With one more Mother’s Day behind us, perhaps this is the perfect time to reflect on our relationship with the woman who shaped our lives more than we could ever fully fathom. Our fast-paced lives and constantly changing priorities often lead us to neglect this bond, and a single day per year is not nearly enough to show our appreciation, respect, and love for our parent.

Expressing love for our mothers is a state of being, and this mindset shouldn’t be reserved for special occasions. No matter how old you are, or how old she is for that matter, it’s never too soon or too late to strengthen this mindset one caring choice at a time.

Spend quality time together

You can create an entire set of rituals to enjoy with your mom. They don’t have to be pricey or last for days, as even the simplest and briefest of shared moments can have substance as long as you both enjoy them and use them to bond. Your mom deserves that you put your phone away and don’t glance at the TV when you ask about her day. She deserves your full attention over your shared cup of coffee or that stroll in the park.

You can organize longer outings or vacations with her. Even the planning process alone can be a fun, beautiful bonding experience in which you both do your best to find the right destination and organize your activities.

Words matter

You may talk to her everyday, but what you say is much more relevant than the frequency of your conversations. She has been your support your entire life. Do your best to let her know how beautiful she is, how much you love and respect her, how proud you are of her.

Tell her how grateful you are every day. Make sure you say what she needs to hear when you notice that she might be scared, upset, or that she is feeling a little nostalgic. Talk about your memories and remind her of her irreplaceable role in your life – it will mean the world to her.

Nurture your communication

In addition to all the caring things you can say, how you treat your conversations is equally important. If she has had the patience, love, understanding, and wisdom to guide you through every stage of your life, you should show the same when it comes to her own worries and hardships.

Who else is going to face all the difficulties of the old age together with her, if not you? This is especially important, and all the more necessary, for a mom who could be experiencing health problems. You can help her find great home care packages that are ideal for her health and lifestyle. She should never feel like a burden, and your attitude, affection, and communication are precisely what she needs to embrace and enjoy her silver years.

Surprise her

Remember every birthday party and every “A” she celebrated with you, and you’ll be inspired to make every single day special for her, even with the simplest acts of kindness such as making her favorite cupcakes or taking her to the movies. Sign up for a dance class with her, or something similar which would be more to her taste.

Don’t wait for her birthday or Christmas to give her a present she’d love, but do it on any day of the week to let her know you’re thinking of her. A handmade card, a new dress you’ve noticed, or a book by her favorite author are all ways of bringing a smile to her face and let her know you care.

Take interest and show gratitude

Last, but most certainly not the least essential in your mindset, is being involved in her life and expressing genuine interest in what she likes. Ask her about her day, what she might be thinking about, if she dreamed about something interesting, or simply what she’d like to do tomorrow.

Finally, let her know how grateful you are that you have built such a strong relationship over the years, and how powerful of an influence she has been in all of your achievements in life. You might have flown the nest long ago, but it is her who has been the wind under your wings all this time, and the shield from all storms of life.