To celebrate Mother’s Day, we asked some of our closest friends what motherhood means to them. Motherhood isn’t a monolith - it can take almost any form and exist even in the most unexpected ways. Whether you’re celebrating yourself, your mom, or anyone of significance to you, we hope it’s a meaningful day spent mindfully with those you love.

Carla aka @carlanatalia_

What do you love most about being a mom?
Seeing my kids grow each and every day.  It’s so amazing getting to experience their first smile, steps, word, math equation and back flip. I love seeing how the love I give them every day comes right back at me in so many ways.   

What have you learned about yourself through motherhood?
I have learned that I can love more than I could ever imagine, that I’m patient and strong, that I can do hard things, and in order to be a great mom I have to take care of myself first. 

A quality in your child that you admire most?
I love Atticus' funny personality and passion for the things he loves the most. His intelligence blows me away. I love Arias' sweet personality and non-stop smiles.  

Best piece of advice for someone entering motherhood?
Do what is best for you and your family. We are all different and our babies are all different.  Comparison is the thief of joy, so remember not to get lost looking into someone else's motherhood journey. 

Ari aka @heliohoney_

What do you love most about being a mom?
Watching my baby grow and learn how to do new things, I catch myself in awe of every little and big thing he does for the first time. I also love learning through him and having a little bestie with me all the time.

What have you learned about yourself through motherhood?
I can’t just teach by saying things but actually embody what I want to instill in my child and lead by example - I must choose to work through my trauma to heal, truly love myself, move with confidence, and speak up for myself. 

What is a quality in your child that you admire most?
I admire my son’s assertiveness, it's something that I’ve always felt like I lacked so it teaches me how to speak up for myself a lot more than I did before becoming a mother. I also admire how funny he is. It amazes me that he’s already so hilarious (at least to me!) - he keeps me laughing. 

What is your biggest piece of advice for someone entering motherhood?
Be gentle with yourself and take a little bit of time for yourself every day - even if it's just going outside for a few minutes or taking an uninterrupted shower or bath. It’s easy to get wrapped up in taking care of everyone else, but remember you deserve care too. You have to take that time so you don’t feel too burnt out to take care of your little one(s). 

Kiana aka @kianazakar

What do you admire most about your mom?
I love how selfless my mom is - always putting others before herself, and being there for everyone and their needs no matter what. My mom’s free spirit has always encouraged me to enjoy the little things in life and live in the present moment.

Best piece of advice from your mom?
My mom constantly reminds me not to take life too seriously, and to stop stressing about the small stuff (a constant struggle for me!). At the end of the day, everything always works out for the best.

What are your favorite ways to spend time together?
We love easy beach days together, browsing cute local boutiques, and thrifting!

What is a style cue you got from your mom?
My mom is all about comfort! I definitely get my love for breezy maxi dresses, and loose, effortless clothing from her. From a young age, she has taught me how to dress for style and function in our tropical Hawaiian weather. 

Yoseline aka @yslnc

What do you love most about being a mom?
The connection and bond I have developed with my son. When he sees me and gives me a big laugh or smile it just makes me the happiest person in the world. 

What have you learned about yourself through motherhood?
I’m still learning so much. I really thought I was a pretty patient person before having my baby, but turns out I still have a lot to learn. Learning  to slow down and savor each day with him is also something I am trying to be better at. 

A quality in your child that you admire most?
Everything lol! I think just seeing how his little personality is starting to form - it’s really cute. 

Best piece of advice for someone entering motherhood?
To trust yourself and follow your intuition, the maternal instinct is powerful. 

Heather aka @heathertequiere

What do you love most about being a mom?
Being someone’s home and building the most incredible bond with the little ray of sunshine I birthed.

What have you learned about yourself through motherhood?
I transformed into a version of myself that I never knew existed, blown away at what my mind/body/spirit is capable of. Constantly growing and learning while also healing my inner child. 

A quality in your child that you admire most?
Her empathy at such a young age. Seeing her console her friends when they’re hurt or upset melts my heart. Also her weird and silly sense of humor. I swear she cracks us up all day long. 

Best piece of advice for someone entering motherhood?
Surrender! Nothing will be what you expect it to be and that’s okay! Motherhood is the ultimate paradox, the most challenging and wonderful thing. Ask for help, set/hold boundaries with friends/family, get fresh air daily and rest whenever you can. And always remember you’re the best mother for your child. 

Cory aka @corysarg

What do you admire most about your stepmom? 
She's so warm, fun, silly, strong, and quirky! She's always herself and down for a fun time. She's also one of the strongest people I know and gets through hard times with a sense of humor.

Best piece of advice?
To find the light in tough situations and not take life too seriously!

Your favorite ways to spend time together?
Playing pickleball, swimming, playing with our pups, and enjoying some much deserved wine!

A style cue you got from your mom? 
Jess always inspires me to wear more color!

Madeline aka @madfraser

What do you admire most about your mom figure?
Mea was my mom’s best friend — they have a lot of qualities that are very similar. Mea is the most loyal person I know. She always has your back and is there to support you without judgment. She is also unbelievably strong and powerful, which is inspirational to watch, but my favorite thing is with all that strength she’s incredibly soft with so much love too. She loves to cuddle and never hesitates to tell you how much she loves you. She’s a pillar of strength and love. What else could you ask for? 

Best piece of advice from your mother figure?
There have been many through the years but one of the most impactful for me is the power of mutual respect in any relationship. She and her husband have been married for 31 years and I’ve watched them parent me and their daughters for nearly that long. I’ve watched them grow a beautiful life together with joy and laughter even through life's hardest moments. They have an unwavering respect and love for each other rooted in equality. They are a TEAM. I never grew up with parents who were really a team but I had Mea & David as my second parents and I think the stark contrast made me realize what a lesson their relationship was to me. Since then, I always knew I would strive to build a relationship like theirs and I’m happy to say that I have with my husband, Clinton.

What are your favorite ways to spend time together?
We love to travel! Mea has a home in Italy where Clinton and I got married. We go there every year and swim, eat wonderful food, drink vino, laugh, dance and enjoy life. I think our favorite thing to do together is have fun! We really can’t help it! 

A style cue you got from your mom figure?
Own it! Talk about confidence - Mea has the best energy and love for herself. It’s magnetic! She owns her style and always looks fabulous. 

Kirsten aka @theblockistot

What do you love most about being a mom?
The love. Sounds cliche but there is absolutely nothing like the love between a mother and her children. 

What have you learned about yourself through motherhood?
That you shouldn’t mess with me. Kidding! But it has shown me just how far past “what I think I can do achieve and be” being a mother has pushed me. 

The quality in your children you admire most?
Both of my children are nature boys. Love being barefooted, outside (sometimes naked)  exploring. I love that about them and maybe that goes against the grain but I love them being free. 

What is your biggest piece of advice for someone entering motherhood
You’re going to be your own brand of mom. And that brand is enough. Don’t try to be something you aren’t. Don’t look at other moms and compare yourself to them, your kids were made for you and you for them - you’ll be perfect the way you are. 

Eleena aka @eleenamills

What do you love most about being a dog mom?
That you have a bff around at all times

What have you learned about yourself through dog motherhood?
Not everything will go as planned but remain patient and it will all work out.

What is a quality in your dogs that you admire most?
Leo is a brat and also the sweetest depending on his mood - I like when he chooses to be sweet. Bruce is always an angel and I love how loyal he is.

What is your biggest piece of advice for someone getting a dog?
Look at dog food ingredients!!