Celebrating My Beautiful Inspirational Mother with Dove

Inspirational women are all around me, friends, family members, idols and even strangers. The way these women interact with their children, carry themselves, how they think and what they have accomplished is often overwhelming. Thinking back, the only person I hold high on the pedestal of perfection is my mother. She is a woman of great strength, determination, sincerity and love.Whatever happened to good old-fashioned simple beauty? Women today are lost because of the lack of role-models who portray beauty as simply a feeling. Instead they are bombarded by temporary fulfillment of outer beauty that does not last.

Dove is committed to inspiring all women and girls to reach their full potential.

Married and a mother by the age of 18. She definitely had her work cut out for her. So many nights I remember sleeping in her bed just to keep her company while my father worked endless hours just to make ends meat- she never once showed me she was scared. I remember looking at her at about 8 or 9 years of age, thinking her beauty and knowledge were thrown away and useless because of the path she chose. Then, as I got older I realized that she sacrificed so much just to keep her dream alive.

A simple dream, the thought that you can find the man you love, raise children who are loved unconditionally, and ultimately, and base your inner happiness through the joy others feel. A dream often shamed upon as being mediocre. For my mother it is simply making your heart happy.

Now at the age of 32, as a stay at home mother myself, I look at my own mother in complete admiration. To think, she sacrificed money, education, a career, independence… life. All this for me, for her dream. All these years, there was never a moment I didn’t feel beautiful. I attribute this to the fact that I was loved unconditionally, cared for and constantly embraced by someone who never left my side. Even through my crazy teen years…we all know how bad those can be.

Only 9% of Canadian girls (ages 10-17) are comfortable using the word “beautiful” to describe themselves. However, when girls feel they have a role model, they are less likely to let anxiety about looks hold them back.

Every girl realizes they are not as perfect as the woman they see in magazines as a teen. At this time in my life my mother was back at work and juggling a family because tough times called for desperate measures. Through my own teen years, I often thought my mother did not have as much time to focus on me, simply because I was so used to being spoiled with all of her time. I was wrong, she was steeping back and watching me flourish. Though I was completely aware of my insecurities and differences, I never for a moment thought I had to change myself or my looks to be a better person. My mother has taught me to embrace who I am as an individual and focus my energy on providing love for the people around me…just as she has done.

I am now a mother of 2 beautiful boys. I have decided to stay at home with them, just as my own mother did. It is a sacrifice I did not easily make. I mean, I had to re-evaluate living expenses, and put my commitment to work on hold. One day, with hopes I will return–just as she did. Everyday I try to focus all of my energy into raising them with compassion and love so that one day I hope they too will feel confident and strong enough to be someone they are proud of. There is not one moment that goes by that I am not scared, just as my mother probably was.Scared, beautiful and strong…the pedestal of perfection, my mom.

I have nominated my mother, my hero as an inspiring role model in the Dove Celebrate Mom Contest. Do you know someone who is an amazing Mom?Visit www.CelebrateMom.ca by September 4th to nominate a mom who’s an inspiring role model to women and girls in the Dove Celebrate Mom Contest.

Four inspiring women will win $2,500 for herself and $2,500 to be donated to the charity of her choice.

Check out more stories on YummyMummyClub.ca about amazing role model moms and Nominate one Now!