How to Spark Your Zeal When You're Celebrating, Grieving, or Somewhere in Between
Sunday, May 11th, was Mother's Day, and it held many emotions. đź’—
I know women who spent this day wrapped in joy—enjoying breakfast in bed, reading sweet notes written in crayons, or soaking up extra hugs as the kids say, "I love you, Mom."
I know some who were celebrating their beautiful mothers—women who nurtured them with tenderness, cheered them on through every stumble or rise, and are still just a phone call away.
And I know others for whom this day brings a quiet and deep ache—a reminder of what's gone, what never was, or what was never safe.
Whatever Mother’s Day means for you, there's no right or wrong way to feel. Whatever's coming up for you—it's okay. What you've lived, what you're carrying, and what you're feeling right now—it all matters.
🌷 If It Feels Joyful...
Let yourself take it all in.
The togetherness. The tenderness.
The simple, beautiful moments that remind you that you're loved and needed.
Allow yourself to relax and take it easy, without guilt.
You don't have to check anything off your never-ending to-do list.
You're allowed to rest. To receive. To care for yourself.
đź–¤ And If This Day Feels Tender...
If you're missing a mother who's no longer here, mourning a bond that never existed, or carrying the quiet ache of unmet motherly support—all you need to do is be gentle with yourself.
This day may be confusing.
It may feel heavy.
It may even bring up more than you expected.
So please know that you don't owe anyone an explanation.
Whatever you're feeling around this time of the year—joy, sadness, gratitude, anger, love, or loss—may you give yourself permission to honor it all with compassion and presence. To help you do this, I’m sharing this simple yet loving ritual.
A LETTER TO HER: A MOTHER'S DAY RITUAL
đź’— Step 1: Prepare the Space
Find a quiet moment—whether it's five minutes or fifty.
Light a candle—not for anyone else, but for you.
Let it mark this time as sacred.
Close your eyes.
Place one hand on your heart, and the other on your belly.
Take a few slow, steady breaths. Let your body soften.
Let your breaths remind you: I am here. I am open. I am safe.
đź’—Step 2: Write a Letter
Take out a notebook or piece of paper and write. It doesn't have to be a perfect letter—just a real one. You might write to:
A mother you love.
A mother you miss.
A mother you never had.
Or the part of you that's been doing all the mothering..
Allow yourself to say what you need to say. Let it come through without editing or judgment.
đź’— Step 3: Release or Remember
When you're done, take a moment to breathe and reflect.
You might choose to:
Keep the letter somewhere sacred.
Burn it as an act of release.
Bury it to symbolize planting something new.
Place it on an altar, in nature, or beside a photo as a gesture of remembrance or love.
Whatever you choose to do with the letter, trust whatever feels right for you in this moment.
In 2013, my mom passed away—and every year since, Mother’s Day has felt different. Some years, emotions rush in like a tidal wave—heavy and overwhelming. Other times, it’s more like a quiet ripple in the background—tender, but manageable. Whatever I may be feeling—whether it’s on Mother’s Day or any other day of the year—rituals like the one I shared with you have helped me feel closer to her more than ever. When I slow down and make space to remember her, I feel a deep connection. I can feel her with me.
However, this day unfolds for you—whether light or heavy, full or quiet—I hope you allow yourself to feel it honestly.
To rest when you need rest.
To celebrate without guilt.
To grieve without apology.
And if your heart is asking for a little more space to process, express, or reconnect today, I created something just for that: The Zeal Letter.
The Zeal Letter is a guided writing ritual to help you return to yourself, especially on days that stir the soul. It's a sacred space to release what weighs you down and reconnect with what lifts you.
On Mother’s Day—whether you’re celebrating, grieving, or somewhere in between—I see you, I’m with you, and I'm holding space.
ZEAL AFFIRMATION
“I am allowed to feel everything I feel today.”
This affirmation is a reminder that whatever is present for you—joy, sadness, gratitude, confusion, or even nothing at all—is valid. You don’t have to sort it out or make sense of it. You don’t have to perform or pretend. You simply get to feel what you feel, without judgment. Let this be your permission to show up honestly today, just as you are.
