Mother’s Day is the second Sunday of May each year and gives us the opportunity to ponder on the wonderful women in our lives. Everyone has been touched in some way by the tender love of a woman, and what a blessing that is.  

However, Mother’s Day can be difficult for many women, especially if they have lost children or parents or are not able to have children of their own. Mother’s Day can also be painful when we have expectations that seemingly aren’t met or that don’t measure up to the perfect picture the media and society paint for us. In each of these circumstances we have the opportunity to turn inward and remember who we really are and the beautiful love we have to share not only with others, but also with ourselves. 

Years ago, we moved into a neighborhood with an amazing young mother who had recently lost her husband to a heart attack. It was devasting to their young family and of course the neighborhood pulled together to support them in many ways. When Mother’s Day came around, instead of feeling sorry for herself because her husband wasn’t there to help the kids honor her, she turned the day into an “I Love Being Your Mom Day.” She decorated the house, fixed their favorite foods, surprised them with gifts, and they spent the day together doing fun family activities. She decided to do something that filled her cup and turned a potentially difficult day into one filled with joy. She is truly an example of finding joy in whatever circumstance you are in. Her children felt so loved and the whole family was glowing after Mother’s Day weekend. 

Dr. Christopher had a deep love and respect for women, which began early in his life with his love for his adopted mother. His empathy grew as he watched her suffer from diabetes, arthritis and later Bright’s disease and edema. Her intense suffering and the medical profession’s inability to heal her set him on the path of learning the principles of diet and health he taught so fervently. When his mother died, he vowed that he would be able to help people and keep them from this type of suffering. It wasn’t an easy path, but he found joy as he discovered and taught these simple truths that make an immense difference in people’s lives. He was known for his joy and ability to find the good in everyone and everything. 

This month, I encourage each of us, men and women alike, to take some time to find joy in our lives. Remember, you are a beautiful divine soul meant to feel and share happiness. As life gets hard, don’t be fooled into thinking that hardships happen because you are not enough. You are enough. Difficulties in our lives give us an opportunity to grow and choose joy. Let yourself laugh, give a hug, share a smile, and take some time to fill your cup. I’ve noticed that the most joyful people are full of gratitude. They actively choose to be grateful for all things in their lives and this gratitude supports them through life’s many difficulties. 

Sandhguru teaches, “Even if you are put through the most horrible situations, you can come out using that experience as a better human being or you can use the experience to become a horrible mess. So, whenever something hurts you, there are two options. You can either become wounded, or you can become wise. This is the choice. The more things hurt you early on in your life, the wiser you should have become, isn’t it? But unfortunately, most people become wounded. This is simply because they just need an excuse to turn their own intelligence against themselves, that’s all. Especially if the world around you turns against you, is it not very, very important that your own intelligence stands up for you? Many things that don’t work out in your early life, you will see later on, it is a great blessing.” 

When we choose wisdom and cultivate gratitude for all experiences in our lives, we find that deep joy that teaches us who we really are. My hope for each of us this Mother’s Day and throughout the year, is that we will find joy and allow it to grow and improve every aspect of our lives.