Every year on social media, I see posts and pictures from people encouraging others to be considerate on Mother’s Day — there are lots of women in the world who can’t have children, have lost children, have given up children for adoption, etc. who struggle on Mother’s Day.

As a woman who always thought she’d have kids but never did, I’d like to talk about this.

First of all, to all biological, adoptive, and stepmoms out there — HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY! You work hard. You love fiercely. I hope you feel recognized and loved today.

For the other women in the world, I’m sorry for your pain. I’m sorry for your struggle. I don’t deny that you hurt. I don’t deny that this day might be hard for you … but this day is not about you.

It’s hard when you want to be a mom but you aren’t a mom and everyone around you is celebrating moms. I know that. But it’s also hard when you want to be married but you aren’t married and people on Facebook are sharing wedding pictures. Should we ask them to stop? I get it — it sucks when you’ve always dreamed of something that doesn’t happen, but that doesn’t mean we stop honoring or celebrating those fortunate enough to live out their dreams.

If today’s hard for you, I’d like to challenge you to do two things:

  1. Celebrate with those who are blessed to be mothers, even if you aren’t.
  2. Talk to someone. If this day is hard for you, you have a hurt that needs to be healed. Don’t ignore it. It won’t go away if you and everyone you know stop celebrating Mother’s Day. If you treat your wounded heart, however, the pain will start to lessen and heal.

So … Happy Mother’s Day moms. I hope it’s a great one.