Assessing Career and Educational Options
by Michele Howe.
On any given day, single moms across the nation will be caught daydreaming about tomorrow. Not that daydreaming is a bad exercise; sometimes the most winning plans have been hatched during these mental wanderings. The kind of musing that hinders rather than helps a single mother reach her goals different. This troublesome visitor incites disappointment, frustration, and impatience. It never allows for the beauty of one’s present life to hold sway. Author David Ireland writes in his book Secrets of a Satisfying Life, “One of the greatest life lessons you can ever learn is to enjoy life through the process of attaining your goals”(103).
While there might not be any hard evidence to support this fact, it’s pretty clear that society in general places a weighty amount of pressure on women—all women, moms or not—to succeed on many levels, both personal and professional. Today’s single mom will necessarily hold multiple roles, each one vying for her attention and interest. If she’s smart, she recognizes the fact that today’s responsibilities do not define her life as a whole. Life can change in an instant, and often does. There is something to be said for getting into the rhythm of your days. It is important to view life, the few-and-far-between glamorous moments as well as he more mundane yet serviceable bulk of daily responsibilities, as all worthwhile. Everything we do in the next twenty-four hours prepares us in some way for tomorrow. Whether we long for greatness in some obscure professional field or simply hanker to excel at gardening matters little. Our focus, our intent, must be on giving our all today in pursuit of whatever we turn our attention toward.
Sadly, countless mothers spend precious time wandering mentally into tomorrow’s unknown, feeding feelings of discontent that eventually override their good sense. Yes, today’s difficulties do take a toll. Still, armed with the right outlook, women can use today’s hardships as stepping-stones to future success. It’s all in one’s viewpoint and ultimate goal. Learning to take everything in its turn enables women to invest in today’s work while eyeing hopeful possibilities for tomorrow. Author David Ireland reminds women that as we seek to live fully on this given day, “the destination seems nearer and the view is more picturesque” (103). It is possible to be totally present in the now and still have a vision for tomorrow. It is!
Still Going It Alone by Michele Howe copyright © 2009 by Hendrickson Publishers, Peabody Massachusetts. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
It’s tough being a single mom. There is hope. http://smart4moms.wordpress.com/
As a single, again, mom of 4 I have to thank you for this post. I have seen A LOT of disappointments and have seen my life take a drastic turn in one phone call. I often get so caught up in tomorrow that I forget I have 4 little people needing me today. Thanks for the reminder,
You have a big load to carry with 4 kids. The only way I know how to handle it all is through God’s help. He is my hope. I don’t know what challenges will come about in my day, but I have to walk forward in faith believing that He is going to make a way for me and my boys. I’m looking for a job like a ton of single moms out there, and boy can it be stressful. Then, there’s the guilt we heap upon ourselves. However, it says in God’s word that He even cares for the birds… how much more does He love us? So, dream and believe. Believing and having faith is the key.
Keep taking it one day at a time and know that God is there for you… always.
Hugs!