Moms are typically those kind souls who love to nurture and give of themselves unselfishly. Their focus is on pleasing others, solving everyone's problems and making sure their family members have all their needs meet. However, in the process, many moms lose sight of getting their own needs and wants met. There is a sense of guilt if they take time out for themselves, as if it is somehow selfish to put themselves first.

With this sense of self-sacrifice and self-neglect, many moms suffer quietly with the kinds of repressed emotions and unreleased stress that can lead to emotional eating habits, lack of physical activity and sleep problems, all serious contributors to overweight, obesity and many weight-related health problems such as heart disease, diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, some forms of cancer and more.

Therefore, the most important thing you can do this Mother's Day is finding that special way to honor your mom or someone who has been like a mother to you. And, if you're a mom yourself, it could also mean allowing for your loved ones to spoil you rotten.

Having already lost my mother to cancer, perhaps my take on Mother's Day is a little bit different. I would give anything to have my mom back to make her feel special and appreciated. It's not about how expensive the jewelry, or how fancy the restaurant or how big the box of chocolate. Sure, those things are nice, but it's about the time, love and attention that you give. It is about the thought, meaning and genuine feelings of appreciation behind it all.

The bottom line is moms just want to feel special and appreciated by others, the same way they make others feel. But equally important, moms need to learn how to make themselves feel special and appreciated. They need to learn how to do this for themselves by learning to let go of guilt and how to be selfish in a positive and productive way. This means re-defining the word “selfish”. They have to learn to be kinder, more nurturing and giving to themselves and learn to reach out for and ask for what they themselves need and want.

So, if you're looking for a gift for Mother's Day, why not do something to help your mom show herself some appreciation. Here are some suggestions:

Take her shopping and help her pick out a new outfit. Encourage her to try a new colour or style that makes her feel great about herself. Sometimes we all need a little boost to give us the courage to get out of our comfort zones.

Take her to the spa and let her pick out the treatments she would like to have. For example, you may want to surprise her with a manicure, but maybe she's never had a massage and with a little encouragement would want to give that a try instead.

Take her to brunch or dinner at a restaurant that she's always been wanting to try, but has never had the opportunity. Ask her where she'd like to go, or make a few suggestions. Or, if you prefer, why not prepare a special brunch at home for her with her favourite foods. Be sure to set the table with your best table linens and silverware to make her feel extra special.

Take your mom on an outing to something new and different that she never would have gone to otherwise. This could be a new movie in town, a special exhibit at the local museum, a wine tasting, or some unique event that is going on in your city. Check your local paper to see what's going on.

Cherish every moment you have with your mother. Make this an extra special Mother's Day by giving her your time, attention and appreciation. But don't forget, the flowers and jewelry are appreciated too! Enjoy your Mother's Day celebrations.

Roslyn Franken is a proud cancer survivor and acclaimed author of The A List: 9 Guiding Principles for Healthy Eating and Positive Living and Death Can Wait: Stories from Cancer Survivors. She is a motivational speaker and host of the How to Thrive after 35 internet radio show. Roslyn also offers one-on-one coaching by telephone and email conveniently accessible world-wide. For more information, send email to info@roslynfranken.com or visit www.roslynfranken.com.