Happy Mother's Day!

I was looking through the stores trying to decide on a good mother’s day gif t for my mom. Of course, there are books—her favorite, wine, candy, flowers, gift certificates but those are all so cliché. I started to think about what I could give my mom for mother’s day that she would truly appreciate.
The same day, my 6 year old had a nagging cough and my 3 year old was suffering horribly from allergies. I thought to myself “what I wouldn’t give for these kids to be healthy. “ That was it, the inspiration that I was looking for. While I can give my mom many gifts, taking care of myself and ensuring that I am healthy is the gift that she will appreciate the most.
My mom has watched me suffer through multiple shoulder injuries and surgeries. She suffered with me through two complicated pregnancies and stressed out when I was stressed from different jobs. That doesn’t even include the minor illnesses, etc. that have caused her to worry. No matter how old we get, our moms will always worry about if we are healthy. While I will most likely still buy my mom a gift, I want to give her the gift of my health because it will help her to be happy and healthy too.
So this mother’s day I am pledging to:
1. Get more sleep
2. Relax
3. Manage my stress
4. Exercise
5. Do my shoulder exercises
6. Get regular checkups & actually do what the dr.’s tell me to
7. Practice what I preach and eat right
8. Maintain a healthy weight
9. Spend time with my family
10. Spend time with my friends
11. Get outdoors and benefit from fresh air & get my Vitamin D
12. Drive safely
13. And anything else that will help me to stay healthy.

This is a special mother’s day gift because I think it will be special for my mom but it will also help me to be a better mom. If you are struggling what to get your mom for mother’s day think about what really matters to her and be creative. I’m sure she will appreciate it even more. Happy Mother’s Day!