Oh, Hi Mom!

All this talk about my inner child got me thinking about my actual mom, and how much influence she still has over my inner child self.

True story: I have a picture of my mom in a nice little frame. And everywhere I put it, it seemed like she was judging me and finding me less than. But I didn’t want to store it away in a box because that seemed … I dunno… unkind. She really did love me a lot. She just didn’t understand me at all.

So my solution was to put her in my kitchen cabinet, next to the plates and cups. Every time I open the door, I see her, and I say, “I’m really sorry.” and then I grab what I need and shut the door.

What kind of a mom did you grow up with? Are the words she used on you still reverberating? Do you have to listen to them? Can you just put them away? In a box somewhere? In an album? In the fireplace?

And when you hear your mom taking to you in ways that are judgmental, hurtful, or unkind, maybe you could roll your eyes, pull out your inner teenager, and just blow her off. Or, if she is long gone from your life maybe you could simply acknowledge her and move on with an, “Oh, Hi mom. Gotta go now.” Or something similar.

Easier said than done, I know. Especially if she is still alive and fully present and actively engaged in your life.  But maybe you can find a way to just say no to the nonsense and yes to the love?

And if you had a loving mom who was always there for you, lucky you! Listen to what she has to say, send her flowers if she’s still with you. If she’s gone from the world, send yourself the flowers because she continues to live on through you.

What do you think? Can we do it? Thoughts? Ideas? Revelations?