Success is a Series of Sensible Choices

Related posts: Making Daily Choices and Financial Pitfalls

I learned some of these the hard way. I certainly didn’t do everything right. Hindsight is 20/20 as they say. Let me know your thoughts.

1. You are a mother first, foremost, and forever. Your children are your priority. Your social life does not come first. Your job or career does not go at the top of your life list. The children who call you Mother depend on you. It’s your choice. Give them your top priority. They need to be held tightly, reassured, hugged and loved. And of course they need to be fed and clothed. This is your primary job. Do it well and you will be overjoyed.

2. In order to contribute to your family, your children, and yourself you need to have a marketable skill. You may think this is impossible but it is not. If you need a GED, Google until you find a way. Just Google “How to get a GED.” Be persistent. You may earn a two-year associates degree. You may get on-the-job training, take online courses, or attend a vocational school. It is a choice you must make to change and redirect life. It will empower you.

http://smoreforwomenblog.org/2012/09/24/one-way-to-reinvent-yourself-after-divorce/

3. You have your precious children. While you are a single parent it not the time to get pregnant. I’m a practical tough old bird. I’m being bold here and telling you straight out, do not get pregnant. And since I am realistic I’m also saying – use birth control if you are ever in one of life’s situations in which a pregnancy could possibly result. In other words if you have sex – think. There is no good reason for having another child while you are single parenting.

4. Your children depend on you. They need you healthy and strong. They are not responsible for keeping you that way. You are. Time for exercise may be limited. If you can work extra physical activities into your day it will be beneficial. Eating healthy will pay off in each and every bite. The cost of eating healthy foods isn’t nearly as expensive as the doctor bills that come when you don’t. Living a healthy life will rejuvenate you.

5. Money is often one of the greatest concerns and challenges for single moms. The choices are in your hands. It is simple, not easy. You either earn more or spend less. Saving even small amounts over time adds up. One mom told me she opened a savings account in a bank that was in a location away from the one where she did most of her banking. She made small deposits with each paycheck, even if only $5.00. She developed a habit of saving. Having a budget and savings plan will empower you.

Summary

Five Pivotal Choices That Will Redirect Your Life

1. Make your children your top priority.
2. Develop a marketable skill.
3. Don’t get pregnant.
4. Take care of your health.
5. Take charge of your money.

Gail raised three children as a single mother before she remarried. She has experienced the potholes, pests, and perils of being the single head-of-household. As an educator in regular and special education for twenty years she knows a great deal about child development and how to handle kids. She is the founder of SMORE for Women, a nonprofit whose goal is Single Moms, Overjoyed, Rejuvenated, and Empowered. She is a Certified Professional Coach and her stories have been published in several Christian books and magazines. Her book, Living Learning Loving is available on CreateSpace, Amazon, and Barnes and Noble online.

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