sin·gu·lar (adjective) – exceptionally good or great; remarkable
As you may or may not know, I’m a divorced mother of two wild and cuddly children. I run around yelling, “I’m only one person!” As I try to cook allergen-free meals (my son has food allergies), keep up with school schedules, try to keep my home sort of clean, wash bodies, do laundry, kiss boo-boos, and play with them before I blink and they are all grown up. It’s not easy, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be joyful.
Whenever I meet someone new and they discover I’m a single mother, I get the look. Other single mothers probably know what I’m talking about. It’s usually a combination of the following: uneasiness, pity, embarrassment, guilt, and maybe a quick glance down to see if I have tentacles coming out of my jacket. In fact, every image I have seen of a single mother is usually one of an overworked, exhausted, unhappy woman who is just barely surviving. I want to turn this image on its ear.
Don’t get me wrong, the first few years after my separation and leading up to my divorce were rough. It was painful, humbling, humiliating, and arguably the hardest time of my life. But also the most liberating time in which I learned the most about myself. I discovered my strength, my resilience, and my drive to make major positive changes to my life.
I believe joy is a decision. The goal is to create a new image of single motherhood; one of inspiration, excitement, passion, laughter and joy. The last few years have taught me that I have the power to choose happiness. While I may stumble, and I promise to share the struggle, I will get back up, laugh it off and start again. When my marriage vows fell apart, I made a vow to myself. I vowed to live true to myself and embrace my creativity.
Any single creative mothers out there? Sound off in the comments and share your favorite part about being a mother.
photo credit: Lauren Brown
