Being a single parent is twice the work- twice the stress and, twice the tears, but also twice the love and twice the pride”.
I started living my life fully very late, but I wish you to start up early to lead a happy and satisfied life. So here I want to share what I have learned as a single mother.
But before I start, let me share my own struggles as a single mother and what we most struggle with.
What do single mothers struggle with?
Being a single mother is no easy job. You are taking responsibility being both the father and mother. You have to face emotional challenges very often. People around will not understand you and will be judgemental.
People are always at your back- criticizing, discriminating, giving all negative comments, and teaching you how to lead your life.
You have to struggle with challenging situations.
I am a single mom since my husband passed away in the year 2015. It was tough for me then, but now I grew up to become a happy single mother.
If you are facing the same challenges I am sure this post is going to help you a lot in finding peace and happiness.
If I can, so can you.
So here are 10 things that I learned as a single mother,
So let’s get started and let’s get started to live a happy and cheerful life.
10 things I Learned as a Single Mother
1. Learning to Say No
I learned this lesson very late and still, I get trapped in it. But I am happy to share that I can now say No without feeling guilty.
This is the most helpful lesson- saying No to the things which are beyond your reach and help. Do not sacrifice your time by just saying Yes to everything and everyone.
People take advantage of a single mom, and your own relatives take advantage of you being alone. I have experienced the difference between being with a man and without a man.
And I have also realized that difference is due to our own thoughts because we let other people think about us that way.
So saying No without guilt.
2. Learning to accept things
Do not feel pity for yourself. Do not blame yourself. There are many moms raising their kids alone and making their kids capable and successful human beings.
I accepted the fact that I had the sole responsibility to my daughter and worked hard. I challenged the situation.
Whatever situation you are in right now accept it. It is not going to remain the same forever. Accept it and work to improve it. Without accepting your present situation you won’t be able to solve it.
3. To not get affected by judgments
I learned that whether you do good or bad, people are going to judge you anyway. So do not give ears and bother.
I realized the fact that they will never come for help when you need them the most, but are always there to judge and criticize you.
So I learned the important thing is you to do the right thing.
You do what is best for you and your kids.
4. To take out time for yourself
I learned very late to give time for myself. But now I go out and do things for my own enjoyment.
I advise you to not get so much involved in doing your double duty of mom and dad that you forget yourself. Give time to yourself. Go out and enjoy your life. Go out in nature, go out to the mall, go out alone, go out with friends.
If you are stressed go out and take off your stress with your every step outside of your home.
5. Give respect to yourself
People usually come and speak anything about you if they see you are a single mother. They take advantage. Do not let them behave that way. Be strict and bold. If you once allow them then they will do it again.
Always remember you are a worthy person.
If you will not give respect to yourself, then who will? With your action, you teach people how to behave with you. You teach people whether to respect or disrespect you.
Be a woman of strong character. Do not let anybody disrespect you. Create a strong character. Make your decision and your voice gets heard by others and by your kids.
6. Save money
Build a habit of saving money. It’s difficult for a single mom but not impossible. Do not spend money on unnecessary things.
Here is how to save money with little income
7. Follow morning rituals
It was as a single mom that I learned to follow my morning rituals sincerely and it changed my life.
Stop the ritual of starting your day by serving others as soon as you get up, even if it is your kid.
Make it a habit to get up earlier before your kid wakes up so that you can serve yourself fully before anyone else.
I do not remember me having bed tea. I always drank tea with household work in my hands. As soon as I got up, I started with my service for the house, which was for my husband, kid, and family members.
My life was unhappy and stressed. I am thankful that I learned to give time to myself first thing in the morning. I started waking up earlier and creating time for myself.
My morning rituals include prayers, offering gratitude, reading, writing journal, meditating, and exercising.
Your morning reflects your day. A peaceful morning will definitely give you a peaceful day. Give time to yourself first thing in the morning.
When you are truly happy then only you can give happiness to your loved ones. How can you give something when you do not have them?
8. Books are your best friend
Reading book is the most beautiful habit I created as a single mother and they have become my best friend.
Choose a good book to start with. I love reading motivational books in the morning.
I always get my answers in them when I am confused with my life.
Make a habit of reading just 2/3 pages every morning. You will be in love in a few days.
One good habit has all other habits included. Just follow one with all your heart and you will see many good habits forming on your own.
These are 10 books that changed my life
9. Prayer works wonders
Being a single mother it is more important to pray with total faith. I am a single mother and my daughter stays far from me due to her work.
If I have didn’t pray and have faith in my prayers I would have been in a miserable condition.
For me praying is like talking to God. Prayer gives me hope. Prayer creates faith. It gives strength and a feeling of security.
I pray for the total protection and safety of both of us and I believe we are protected.
Pray for happiness and peace for the world too. You cannot be happy if the world is in chaos.
10. Offer gratitude
As a single mother, I turned my life around with the practice of gratitude.
I learned that a grateful heart brings more opportunities to be grateful for.
Being alive is a miracle.
Offer gratitude for your life. Offer gratitude to your kid who is teaching you to live. Be grateful for your health, your job, and the house you are living in.
Be grateful for the air you are breathing, the sun, your environment. The list is endless.
Final Thoughts on The things I Learned as a single mother
What I have learned in my journey as a single mother is, to be true to yourself and believe in yourself.
Do not give ears to negative talk of people. Do good with all your heart.
Your most important priority is your kid. Focus on her/him. Grow your bond with him/her. He/she is only the truest companion of your life.
Help your kid to become a good human being. If your kid becomes a good human being, then he/she can do anything in their life.
I am happy to share that my daughter is my best friend now. She grew up to be an intelligent, kind, and successful woman.
Wish you a happy life.
