The life of a single parent can be one of “lack”—we might be living on a tight budget, in a world where time is scarce and we just don’t feel like we have enough. This can be a trap, however, and we can get stuck in this “not enough” place. The anecdote is to focus on all the things and experiences we DO have, and take appreciative stock of where we are.
So, single parent comrade, what is going well? What do you have that you can be appreciatively thankful for? Your child? Home? Health? A playful and healthy pet? Enough food to feed the family today? A decent job? Your intellect? A supportive friend? Focusing in on what we DO have and what is going well for us can really take the pressure off, not to mention it just makes us feel better all around!
I confess that nothing gets me down faster than letting myself focus in on what we don’t have or what I am NOT doing. Even though we live in a society that is all about competition and comparison—that isn’t what makes me feel good about my family or my own efforts. However, if I can get out of my own way about this and look around at my thriving and original offspring, feel grateful that we have a decent roof over our heads that I am able to provide, experience some gratitude that I have my own health and vigor—then my entire outlook as a single parent changes. I actually feel as though I have MORE energy and renewed commitment to my family!
Surely all of us will get down at one time or another and it is an incredibly common single parent’s plight to be constantly aware of the lack and what we DON’T have. However, that slight shift in thinking and taking inventory of what we DO have, can bring on waves of appreciation and gratitude and help us focus in on our fabulous families.
Also: Recognizing Options
When You Don’t Know What to Do…Wait