"Am I Asking Too Much?”: A Mother’s Silent Pain and the Moment I Broke

-

“Am I Asking Too Much?”: A Mother’s Silent Pain and the Moment I Broke


There was once a mother who raised her daughter all alone.

She gave up everything, her dreams, her peace, her joy, to make sure her daughter had everything she needed, and more. She put her own happiness on hold so her daughter could build a better life.

Now her daughter is standing on the edge of adulthood.

But somewhere along the way, something shifted.

All the mother ever asked for in return was something simple.

Respect.

Not money. Not gifts.
Just to be spoken to with kindness.
Just to be treated like someone who mattered.

But instead of respect, she’s often met with pride. Her daughter refuses to apologize, even when she knows she’s in the wrong. Her words are sharp. Her tone is cold. And it hurts in ways no one can see, because it’s not just disrespect, it’s betrayal. Of all the sacrifices. Of all the sleepless nights. Of all the love.

One day, the mother broke.

Her daughter spoke to her with such cruelty that she couldn’t hold it in anymore.
In a burst of pain and exhaustion, the mother slapped her.

It wasn’t planned. It wasn’t proud.
It was the explosion of many years of silence, unspoken hurt, and emotional fatigue.

She had always tried to stay calm, to be the bigger person. But mothers get tired too. They break. They bleed, even if no one sees.

She’s not a perfect mother, but she is a mother who gave everything.
And she wonders, with tears that no one sees:

“Is it really too much to ask… to be respected?”

🌷 A Quiet Lesson

This story is not rare. Too many mothers carry this pain in silence, giving everything, receiving little, and being treated like their love is expected instead of appreciated.

It’s time to change that.
It’s time to remind the world: Mothers are human.
They are strong, but they need compassion.
They give endlessly, but they deserve respect in return.

💭 Reflection Questions for Readers:

  • Have you ever been emotionally overwhelmed by someone you deeply love?

  • If you’re a child, do you show your parents the same kindness you expect from them?

  • If you're a parent, are you allowing yourself to feel, to rest, and to speak your truth?

  • When you're wrong, are you brave enough to say "I'm sorry", even to those who raised you?

  • What does respect mean in your family, and is it shown both ways?

Let this story be a reminder:

Love does not mean silence.
Respect should never have to be begged for.
Even the strongest hearts have limits.

And every mother—flawed, loving, tired, and human—deserves to be seen, heard, and treated with dignity. 



A Letter for My Mother


Dear Ma,

I’m sorry.
I’m sorry for the times I made you cry.
For the hurtful words I said, and the actions I can never take back.
I know now that I should never have treated you that way.

You are not perfect, and you were never expected to be.
You’re human, just like the rest of us. You’ve made mistakes, just like I have. But even with your flaws, I should have appreciated you more. I should have loved you louder, deeper, and without conditions.

Because the truth is, no matter what has happened between us…
You are still my mother.

And I would not be the person I am today without you.

Thank you for everything, for your sacrifices, your strength, and your love.
I hope one day you’ll be proud of me.
I carry you in everything I do, and I’m trying my best to become someone you can look at with pride.

I hope you can forgive me, Ma.
I promise to do better. You deserve that. You always have.

With love and remorse,

Apple (Joie)



If this spoke to you, you’re not alone. I share more honest stories, gentle reminders, and real talk about mental health, self-worth, and finding peace at your own pace.

Follow me for more! let’s grow together, one step at a time.


Location: Canada

Comments

Post a Comment

Most Loved on The Womind Journal

When Love Becomes Control: The Mental Health Toll of a Manipulative Partner

-
Image
When Love Becomes Control: The Mental Health Toll of a Manipulative Partner We all want love that feels safe, love that nurtures, respects, and uplifts. But what happens when love starts to feel like a trap? When words meant to comfort slowly confuse, and affection becomes a tool for control? Many people find themselves in relationships where manipulation is disguised as love. It can be subtle at first—so subtle you might even question if it’s real. But over time, this emotional manipulation can deeply damage your mental health and sense of self. What Is a Manipulative Partner? A manipulative partner isn’t always loud or aggressive. They might be charming in public, attentive in small ways, or even act like a victim to guilt you into staying. But their patterns tell the truth: They twist your words. They make you feel like you’re always wrong. They isolate you from people who care. They gaslight you, denying things they clearly did. They use love as a reward system: ...
Read more

How Journaling Helped Me Heal

-
Image
How Journaling Helped Me Heal: From Chaos to Clarity There was a time in my life when my mind felt like a storm I couldn’t escape. I was in therapy, trying to understand myself, trying to breathe through the weight of emotions I didn’t yet have the tools to manage. That’s when I started journaling—not because I knew what I was doing, but because I needed somewhere to put all the noise. At first, I wrote down everything. Every negative thought, every fear, every spiral that pulled me under. My journal became the place where I could be brutally honest, messy, and completely unfiltered. I wasn’t writing to be wise or poetic—I was writing to survive. Writing Without Judgment I gave myself permission to put anything on the page. No edits. No shame. Even if the thoughts were dark or irrational, they had to come out. Strangely, the more I wrote, the lighter I began to feel. It was like pulling weeds from a garden—I had to see them clearly before I could understand what needed to be cleare...
Read more

The Silent Weight I Carried: My Journey Working Abroad and Searching for Life at 37

-
Image
The Silent Weight I Carried: My Journey Working Abroad and Searching for Life at 37 This is me talking, at 37 years old.  At 36, I made a big decision, I moved to Canada to work and start a new life. I left my career, my mother, my brother, ash & coco, and everything familiar behind, hoping to build something better, something lasting. Now, I’m here in Canada, still fighting to find life for me . For the past 14 years, I’ve lived a life divided between duty and distance. Working abroad, far away from my daughter, I dedicated myself to building a better future for her. I worked hard. I survived. I sacrificed. I endured. But in the process of showing up for everyone else, I stopped showing up for myself. To many, I’m fortunate. I have a decent job. I own a house. I have food, and security. I’m grateful for everything I’ve achieved. But even gratitude doesn’t cancel out the quiet exhaustion that lives in me. The kind that builds slowly over years of loneliness, responsibility,...
Read more

Support me on Ko-fi

-
☕ From the Heart, If You Wish 💛 Hello everyone, Writing and sharing my mental health journey has been a deeply personal and healing process. If you’ve found comfort, insight, or connection in my words, I want you to know that your presence here already means so much to me. That said, if you ever feel moved to support my work in a small way, I’ve set up a Ko-fi page where you can leave a tip, just like buying me a warm cup of coffee. No pressure at all. Truly. Only if it feels right to you, from the heart. Your kindness, whether through messages, shares, or tips, helps me continue doing this work with love and intention. 💛 You can visit my Ko-fi page here:  Support Me on Ko-fi ✨ Every bit of support, no matter the size, is deeply appreciated. Thank you for walking this path with me. With all my heart, -Joie
Read more