May 8, 2025

How to Practice Self-Compassion on Mother’s Day

Anxiety

Emotional Intelligence

Depression

By Elaine Dickens, MA, RP | Live Inspired Wellness

The Gift of an Empty Box: A Mother's Day Reflection on Self-Compassion

Mother’s Day can stir up a thousand emotions—gratitude, grief, pride, exhaustion, and sometimes, quiet dread. It's a day that shines a spotlight on expectations—both the ones we carry and the ones placed on us. For many, it’s a time of celebration. But for others, it’s complicated.

In the past, I invited a client (shared with permission) to do something different. Instead of buying flowers or organizing brunch, I asked her to gift herself an empty box. A box of self-compassion. A gift from me to her.

It wasn’t meant to be symbolic fluff. It was a real container. Something tangible she could hold onto as an emotionally charged event approached. And a reminder that no matter what happened externally, she had permission to fill that box with whatever she needed.

Maybe it would hold her anger. Or her grief. Her laughter. Her silence. Her unmet expectations. Her longing for a different kind of connection. Her relief. Her guilt. Her joy. Her confusion. All of it was welcome.

The box became a practice of radical self-kindness:
A space to pause.
To breathe.
To not perform.
To not push through.
To not fake okay-ness for the sake of others.

Self-compassion isn’t always gentle. Sometimes it’s fierce. Sometimes it’s setting boundaries, or saying “no” to one more family dinner, or giving yourself the grace to show up imperfectly.

Mother’s Day can be beautiful, but it can also be a mirror. And for many, that mirror reflects losses, longing, resentment, or roles they didn’t choose.

So if this day feels heavy, weird, lonely, or just… a lot—you’re not doing it wrong.

You're human.

And maybe this year, you gift yourself the same thing she did:
An empty box.
A vessel for softness.
A place to land.

Because you don’t need to earn rest, care, or love: Especially from yourself.

Wishing you gentleness, however you mother, were mothered, or choose not to be.
Happy (complicated) Mother’s Day.

Photo by eskay lim on Unsplash

Turn Challenges Into Growth

Feeling overwhelmed or stuck? Get The Emotional Intelligence Blueprint—a free guide with practical tools to manage stress, build resilience, and regain control. Download now.

* indicates required

What I Wish I Knew Before Starting Couples Therapy (Even as a Therapist)

May 27, 2025

Communication

Relationships

Neurodiversity

Read

Why Feeling Unseen Cuts Deeper for High Performers

May 12, 2025

Anxiety

Depression

Emotional Intelligence

Read

Three Lessons I Learned from Networking in 2024

May 8, 2025

Career

Read

Start your journey with us.

No matter the challenge—stress, self-doubt, relationships, or personal growth—we offer tailored therapy and coaching to support your path forward. With flexible in-person and virtual sessions, we’re here to help you thrive. Let’s take the next step together.

437-383-75312

37 Main Street North, (Upper Floor)
Uxbridge ON L9P 1J7
letstalk@liveinspiredwellness.ca

Book a Free Consultation