It's taken me awhile to write this post because being a single mom isn't glamorous or easy but I don't want this to come off as a pity party. There are a lot of single moms (and dads) in this world and I believe it's actually something to be proud of. So I wanted to come on here today and re-introduce myself because a lot of my new readers probably don't know some of these things about me.
I'm twenty six years old and I am a full time account manager for a wonderful company in town. I have been with this company for almost six years and they're my second family. I graduated with my Masters in Business Administration in 2017 and I actually love to work. I thrive on having a full time job that keeps me very busy and gets me out of the house. I started to blog in 2015 when I was struggling with an eating disorder because I wanted to share with other women who may have been struggling with the same issue. Finding someone that I connected with over my eating disorder is actually what helped me over come it. I've continued to share my life and thoughts over the years to hopefully inspire other women that need an average role model, not someone with some ridiculously lavish/unattainable/instagram perfect lifestyle. I hope to be that same inspiration for my own daughter.
Photos by the lovely Maura Jane
Mia was born September 2017 and last year I became a single mom. Single mom was not in the bio that I dreamt about as a little girl. Honestly, that's a shame because it's very empowering to be a single mom and know you can do this on your own. It took me being a single mom to understand the value in it. When I became a single mom, it was by decision. Wedding Save the Dates were sent and all. I won't go into detail out of respect for those involved but I will say it was the best decision for all of us involved, including my daughter. I know a lot of people that struggle with these tough decisions and all I can say is go with your gut. Sometimes people aren’t meant to be and that’s okay and I believe "staying together for the kids" is not always the best answer either. I had a rough year emotionally last year. I had days where I blamed myself and days where I felt like a total failure at life. But regardless of those feelings, I would not take any of my decisions back. I am much happier and stronger today because of all my past decisions and Mia gets to see a better me. She helped create a better me. I have created a special home for my little family (I am also a basset hound mom) and I refuse to let any negative people in my life. I still have days where I struggle but seeing Mia and Leo in a positive environment helps make my bad days less and less. I once hit a point where I thought I couldn't do this alone but then I remembered that when I was younger, I had promised myself to become an independent woman so that I would never have to rely on someone else. I didn't break that promise to myself and I will raise miss Mia with that same mindset.
Even though I'm writing this on an open forum, it feels good to be honest. Writing has always helped me whether it's about fun things like fashion and organization, or tough subjects like eating disorders. So I decided to share today. I'm writing so other moms (or dads for that matter) know that they aren't alone or if they are facing the hard decision to be alone- go with your gut. I understand it's different for everyone and there are a lot of single parents that really struggle day to day but there is always a way to find a better life. Don't ever give up on living your best life even if it takes a few tries. Even on my worst days, I still don't regret being a single mom.
Fun fact: Mia was a chunker as a baby and I strained my neck after this shoot, haha but look at those cute squishy cheeks!!
