Imagine lying in a hospital bed, cramming for a Mother’s Day essay.
Yes, that’s me right now.
When I was a young mom, my Mother’s Day wish was simple: respite. Even just for a day. I looked forward to flowers, a massage, or a trip to the salon. And honestly, all mothers deserve that.
But as I grew into motherhood - with adult children now busy building their own lives and identities - Mother’s Day became more precious in a different way.
Now, what I want most is their time.
An entire day together. A massage, a coffee date, or simply sharing a meal somewhere along the streets of Makati.
I love spending time with my girls. Their company feels more valuable to me now than anything money can buy.
The irony of life is this: When they were little, they clung to you like stickers. Now that they’re adults, you cling to them like cling wrap.
The assignment was about how I take care of myself despite everything going on in my life. The constant work. The nonstop responsibilities.
The truth is, sometimes I still crash and burn. Well… every so often.
It used to hurt more because I never knew when to stop. Now, I’m learning.
I work in three-week sprints: Three weeks of intense work, then one slower week to recover. I usually time it with my cycle.
I’ve learned not to open my laptop after 8 PM. To accept only one meeting per day. To ask myself: “If I don’t do this today, will the world end?”
Most of the time, the answer is no.
Taking care of myself now means saying no. It means boundaries, which have always been difficult for me. It means putting myself first sometimes.
And of course… those two-hour massages!
If you are a mom, self-care doesn’t always mean shopping, salons, or spa days.
Sometimes self-care means standing up for yourself. Protecting your dreams. Setting boundaries with people who hurt you. Choosing yourself again and again. Betting more on yourself.
Happy Mother’s Day!
May you learn to put yourself first. May you rest without guilt. And may you always remember that you matter too.
Penned by: Irene Villaespin, Founder & CEO of The Eco Shift