Letter to My Mom

By Archita Prahladka

Dear Mom,

I don’t know if I want you to read this—but maybe someday you will.

For the longest time, I’ve struggled to understand what a mother’s love truly feels like. The softness, the safety, the unquestioned care that people often talk about—I didn’t really grow up feeling that. I didn’t instinctively run to you when I was in pain or needed comfort. I looked for mothering in other places, in other people.

But I know this much: you loved me. I know that every mother loves in her own way. And maybe it wasn’t that you didn’t want to give more—it’s that you never received enough love yourself to know how to give it fully.

You gave up so much: your career, your ambitions, your independence—all for us. And sometimes, I wish you hadn’t. I wish you had chosen you too. Because maybe then, you’d have had your own world, your own joy, your own voice that no one could take away. Maybe then, you’d be able to stand tall, proud, and respected—by others and by yourself.

To all mothers: please don’t give up everything for your children. Because one day, they might forget your sacrifices, but you’ll still carry the weight of what you gave up. And starting over is never easy.

Even with everything unsaid, I carry deep love for you, Ma. You carried me into this world. That’s not a small thing—it’s everything.

And maybe that’s the kind of love I’ll never be able to explain, but will always feel.

Happy Mother’s Day!!

Love,

Archi

Archita founded The Humanize Group to help global business leaders craft powerful personal brands. Through strategic content, audience curation, and podcasts, she amplifies their digital influence. Fueled by passion and guided by ikigai, she empowers leaders to share their authentic stories with the world.

LinkedIn: archita-prahladka