I'm sick and whiny, so I thought I would post something a friend sent me a while back. It really resonates with me.

Imagine a Mother
by Patricia Lynn Reilly

Imagine a mother who believes she belongs in the world. A mother who celebrates her own life.

Who is glad to be alive.

Imagine a mother who celebrates the birth of her daughters. A mother who believes in the goodness of her daughters. Who nurtures their wisdom. Who cultivates their power.

Imagine a mother who celebrates the birth of her sons. A mother who believes in the goodness of her sons. Who nurtures their kindness. Who honors their tears.

Imagine a mother who turns toward herself with interest. A mother who acknowledges her own feelings and thoughts. Whose capacity to be available to her family deepens as she is available to herself.

Imagine a mother who is aware of her own needs and desires. A mother who meets them with tenderness and grace. Who enlists the support of respectful friends and chosen family.

Imagine a mother who lives in harmony with her heart. A mother who trusts her impulses to expand and contract. Who knows that everything changes in the fullness of time.

Imagine a mother who embodies her spirituality. A mother who honors her body as the sacred temple of the spirit of life.

Who breathes deeply as a prayer of gratitude for life itself.

Imagine a mother who values the women in her life. A mother who finds comfort in the company of women. Who sets aside time to replenish her woman-spirit.

Imagine yourself as this mother.

© Patricia Lynn Reilly, M. Div, 1995