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One Mom’s Journey to Redefine Mother’s Day

Mother's Day Nature Walk & Wellness Day - Sunday May 11, 2025

By Macaroni KID Downtown Houston - Pearland April 30, 2025

A Different Perspective on Mother's Day   

     Each year, we revisit the familiar question: What in the world are we going to do for Mother’s Day? How should we spend the day, and what gift feels right? Sending flowers or treating Mom to brunch are classic go-to’s. But when your mom lives in another state (as mine does), or country, even simple gestures become more complicated. 

     For some, Mother’s Day is a joyful tradition—a time of happiness, connection, and gratitude. For others, it’s bittersweet—bringing feelings of loss, regret, anger, or sadness. As with any holiday, we’d be mistaken to assume it's automatically a happy occasion - it doesn’t look or feel the same for everyone. So the question remains: what’s the best way to spend the day?     

     For these reasons and more, I was delighted to discover the 2nd Annual Mother’s Day Nature Walk & Wellness Day and its founder Myra Johnson. Connecting with this powerhouse of a Woman, Mom, CEO and more revealed there is so much more to this day than what you might think. 



Finding New Meaning in Mother's Day

     As a mom of 2, and single mother up until 2 years ago, Myra didn’t typically celebrate Mother’s Day, well not in a conventional way. She used the holiday to shift the focus away from herself  to others, saving funds and gathering friends and volunteers to host small give-back events to support moms and children in crisis. This proved to be a more fitting tradition—one she could personally identify with and a meaningful example of service for her kids

     One year near Mother’s Day, the night before Myra and the kids were to be honored at a Mother’s Day initiative in Houston, her (daughter) had a terrible accident and was later diagnosed with a medical condition that could be managed only by reduced stress and anxiety. Myra was on a quest to do whatever it took to help her daughter and rebuild their relationship as an improper work life balance had taken its toll. Trial and error began with mandatory mommy daughter walks 3 times a week; she believed getting outside and getting fresh air was sure to help.     

     Walking quickly became the vehicle for talks about the day and deeper issues they were less likely to unpack over a face to face sit down. It became a segway to peace, better communication, and bonding during a time when they both needed it most. It also became such a part of her life that she would take calls, handle business while walking, and encourage everyone around her, including clients, to do the same. The benefits these walks provided, and a visit to one of her favorite local gardens inspired what is now known as The Mother’s Day Nature Walk and Wellness Day which will be held on Sunday, May 11th at Shadow Creek Ranch Nature Trail, a hidden gem in Pearland, Texas (15 minutes south of Houston).



Shadow Creek Ranch Nature Trail - Pearland
.                 Shadow Creek Ranch Nature Trail - Pearland

A Day of Self-Care and Service

     This event has blossomed into an inspirational and altruistic experience. One that offers balance and well-deserved self-care for tireless mothers and the gift of giving…

     A portion of all proceeds benefit non-profit organizations that provide vital assistance to homeless mothers and children in crisis - The Mission of Yahweh, fight childhood hunger - Kid’s Meals, Inc, and help women escaping domestic violence - Sarah’s House (soon to be known as New Beginnings). In addition, event attendees can make a difference by sponsoring a mother through donations toward the goal of providing 100 gifts to homeless mothers.  If a financial contribution is not possible, the event also serves as a supply drive. The event website provides a list of items each non profit is in need of. Supplies can be dropped off at check in during registration.


2024 Mother's Day Nature Walk & Wellness Day


     “Mother’s Day can be a time of real connection and relaxation no matter what situation your family is in. We will be planting in honor of loved ones who have passed and offering wellness experiences for all ages. You can customize your day by taking pilates, yoga, tai chi, participating in our dance party. Or you can add on things like floral arranging or a massage.        We realize that coming up with things to talk about with mom can be tricky - so we created conversation prompts and poetry readings along the trail. I believe the gift of experience can go much further than material things, and hope folks join us in getting out on Mother’s Day to move, talk, relax and have a bit of fun", said Johnson. “As a mom you are always giving - so this is a chance to not only treat yourself, but also help other moms in need.”

To learn more about Myra, click HERE



2024 Mother's Day Nature Walk & Wellness Day


If you are interested in volunteering, click this Volunteer Registration Link 🔗

Please consider joining Myra and hundreds of families for this special Mother’s Day event! Additional information and registration can be found by clicking image below. 


Shadow Creek Ranch Nature Trail - Pearland
          Shadow Creek Ranch Nature Trail - Pearland




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