How Advocating for Myself on Mother’s Day Changed Everything
Empowering Moms and Kids to Speak Up
Mother’s Day this year was different. For the first time in a long time, I didn’t have to rely on my partner to plan the day for me. It was a day I had advocated for, making sure I got exactly what I wanted, and it felt amazing. After 10 years of motherhood, I’ve learned that my needs are just as important as everyone else’s, and I’m not afraid to ask for what I want anymore.
If you’ve followed me for a while, you know that I’m a big believer in standing up for yourself and setting boundaries. And honestly, I can’t think of a better example of that than advocating for your own happiness on a day like Mother’s Day.
Getting ready to tee off for golf - our new Mother’s Day tradition.
Learning to Speak Up for Myself
In the past, I had these unrealistic expectations that my husband, Jason would somehow know exactly what I wanted. I’d hope for the perfect day with no planning on my part, and I’d often be left disappointed when things didn’t go as planned. The problem? I wasn’t speaking up for myself. I expected someone else to guess what would make me feel loved and appreciated, and when they didn’t hit the mark, it caused unnecessary frustration.
But this year? I took control. I asked for exactly what I wanted: time for myself in the morning, my favorite hobby as a family, Mexican food, and the flexibility to be present without the pressure of doing it all. And guess what? It was the best Mother’s Day I’ve had in years. I felt loved, appreciated, and, most importantly, in control. The gorgeous, sunny weather didn’t hurt either.
Breakfast in bed - a breakfast I love!
Mexican for dinner…my fave!
Teaching My Daughters the Power of Advocacy
One of the biggest takeaways for me was realizing that, as moms, we’re not just teaching our kids how to care for others - we’re also teaching them how to care for themselves. I want my daughters to know that their needs matter and that it’s okay to speak up for what they need. Whether it’s about friendships, school activities, or personal time, I want them to grow up with the confidence to ask for what they want, too.
I know it’s easy to get caught up in the idea of being the “perfect mom,” constantly putting others first, but the truth is, if we don’t advocate for ourselves, we’re doing our kids a disservice. They need to see us standing up for ourselves and setting healthy boundaries, so they can do the same in their own lives.
What I’ve Learned:
Advocating for myself doesn’t just make me a happier mom - it also makes me a better role model for my kids. I want them to see that it’s okay to ask for what you need, even if it feels uncomfortable at first. Life is full of challenges and struggles, but it’s through those struggles that we learn, grow, and become stronger. I want my daughters to understand that failure isn’t something to be afraid of; it’s an opportunity to learn and grow.
Final Thoughts
So, whether it’s advocating for yourself on Mother’s Day or teaching your kids how to speak up for their needs, remember that setting boundaries and asking for what you need is not selfish - it’s necessary. By doing so, we not only create healthier relationships with ourselves, but we also set the stage for our children to grow up confident, resilient, and unafraid to stand up for their own happiness. Not to mention making our partners’ lives easier!
What about you? Have you had a moment where advocating for yourself made a difference? Let me know in the comments!
They love golf as much as we do!
As I reflect on the lessons from both my personal and business journey, I’m more committed than ever to helping kids develop the confidence, resilience, and emotional strength they need to thrive. At The Bloom Retreat, we’re all about teaching kids the tools they need for success – in the kitchen and beyond. If you're ready to invest in your child's growth and build a foundation of healthy habits, confidence, and independence, join us at Bloom. You can learn more and sign up for our upcoming retreats and classes here. Let’s work together to help the next generation grow up strong, confident, and ready to face life’s challenges!
