20 inspirational quotes that celebrate mothers and motherhood

There is no one who can take the place of a mother. Her love is unconditional and selfless. The ability to give birth, nurture, and protect a child fiercely is what makes a mother so special. There is no one else we seek out when we are in pain, hurt, and looking for a shoulder to cry on. Mother knows best, and we agree.

On the eve of Mother’s Day, we celebrate mothers and the pivotal role they play in our life with these inspirational quotes.

There is no one like a mother

“My mother has always been my emotional barometer and my guidance. I was lucky enough to get to have one woman who truly helped me through everything.” - Emma Stone, actor

"The best place to cry is in a mother's arms." - Jodi Picoult, American writer

“My mother was the one constant in my life. When I think about my mom raising me alone when she was 20, and working and paying the bills, and, you know, trying to pursue your own dreams, I think is a feat that is unmatched.” - Barack Obama, 44th President of the US

"My mother never gave up on me. I messed up in school so much they were sending me home, but my mother sent me right back." - Denzel Washington, actor  

Motherhood

“I believe the choice to become a mother is the choice to become one of the greatest spiritual teachers there is.” - Oprah Winfrey, talk show host, television host, actor, and philanthropist

"My most important title is ‘mom-in-chief’. My daughters are still the heart of my heart and the centre of my world." - Michelle Obama, Former First Lady

"Motherhood has a very humanising effect. Everything gets reduced to essentials." - Meryl Streep, actor

“When you are a mother, you are never really alone in your thoughts. A mother always has to think twice, once for herself and once for her child.”  - Sophia Loren, actor and singer

“[Having children] made me understand that there was a purity to love. That there is an unconditional love." - Jennifer Lopez, singer, dancer, and actor

“Knowing I’ve got this beautiful baby to go home to makes me feel like I don’t have to play another match. I don’t need the money or the titles or the prestige. I want them, but I don’t need them. That’s a different feeling for me.” - Serena Williams, American professional tennis player  

“It is full of complex emotions of joy, exhaustion, love, and worry, all mixed together. Your fundamental identity changes overnight.” - Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge  

“Being a mom has made me so tired. And so happy.” - Tina Fey, actor, comedian, and writer

“Whether your pregnancy was meticulously planned, medically coaxed, or happened by surprise, one thing is certain – your life will never be the same.” - Catherine Jones, actor

“No one’s really doing it perfectly, I just think you love your kids with your whole heart, and you do the best you possibly can.” - Reese Witherspoon, actor, producer, and entrepreneur

"Being a mother is probably the hardest job in the world. I feel like, in a lot of ways, children come into the world to teach us." - Mariah Carey, singer, songwriter, and actor

Also read: 15 inspirational quotes to inspire every woman, everyday

Mother: the best teacher

“My mother was the most beautiful woman I ever saw. All I am I owe to my mother. I attribute all my success in life to the moral, intellectual, and physical education I received from her.” - George Washington, American political leader, statesman

"My mother is my root, my foundation. She planted the seed that I base my life on, and that is the belief that the ability to achieve starts in your mind." - Michael Jordan, former professional basketball player

Mothers help us love, learn, and grow, and are among the most important people in our lives. Since Mother's Day is around the corner, tell us in the comments how your mother has inspired you to become a better person, and why you look up to her. Use #MothersDayWithHerStory.

Also read: Meet Falu, the Indian mum who made it to the Grammys by answering her son’s questions in song