Celebrating women and mothers, today and always.
We believe in celebrating women and mothers today and always. So, in honor of Mother's Day, we interviewed American Beauty Founder Sara Gonzales – devoted mother, businesswoman, and television host, to share her perspective on all things motherhood.
In this article, Sara shares her insights into her own experiences in celebration of Mother's Day. Sara opens up about how life has changed since becoming a mother and the wisdom passed down from her own mother throughout the years.
What have your children taught you about motherhood?
Everyone is a parenting expert - until they have children. My boys have taught me so many things - but the two that most come to mind are patience and the importance of just living in the moment. So often, as mothers we are constantly picking up after tiny human tornadoes, cleaning, sorting toys, and doing general upkeep in the house that we forget to just be present. It's such a valuable lesson, not just with children, but in life. Stop trying to perfect things and just be present.
Has becoming a mom changed your perspective on life and family?
Becoming a mom is the most rewarding, most important thing I have ever and could ever do. I always knew I wanted to be a mom, but I never realized quite how much bigger your heart grows when you become a mother. There is nothing as important as family, and raising your children with good values, morals, and an appreciation for where they came from. I'm not sure that fully hits home until you have children of your own.
The most rewarding experience as a mother?
Teaching my children, and watching them learn and grow. I will never forget the first time I heard my older son use his manners without prompting, while ordering dinner at a restaurant. I thought to myself, "wow! All that work finally paid off!" In the moment, you feel like a broken record, but diligence and dedication pays off.
What is one of the most precious gifts you have received as a mom?
A necklace with both my sons' names engraved in it. I wear it almost every day. A close second are all the handwritten cards I've received over the years. Those mean the world to me.
Describe the perfect way to spend Mother's Day
First of all, my children don't sleep. Like, at all. So, getting a few extra hours of sleep is a MUST. Breakfast in bed. No screaming or crying. A family activity like a meal, and a park outing. And again, I reiterate NO screaming or crying.
What guidance and lessons has your mum taught you that you have/will pass on to your children?
The value of hard work. Both my mother and I were single moms for a time period, and at no point did I learn from her to feel sorry for myself, wallow in my own self-pity of my situation, or to give up and allow the status quo to consume me. I always saw her working hard - at life, at being her best, at her job, but most importantly, at being a great mom. It stuck with me.
One piece of advice for any mothers-to-be:
Don't go into motherhood thinking you've got it all figured out. Allow yourself some grace. You may THINK you've got your schedule and routine all figured out, you may have read a book from an expert on the best way to teach a baby to sleep. None of that matters, because it's your family, and your babies, and you will intuitively know best. Never doubt a mother's intuition. At the end of the day, YOU are the expert.
Mother's Day is a time to celebrate women and mothers, today and always. At American Beauty by Sara, we would also like to extend our gratitude and love to the yet-to-be mothers, the mothers who have lost, and the mothers who are no longer with us.
For those looking for a last minute Mother's Day gift, or live some distance away from their mothers, give the gift of choice with an instant digital gift card available at American Beauty by Sara.
