How to write a Mother’s Day letter of love and get it published

The Sunday Mail is launching a national campaign encouraging you to write a Mother’s Day letter to your mum during the coronavirus pandemic. It’s a priceless, powerful gift during these times of isolation. HERE’S HOW TO GET YOURS PUBLISHED.

OUR mums are the ones who, right now, are assuring us everything is going to be all right.

With wisdom and kindness, they remind us how powerful the human spirit can be, how important it is to have compassion and kindness and give us a torch to find light in the darkness. 

As a global pandemic grips the world, impacting each of our lives in different ways, we need our mums more than ever. And they need us.

It’s two weeks until Mother’s Day and most mums would love nothing more than to lift everyone’s spirit on May 10 with a family celebration full of hugs and with laughter echoing through the house. 

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But travel restrictions and social distancing mean many families will be unable to physically be together, particularly those with elderly members.

Mother’s Day will look a little different but it can still be just as special. And with one simple gesture, potentially more meaningful than ever.

Today, The Sunday Mail launches a national campaign encouraging you to write a Mother’s Day letter to your mum to tell her what she means to you. It’s a priceless, powerful gift that costs you little.

Cate Campbell and her mum Jenny. Picture: Jamie Hanson

Today, some of our favourite Australians, including Olympian Cate Campbell, actor Rebecca Gibney and model Elyse Knowles have shared letters they have penned for their mums this year. 

Their letters reveal beautiful insights into what their mums mean to them through thoughts and raw memories.

Over the next two weeks, we’ll share more letters from your favourite personalities and we encourage you to send us your own letters.

At a time when communication is more important than ever, research psychologist Trish Obst said it’s an opportunity to use the power of the written word.

“This has given us a moment to stop and reflect on what is most important in life and a letter is a lovely way to put those thoughts down,” she said.

“Focus on what she meant to you in your life … reflect on what your mother has given you.

“Writing allows you to touch base with your creativity, bring out imagery and there’s a lot of space for deeper reflection.”

CATE CAMPBELL’S LETTER TO MUM JENNY

DEAR MUM,

When I was a kid, my superhero didn’t wear a cape. She wore short brown hair, comfy shoes and a kind smile. Her super powers weren’t flight, super strength or a mythical hammer – although the mere threat of the wooden spoon was enough to inspire obedience. Instead she had super powers of kindness, selflessness and a steely, yet quiet, determination.

She taught me the that pinnacle of human achievement doesn’t lie in accolades, riches or trophies, it is treating others with kindness, dignity and respect. She taught me that my dreams and ambitions were only limited by my willingness to pursue them – and my determination to overcome obstacles and setbacks.

She taught me that no matter what life throws at you, there is always a positive side, always something to be grateful for – sometimes you just have to look a little harder than others.

You may have guessed it Mum, but that superhero was you.

Cate Campbell’s swimming career started early.

I am now old enough to know that superheroes don’t exist, but that does not lessen my admiration for you. I still see superhuman acts of love, kindness, and selflessness from you daily.

I saw your super powers at work during the 4.30am car trips to the swimming pool. I saw your kindness when you would collect me from training in winter with tumble-dried towels and a Thermos of hot Milo. I saw your patience when you sat up late with me at night, trying to get my brain to absorb and understand algebra. I saw your determination when you climbed into bed and read me a bedtime story – even when you could hardly keep your eyes open.

So much of me I owe to you and the example you set for me. Thank you for being my mum; for loving and supporting me always. Thank you for showing me that superhuman feats do exist, and thank you for inspiring me to become a superhero when I grow up.

HOW TO SHARE YOUR LETTER OF LOVE

HOW TO SHARE YOUR LETTER OF LOVE

1. Tell us in 200 words what your mum means to you and include a picture of your mum. We will publish a section of the best on May 10. Please include Queensland in the subject line of the email and send it to: [e-mail]

*Maximum 200 words, and include full name, suburb and state.

If we publish your story your full name, suburb and state will be published. Please make sure you only send us images which you are entitled to let us publish. Not all letters will be published. Publication may be different for online and print. Online access is limited to digital subscribers only.

2. Read an excerpt to video and share it on your social channel on Mother’s Day #letterstomum #sundaymail