What Does it Mean to Mother?

August 4th, 2024

You know, when my son was born 26 years ago, I thought it was my job to teach him a thing or two about life. But looking back, it turns out, ironically, he (and all my kids) have likely taught me more about myself than I ever could have imagined about life. 😉

Being a mother has been a deeply spiritual journey for me, and I have learned so much about myself along the way. But I think the most profound lesson I have come to learn is what it truly means to mother. For me, mothering is not simply about raising my kids, taking care of my family, or managing household duties. For me, to mother is to nurture another back to their truest selves. And what I have learned is that it is a journey that starts within.

So, what exactly is your true self?

Your true self is your core essence, or who you really are, that reflects your unique qualities, characteristics, desires, and inclinations. It’s who you are deep down, and how you think, feel, look, and behave. I believe it is connected to your inner voice that always guides you in the right direction. Your true self is the blueprint for who you are here to be.

It was on my motherhood journey that I really got to know my true self.

Motherhood has been a mirror reflecting my deepest truths back to me. Every challenge has revealed parts of me and spirit that I didn’t always have access to. 

I remember those times when my patience was tested to its limits during my kids’ rebellious years. It was through these moments though, that I discovered a reservoir of patience, compassion and resilience within myself. When I called upon these qualities buried beneath my fear and desire to control, I became stronger and even more empowered than I understood was possible.It was only when I learned to hold a space of love for myself when being challenged that I was able to offer that to them. Learning that I was strong enough to hold both my reactivity and theirs became guiding lights on my path to self-discovery.

The truth is, I believe we are all mothering one another in one form or another from time to time. When your best friend is sick, and you bring soup, or when a loved one is struggling in a relationship and you offer your shoulder, you are, in essence, nurturing them back to their true selves. These acts of kindness and support are forms of mothering that transcend biological ties. They remind us of our innate capacity to care for and uplift each other.

While we mother one another, I think the most important thing you can do is learn to mother yourself back home to your true self. Which means undoing the conditioning and programming that have veiled your true essence. It means unlearning the lies and limiting beliefs you’ve picked up along the way and returning to the divine wisdom within. To reconnect with your true self, you must engage in practices that nurture your soul—whether it’s through meditation, journaling, or simply spending time in nature. By doing so, you gradually peel away the layers that obscure your true essence and embrace the authentic self that lies beneath.

Which is so freeing, empowering and frankly way more fun.🙌🏼

So, Are you connected to your true self?

Wherever you are on your motherhood journey, remember to start with mothering yourself.

Start with reconnecting to your true self.

Nurture yourself.

Come back home to the wise one within.

And set yourself free. 🆓

I am excited for you.

in trust and gratitude,

Annmarie Chereso
Author, Speaker, Coach, & Meditation Teacher

PS: I have a simple practice that can help get you started on your journey—grab it here for free.