Shout out to all the single mamas! Where you at? You deserve a standing ovation.
Lets start off by agreeing we are strong, fierce warriors who are a force to be reckoned with…but unfortunately we don’t always feel that way. Those moments, those days where all you do is cry, feel overwhelmed and wonder how any of this is going to get better? Let’s be real, we all feel like this at one point or another, not JUST single mamas, so everyone listen up. Those times are the times that make us stronger, that make us better. The times feel the weakest are most often the times we are actually at our strongest.
Dear sweet mama, you do not have to do it alone! Even if you are single! Here are some things I have learned over the past 8 years that I have implemented into my life to make my journey as a single mom just a little bit easier.
- Organize – organize, organize, organize. I can’t stress the importance of organization. If you don’t have some sort of plan you will be stressed to the max when you do NOT have to be! So, grab a calendar, a planner, a scheduler, anything that you feel comfortable with and will use! I prefer my Erin Condren planner which I have talked about before! Write everything down. I literally mean everything….work schedules, sport schedules, school schedules, when bills are due. Heck, I literally write down the times I need to pickup and drop off my daughter from school! Next, look at it. Every. Single. Day. Spend a few minutes every night to go over your schedule and make a game plan for the next day. I promise this will make you feel like you have your life together even if you don’t!
- Ask for help – Don’t try and be superwoman. ASK. FOR. HELP. Whether it’s asking someone to watch your kids so you can get something done or just asking a friend for prayer. And then…don’t feel guilty for asking!
- Don’t sweat the small stuff – I see so many mamas out there making sure their kids are well dressed, never bored, fed only organic and non GMO foods. Girl. Stop. You are not perfect. You will never be perfect. And your daughter wearing the same outfit she did yesterday, complaining she’s bored, while eating goldfish crackers is going to hurt absolutely no one. Jump on the hot mess express with the rest of us. It’s a lot less stressful here!
- Find your people – you know the ones. The ones who love your kids as their own. The ones you can call up any time and just cry into the phone if you need too. I know as any mother it is hard to make new friends if you don’t already have your tribe. But mamas having your friends, and our own life is vital to being a good mom! I highly suggest if you haven’t found your people to join mom groups on social media (and actually participate) make that extra effort to have a conversation with the other moms at the park, form a relationship with your kids’ school friends parents, heck your friends don’t have to be parents either! My closest friends don’t have kids! Join a club, a small group, a class, and be intentional and put effort into the new people you meet! You never know, they could be there for the same reason you are.
- Self care – I know, I know…everyone talks about self care. But what is it really? Self care could mean a kid free bubble bath at night with your favorite glass of wine but it also means seeking counseling and therapy. Self care looks different for everybody but should have the same result. How do you know if it’s working? You walk away from your ‘self care’ and feel like a better person, a happier person, and a peace that comes from within.
- Relationship with God – this has been such an important step in my life that I hadn’t always made super important. But I now make sure to get up extra early every morning to have some uninterrupted time alone with God. That to me, looks like writing in my prayer journal, reading my daily devotions, taking a minute to pray and have some quiet time to listen to Him. On days that I skip this morning routine I can tell a huge difference. I’m more irritable, frustrated and get mad at the smallest inconveniences. It just sets the tone and intention for my whole day. Now I know some of you are thinking ‘ you’re crazy, I don’t have time for that!’ I get it! I’m a single mom too! But even if you have to squeeze it in sometime during the day or before bed for 10 minutes, just do it! That’s all that matters.
Thank you for reading friends! I hope I could help another mama out there with this list. Did I miss anything? Is there anything that you have implemented into your #momlife routine to make your life easier? I’d love to hear in the comments!
Sending love and prayers your way,
Christi
The Blonde Mom Diaries 