Mery Vieira Mery Vieira

An Ode to Mothers: On Love, Lessons, and the Legacy We Build

The AristoCats - one of my favorite representations of a single mother finding love. Photo Credit: www.thedailypaws.com

Motherhood has a way of revealing the deepest corners of who we are—our strength, our insecurities, our regrets, and our hopes. It’s not just a role; it’s a mirror. One that reflects back to us not only the love we so freely give but also the places within us that still need healing.

Dating as a single mother has been one of those mirrors. At times, it’s felt defeating—navigating assumptions that I must be desperate for companionship, willing to settle, or somehow lacking in standards simply because I walk this path alone. But what they don’t see is that motherhood has raised my standards, not lowered them. It has taught me to value my time more carefully, my peace more fiercely, and my love more sacredly.

While a man may cover the cost of dinner, I cover the cost of babysitting—every hour away from my child is an investment I don’t take lightly. And so, I’ve learned to be more discerning. Not just about who I spend time with, but about the kind of man I would even consider welcoming into the life my child and I have built together.

But beyond the surface of dating and decisions, there’s been a deeper journey—a reckoning with self-worth. Motherhood called me to confront the parts of my past I wasn’t proud of. To sit with the shame of poor decisions and to do the hard, humbling work of forgiveness—starting with myself.

I opened my heart to the women closest to me—my daughter, my sister, my mother, my dearest friends—and shared truths I once thought I’d carry alone. And what I found in return was grace. A safe space held by women who loved me through it all, without judgment, without conditions.

That kind of support is a lifeline. It reminded me that no matter the mistakes we make, we are still worthy of love, of joy, and of redemption.

So, this Mother’s Day, I honor the women who have mothered me through my own healing. I honor every mother who shows up, who chooses growth even in the face of guilt or regret, who loves her children fiercely while learning to love herself more deeply.

This is the legacy we build—not one of perfection, but of resilience, grace, and the courage to become better for ourselves and for those we love most.

Happy Mother’s Day to every woman walking this beautifully imperfect journey. You are seen. You are worthy. And you are not alone.

To Motherhood,
Mery

P.S.

A Few Resources for Your Journey
If this spoke to you and you’re seeking to deepen your own healing and sense of self-worth, here are a few books and talks I recommend:

Books:

Talks & Interviews:


About the Author
Mery Vieira is the founder of The LGLP Journal, a soft but strong space for healing, evolving, and stepping into your power. As a writer, brand strategist, and legacy builder, she shares honest reflections and practical tools to help women grow through life’s challenges and become the best version of themselves. Join the circle and connect on Instagram @theLGLPjournal

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