our life story, and our deepest hopes for our children, rather than simply reflecting the expectations of others.

Today, I celebrate every mother who chooses to parent from her own center, in harmony with who she truly is and what she believes matters most.

I celebrate the mothers who, with love, reflection, and authenticity, dare to write their own "book" of motherhood.