After her divorce, a woman I know became a different woman. Before, she had a sales job and traveled a lot. At school pick-up, she wore tailored skirts and rocked four-inch heels. She came across as in control but tense. When her marriage didn’t work, she clearly didn’t let it drag her down. I saw her improve her life and pour her time and love into her kids. And, I realized, she took care of herself too. And that really inspired me as a mom.
Divorce seemed to force her to reexamine her priorities. She ditched the high-paying sales job that made her travel and found one that kept her closer to home and closer to her kids. She gave herself permission to enjoy life more too—she even bought a convertible. I love the new version of this woman, and I get the impression she loves herself more too. Here are 5 ways my single mom friend is an inspirational woman to me.
1. She doesn’t let fear control her.
Even though it was a scary and difficult time for her, this single woman I know fought for a fair divorce settlement as well as a better job that would keep her closer to home and more available to her kids. During that time, she even showed up at a school event dressed as a hippie clown, in a pink wig and striped bell bottoms. Instead of hiding, she got front and center with everything she did, even when she probably knew people were gossiping about her. No one would’ve blamed her for lying low for a while, but she didn’t shrink into the shadows. She didn’t let fear prevent her from being the best mom she could to her kids. If you’re a single mom doing your best, please know you’re an inspirational woman too and you don’t have to dress up in a funky costume to prove it either.
2. She’s a great role model.
This single mom has been her daughter’s softball coach for the past two years, coaching my own daughter as well. Not only did she help the girls throw a ball better, but she also made each player a cute, yellow softball hair bow. I liked how this mom could be a leader on the field and show her softer, girlier side too. And I could tell by her daughter’s enthusiasm on the field that she loved having her mom with her. Single moms, like the one I know, are inspiring.
3. She prioritizes her needs and her kids’ needs.
I admit that I’ve been turned down by this woman for get-togethers. “Caleb has a game tomorrow night,” she said. “And then we’re going to spend the weekend at a water park with my brother and his kids.” I understood. She only had so much time and had to pick and choose how to spend it. For now, family won out. And I admired that choice. If you’re a single mom struggling to balance a lot right now, it’s OK to say no to friends. We’ll be there when you need us.
4. She’s not afraid to ask for help.
The mom I know is an inspirational woman on so many levels, but she’s realistic too. She can’t be in two places at once, and she doesn’t run on batteries. Her mother helps when she can, but she also relies on others: a couple close friends, her brother, even her ex. “Addy needed to be picked up from school the other day because she’d gotten hurt on the playground, but I was at a meeting a half hour away,” she told me. “So, I called Rick. He didn’t pick up, so I texted my brother and he got Addy. No broken bones,” she added. “Just needed some TLC.” I appreciate the reminder that I, too, don’t run on batteries and it’s OK for me to ask for help. Moms do a lot, but no one can do it all. And sometimes it takes a group effort.
5. She’s beautiful.
This mom didn’t want a divorce, but her ex had some serious problems he wouldn’t address, and they’d spilled into his relationships. Before the divorce, the woman I know marched through the playground in high heels, looking impossibly thin. Now, when I see her out jogging, she looks strong and fit. She inspires me. “He broke my heart,” she said a few months ago. “But I refuse to let it stay broken.” With God’s help, she’s healing. Moms, when you take care of yourself, you’re also giving your best to your kids. That makes you a beautiful, inspirational woman to me and all those who know you.
Moms, when you take care of yourself, you’re also giving your best to your kids. Click To TweetWho is an inspirational woman in your life?
