The title of this article could be read as contradiction in terms…yet just as it is possible to be happy and single, it is also possible to be happy, single and a mum…it’s all about perspective.
With Mother’s Day in the forefront of my mind this week, I have been thinking about mothers that have inspired me to be a better one.
Years ago, I was watching an Oprah episode where a woman was bravely sharing her story of perspective and single motherhood. She was at the end of her rope raising two daughters. Her hope had been torn to shreds and thoughts of suicide were whispering to her throughout her lonely nights.
One evening she was distracted and had burned dinner. Her young daughter had walked in to the kitchen to find her sobbing over the ruined meal. Having been there myself, I was all ears to know what happened next.
Her daughter instinctively wanted to comfort her mother. She picked up the saucepan, spooned out the burnt bits, looked up to her mum, and said, “It’s not all burnt mummy.” These words stopped the mum in her tracks. Obviously, the child was referring only to the food, but these words swept into the saddest parts of the mum’s heart and mind like balm. IT’S NOT ALL BURNT. She had realised for the first time in years she was not completely defeated. She had realised there were things in her life that could be salvaged…that were worth salvaging…that were worth the fight.
That was her tipping point. Her eyes were opened and she was determined to wipe her eyes, stand up straight, make some changes and see beyond her heartache…her girls were depending on it.
Thinking back to her interview always puts things into perspective for me when life as a single mum is just too hard. As a single parent, even in the midst of tough times, I have found there IS always a reason to be happy and a reason to keep keeping on.
You might not get a gift. You might not get breakfast in bed. You might not get dinner out. You might not even get a card. Yet be encouraged this Sunday morning. You deserve to be happy and spoil yourself. Pour a glass of wine, have a bubble bath, watch a great movie, play your favourite music full ball, light a sparkler, get a pedicure or invite some friends over. Do whatever it takes because you are worth it all.
Michaela.
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
I love this article Michaela. In my opinion single mothers deserve the best mother’s day possible – the full box and dice. They are amazing and have my full admiration, as do you, my lovely sister. Happy Single Mothers Day xxx
Thank you Amy…you are a treasure. x
great post as usual!
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