Thanksgiving is upon us, and though it carries its controversies, the essence of the holiday for me centers around two main joys: delicious food and the chance to reflect on gratitude. Thanksgiving presents a perfect opportunity to ponder what we are truly thankful for.
In this solo episode, I’m diving into an often overlooked concept – expressing self-gratitude. As a Latina mom, I recognize how crucial it is to acknowledge ourselves and the hard work we put into nurturing our families. Self-love and self-compassion are vital, yet we hardly praise ourselves openly. This episode aims to change that narrative and guide you on expressing gratitude for yourself as a mami.
Reflecting on Gratitude
When we sit around the Thanksgiving table, we commonly share what we’re grateful for: family, friends, and life’s blessings. However, we rarely hear anyone express gratitude for themselves, perhaps fearing it might come off as self-centered. Yet, studies confirm that gratitude contributes significantly to our well-being and mental health. Reflecting on the dynamics in my life, I noticed that the maternal figures, like my mamá and abuelita, rarely expressed positive self-talk. This often leads to a cycle of underappreciation for oneself, affecting our mental state over time. As moms, we dedicate so much to our families, often sidelining our own needs. Recognizing the incredible work we do can foster a positive mindset and stronger familial bonds.
Five Ways to Practice Self-Gratitude
This week, I share five practical tips to help you, dear mamas, incorporate self-gratitude into your busy lives:
- Create a Mommy Gratitude Journal: Jot down your reflections, achievements, and joyous moments with your children. It’s a powerful exercise to mirror on the wonderful work you do as a mother.
- Give Yourself Mommy Affirmations: Develop affirmations that celebrate your strengths and the love you provide. Simple phrases like, “I am a great mom,” can reinforce a positive mindset.
- Celebrate Your Madrehood Milestones: Acknowledge both significant and minor achievements in your parenting journey. It can be as simple as celebrating the end of a challenging phase with a small treat or gathering.
- Establish a Mami’s Self-Care Routine: Prioritize self-care activities that suit your current life season. Whether indulging in a hobby or taking solo breaks, self-care is essential for your well-being.
- Reflect on Your Mommy Growth: Regularly take time to consider your personal growth as a mother. Appreciate your progress, lessons learned, and the evolving bond with your children.
A Challenge in Self-Reflection
At this year’s Thanksgiving, I’m choosing to voice gratitude for my own growth – a reflection of my journey as both a mom and an entrepreneur nurturing our community of Latina mothers. I challenge you to incorporate at least one of these self-gratitude practices this week. Share your experience with me via DM on Instagram or email at podcast@vivalamami.com.
Join the Journey
Expressing self-gratitude is essential to maintaining our emotional and mental health. It’s a critical step in being present and wholeheartedly loving those we cherish. As we take care of ourselves, we become better equipped to care for our families. Celebrating ourselves may be daunting, but it’s crucial for our well-being and serves as a model for our children. So this Thanksgiving, when asked what you’re grateful for, remember that it’s perfectly okay to say, “I am thankful for myself.” Thank you for being part of this journey with me. I hope the insights shared inspire you to redefine self-gratitude within your motherhood experience.
Let’s embark on this path of thankfulness together. Tune into the episode to explore these tips in detail and discover how you can foster self-love amidst the chaos of motherhood. Thank you for your support, and I look forward to our continued journey of gratitude and self-discovery.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Show Notes
It’s the week of Thanksgiving and I’d like to first say that while it can be a controversial holiday, the two things that get me excited about Thanksgiving are the food and for the ability to reflect on what I’m thankful for!
This week many of us will be at the dinner table and talk to family and friends about what we’re thankful for and while we may not have los cojones to say we’re proud of ourselves, I’m going to share a couple tips on expressing self-gratitude because mujer, it’s about time we recognize the hard work we put out as mamás!
These practices are not only beneficial to your own mental and emotional well-being, but can also serve as an inspiring model of self-appreciation for your children.
In this episode, you’ll hear:
- The importance of self-gratitude
- How to express self-gratitude this Thanksgiving
- Five ways to practice self-gratitude
