Honoring Mothers

One book written by Anna Malaika Tubbs, The Three Mothers: How the Mothers of Martin Luther King, Jr., Malcolm X, and James Baldwin Shaped A Nation, gave me a new perspective on motherhood. Historical figures and change makers often have incredibly strong, powerful, and inspirational mothers who led them to greatness, but their stories are often untold. In honor of Mother’s Day, I want to bring not only this story to light, but all the untold stories of the mothers behind leaders throughout the world.

Honoring Mothers

I want to take a moment and thank my mother. As I approach 40 years old, I find myself in a position where my work (Kind Mind) is impacting the lives of thousands of children and hundreds of teachers throughout our nation. Behind my core values of service, community, and leadership is my mother. She taught me grit, resilience, and perseverance. She taught me how to value common humanity and humility at my core. She taught me how to connect and respect Mother Earth.

While I didn’t always feel emotionally nurtured and seen for who I am, if it weren’t for this relationship I never would have found my path toward healing and self-discovery, and ultimately the creation of Kind Mind.

Throughout my journey, I went through phases of blaming my mom for my hardship and suffering. When I learned practices of compassion, I embodied skills to nurture myself, let go of blame, and eventually talk about this together. I was able to shed some of the hurt and resentment. I am thankful for that process.

As a mother myself, I see why we often bear the brunt of blame and criticism, and that is because we care and love our children so deeply. We can’t be perfect and we will make mistakes. And at the root of it all is love.

Thank you, Mom. For always providing for me, for encouraging me, for teaching me a strong work ethic and perseverance, and for loving me unconditionally in your own special way. I love you.