My Story, My Rules: Redefining Single Motherhood on My Own Terms
I remember the night I packed up my life. Not just my belongings, but my old mindset, my fears, and the weight of everyone else’s expectations. My son was still a toddler, and I was standing in the middle of my tiny apartment, surrounded by boxes, asking myself: How did I get here?
I had spent the first two years of my son’s life in constant transition—switching careers, rebuilding my financial foundation, and trying to create a life where we didn’t have to struggle. Believing that a fresh start was the key to unlocking a future full of abundance and unwavering faith, I packed up my life and moved thousands of miles away to build a brand new chapter. Because despite what society tells you, single motherhood doesn’t have to mean hardship. It doesn’t have to be an endless cycle of barely making it. But here’s the thing: people like to see you that way.
The Struggle Narrative Society Wants You to Believe
There’s an unspoken expectation that single mothers will always be in survival mode. Struggling is supposed to be our default setting. If we dare to rise—if we start making more money, if we create stability, if we travel, if we invest in self-care—suddenly, people have questions.
"Oh, must be nice."
"How can you afford that?"
"Are you sure you’re being responsible?"
Society is more comfortable seeing us as statistics than success stories. There’s a sense of superiority that people hold when they see a single mother struggling—it reinforces their belief that traditional family structures are the only way to thrive. And if we dare to prove them wrong, they feel the need to challenge it.
Choosing Abundance Over the Struggle
I made a conscious decision to shift my focus. Instead of accepting the struggle narrative, I invested in my career and my financial literacy. I learned that wealth-building isn’t exclusive to two-parent households. By increasing my income, educating myself about money, and shedding the guilt of “not being enough,” I began to build a stable, thriving life for my son and me.
Every strategic career move and every lesson in financial literacy was a step away from survival mode and a step toward abundance. I stopped waiting for society’s permission to succeed, and in doing so, I reclaimed my power.
Packing Up the Opinions and Building My Village
When I packed up that apartment, I wasn’t just moving—I was making a declaration. I was shedding the expectations and opinions that said I should be perpetually struggling. I was stepping into a new life where I could define my success on my terms.
That journey led me to Dallas—a city where I took the leap of building a new community, my very own village. Moving to a new city alone was both exhilarating and daunting, but I knew that true prosperity isn’t measured solely in dollars. It’s also found in the support and strength of a community that understands your journey.
In Dallas, I connected with other moms (single and married) who were driven professionals, writing their own narratives, and thriving. We leaned on each other, shared resources, and celebrated each victory—big or small. It was in this nurturing environment that I realized thriving isn’t a solo endeavor; it’s a collective journey.
Embracing Community: A Moment of Inspiration
Recently, I attended a mom brunch hosted by MOB by Crystal—a gathering that beautifully encapsulated the transformative power of community. Being surrounded by like-minded, driven mothers reminded me that when we come together, we not only uplift each other but also ignite a renewed sense of purpose and possibility.
The experience reaffirmed that my dreams are worth pursuing and that true growth happens when we support one another. It was a powerful reminder that the right community doesn’t just offer support—it elevates you, empowering you to do more, be more, and live fully.
It helps you see the best version of yourself and encourages you to do more, be more, and live fully
Rewriting the Narrative
Single motherhood is not a burden—it’s a challenge that sparks growth, nurtures abundance, and fuels power. We don’t have to fit into society’s narrative of perpetual lack. Instead, we have the freedom to rewrite our stories on our own terms. Every decision to move, shift careers, or change your mindset is a deliberate step away from the struggle narrative and toward a future filled with intention, purpose, and possibility. When we pack up the past and step boldly into our abundance, we reclaim our power and open up a world where our dreams are within reach.
So if you’re packing up the old to make room for the new—whether it’s a physical move, a career shift, or a deep inner transformation—do it with intention. Embrace your journey, leave behind the struggle, and dare to pursue the abundant life you deserve. And always remember: no one has the right to make you feel guilty for choosing a better path.
Journal Prompts for Rewriting Your Narrative
Take a few moments for reflection with these prompts, and let them guide you as you continue to shape your story:
What does abundance truly look like for me, both personally and professionally?
Which societal expectations or limiting beliefs about single motherhood have I outgrown?
How can I replace these outdated narratives with empowering affirmations that reflect my strength?
Reflect on the key moments when I chose growth over comfort. What were the challenges, and what did I learn from them?
Who are the people that uplift and inspire me?
What steps can I take to strengthen these connections or build new ones aligned with my vision?
What recent successes, no matter how small, have I celebrated?
How do these victories contribute to the broader narrative of my growth and success?
Reflect on these questions to continue rewriting your narrative—a story defined by resilience, purpose, and the unwavering belief in your own abundance. Your journey is unique, and every step you take is a testament to the strength and beauty of choosing better.
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