Mother’s Day, My Way: Grief, Growth & Giving Yourself Permission

Ep 40. The Complicated Truth About Mother’s Day (And Why It’s Okay to Feel Everything)

What if Mother’s Day didn’t feel joyful… and instead brought up a swirl of emotions?

You’re not alone. In this deeply personal episode, I’m unpacking the messy middle of Mother’s Day—why it feels so complicated for so many of us, and why we need to stop pretending it’s one-size-fits-all.

From loving-but-complicated relationships with our own moms, to loss, longing, caregiving, and navigating shifting family roles—Mother’s Day can bring up more pain than pampering. As I reflect on my own experience—from my childhood to my daughter’s last Mother’s Day at home before heading to college—I share the real talk I wish someone had told me years ago: It’s okay to do this day your way.

You’ll also hear how job sharing isn’t just about workplace flexibility—it’s about building a life that allows space for real connection, caregiving, and yes, even grief. Whether you're a mom, have a mom, lost a mom, or have complicated feelings about the whole thing… this episode is for you.

Here’s What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

• Why Mother’s Day can bring up grief, pressure, and emotional landmines
• My story of mothering, caregiving, and setting boundaries in a blended family
• How Alzheimer’s changed my relationship with my mom—and gave something unexpected back
• What I want my daughter to know before she heads off to college
• Why it’s okay if Mother’s Day sucked this year—and how to make next year better
• A loving permission slip to celebrate your way (or not at all)

Whether you’re in the thick of motherhood, mourning, or making peace with what you’ve been handed, I hope this episode gives you space to breathe, reflect, and feel seen.

❤️‍🩹 Share this episode with someone who might need it today. And if it spoke to you, DM me and tell me what's one thing you're ready to drop next Mother's Day. 

Send Melissa a Text Message.

RATE, REVIEW & FOLLOW ON APPLE PODCASTS

Thank you for supporting my bootstrapped social good business and mission!

“I love Melissa and Jobshare Revolution.” <– If that sounds like you, please consider leaving me a 5⭐ rating and review! Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate 5⭐ , and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. This helps me support more people—just like you—to find true work-life balance. 🙌🙌