To the Ones Who Show Up Like Mom

Mother’s Day often centers on traditional definitions of motherhood—but love, care, and nurturing show up in so many forms.

This week, we’re taking a moment to honor all the mother figures in our lives:

The auntie who’s always been in your corner.
The mentor who guided you when things felt unclear.
The best friend who held space for your healing.
The dog (and cat) moms, the big sisters, the soul sisters—the chosen family who step in and show up.

Motherhood isn’t always biological. If you’ve ever poured into someone else, nurtured, protected, guided, or loved someone like they were your own—you are worth celebrating.

Here are 5 meaningful ways to honor the mother figures in your life (and yourself, too):

1. Send a Note of Gratitude

A voice memo or a short message can go a long way. Let them know how much their presence means to you.

2. Gift Rest, Not Just Things

Gift a moment of ease—a podcast, a playlist, or our free meditation below—to help them unwind and feel held.

Video by cottonbro studio

3. Reflect on Who’s Mothered You

Journal or simply pause to recognize the people who’ve shown you unconditional care, even in unexpected ways.

4. Say It Out Loud

Whether it’s “thank you for being there” or “you helped raise me in your own way”—those words matter.

5. Practice Self-Mothering

Give yourself what you often give to others: grace, rest, and compassion. You deserve that too.

Our Gift to You: Press Play on this 2025 Stress Relief Playlist to reset, recharge, and feel held—no matter how this season finds you.

And because love multiplies when shared:

Want to shout out a mother figure in your life?

Write back to us in this email or DM @nadiamurdock on IG with your tribute. In return, we’ll send you another freebie. We’ll be spotlighting a few throughout the week.

To the ones who make the world softer,
To the ones who hold us together,
To you—thank you.

A Love Note to Non-Traditional Motherhood 💌