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SALT LAKE CITY — M-O-M: Three little letters that add up in a big way.
Yes, there are those famous mom faces: June Cleaver, Carol Brady, even Morticia Adams held the title. But we likely would all answer this question the same: Who is the most famous, most important and most influential mother? Yours.
Monday, KSL kicked off a campaign to celebrate motherhood. The goal is to drive home the fact that motherhood is more than a title, more than a responsibility: A mother is someone to really celebrate, because motherhood really matters.
The true definition of a mother is a woman who teaches, inspires, nurtures and loves those she comes into contact with.
More than just a stage of life marked by the presence of children, we are celebrating motherhood as a way of life that empowers our best selves.
The dictionary defines a mother as a female parent, yet we all know female parents who are not mothers, and we know mothers who are not parents. The true definition of a mother is a woman who teaches, inspires, nurtures and loves those she comes into contact with.
"I hope the one thing I bring to their live is stability, consistency and unconditional love," one mother told us.
"My family and who they are becoming is the most important thing," another mother said.
Learn More:
'Studio 5' Motherhood Matters campaign
Click on the link above to learn more about "Studio 5's" Motherhood Matters campaign.#mm_studio5
While self-help experts might have us believe that happiness and empowerment are found "out there," the new KSL Motherhood Matters campaign is dedicated to reminding women everywhere that real contentment comes from using our skills, our traits and ourselves to improve the lives of those around us.
"I think a mother is somebody who can guide, and direct, and love, and instill value and self-esteem in their child, and be there for them throughout their whole life," one woman said.
We think motherhood matters for two very important reasons. Most obviously, the influence we can have on those who are the recipients of our mothering. This influence builds good citizens, great leaders, kind human beings, and the next generation of strong mothers and fathers.
The second reason is a little more selfish. We think motherhood matters to our personal well-being and happiness as women.
The recent cover of a popular woman's magazine shouts that we are entitled to our ideal body, a better job, more energy, more love, and less stress. While there is nothing inherently wrong with any of these things, the pursuit drives us inward. We end up investing our time and energy in girlfriend getaways, spa days, updating our Facebook status, and other activities that have become benchmarks — or at least distractions — for a fulfilling life.
Popular culture promises that by recognizing and focusing on our own needs, we will find empowerment. In reality it creates a culture of comparison, distraction and discontent — none of which lead to empowerment.
The act of mothering — caring for, teaching and nurturing — has just the opposite effect. It emboldens us with confidence, contentment and purpose.
To participate in KSL's campaign, visit studio5.ksl.com and click the "Motherhood Matters" button. There, we have posted a 10-day challenge — little things you can do to help promote the message. And tune into "Studio 5" each day this week, at 11 a.m., for inspiring discussions all celebrating mothers."
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Story written with contributions from Brooke Walker and Jordan Ormond.
