I usually write a Mother’s Day newsletter or social post including a cute little picture of me and my kids. But for some reason that does not feel right this year. Not because I don’t appreciate my motherhood or because I don’t want to celebrate my mother or mother-in-law or all the mother-like people in my life. But because for some reason I am more keenly aware of those who may not be celebrating.

I am thinking of those who may have lost their moms. Those whose moms are alive but are suffering (I am thinking of a dear friend whose mother is in the late stages of Alzheimer’s disease and sending so much love), the moms who have lost their children, and the moms who were unable to conceive – you are still mothers in your heart.

I am thinking about the single moms who struggle to manage the household and make ends meet, the professional moms who decided to give up their profession to care for their children exclusively, and the moms who took on the notion of doing it all and doing it all at once.

I am thinking about the many Mr. Moms, who for reasons out of their control are practicing motherhood and fatherhood – you’ve earned your seat at this table too.

And to those of you who have read this whole thread and are wondering where you fit in, perhaps you have no reason not to want to celebrate, having had the good fortune that some others have not, and yet find yourself not celebratory, I am thinking of you too.

Perhaps, on this Mother’s Day, you are not looking for a bouquet of roses or a champagne brunch. Perhaps what you really want and need is a time out.

In this week’s HealthBite podcast, I offer an argument for rest and relaxation, for quiet and solitude. Not only why we need it, but the truth that we must have it in order to protect our health and wellbeing, in order to thrive. As a weight loss physician, I incorporate a weight loss slant, but as always, these matters of the heart and mind have nothing to do with our weight.

Wishing you a restful weekend!

xx,

Dr. Adrienne