A Single-Minded Single Mom by Conlee Ricketts

I laughed when I searched “single-minded.”  The Merriam-Webster On-line Dictionary gave me these fun words:

·         determined, devoted, tenacious, having only one purpose, goal or interest

BUT scroll a bit more and it says that “Related Words” are:

·         bitter, cocksure, hardened, pigheaded, and rigid

Talk about words for some self reflection!

The phrase “single-minded single mom” came to me in a flash and for some reason I liked it, even though I have problems with the two halves separately--together  they are me.

The phrase “single mom” has always rubbed me the wrong way, and—being brutally honest here—I have never used it once over the past five years—ever—probably because I felt that using it somehow publicly announced a failure on my part.  So I have stubbornly refused to describe myself this way. One reason was because of my previously mentioned “failure” announcement feelings.  The other reason is a crazy self imposed belief that people would perceive my using it as way of screaming “poor me” while subtly asking for support, or pity, or a pat on the back for “making it work” all alone in the world, and I didn't like thinking that people might assume I needed pity for my “struggle.”  My view has always been that everyone has to “make it work” and how you do it has very little to do with a marital/parental status.  In fact I may even be struggling less now than during other chapters of my life.

But I love all words because of their beauty as descriptions not labels so I knew I had some thinking to do.  Yes—I am a mom; I am unmarried; therefore I am a single mom.

So in the past I resisted, but I’m okay with it now; it describes me, it doesn't label me or define me. 

What about single-mindedness?  Yes, I’m determined to find my way.  I’m devoted to my growth and my child.  My interests are happiness, creativity, and love in all the varied forms they show up.

Whoa—what about those related words?  Believe it or not this required less inner work than “single mom” did because I accept my truth;  I humbly admit to personifying each of those related words at one time or another.

When I am rigid it’s because I’m afraid. 

When I am pigheaded it’s because I’m afraid.

When I am bitter, cocksure, or hardened, it’s because I’m afraid. 

Each of those results from a much larger fear that rests inside.  Excavation, exploration, and honesty are my only tools to provide comfort for these fears.  Working with these tools is where I am today.  The quest for happiness and joy is my path. 

Choosing to be happy takes practice after years of old habits of self-loathing, feeling broken, lost, and inadequate, but it’s possible, and I am  “determined” to walk that path of happiness, creativity, and love.

My daughter popped this conversation on me about a month ago and it really made me reflect on my choices while I walk this path, because I want my daughter to walk this path too before her path might harden with inner negativity like mine already had.  I know that my choices influence her life by my example and my words. Thinking before I speak is a skill I sometimes forget to use, but thankfully at moments like these I speak slowly and choose my words carefully.

“Mom?”

“Yeah?”

“Is there something you want me to be?”

“What do you mean?”

“Do you want me to be anything?”

“Oh…well…as corny as it sounds, all I really, really want for you is to be happy.”

“Oh c’mon.  Parents always want something from their kids.  A lawyer, a doctor, or something for them to be in the future.”

My daughter clearly thought I was bullshitting her; although she would never actually say “bullshitting.” She’s not so thrilled to have a sailor for a mom.

“Well, I have to admit when you were younger I wanted…or thought maybe that you would be an artist of some kind because of the way you use your hands and the way you draw.  But I've changed my mind—now all I want is for you to be happy.  I want you to choose whatever it is that makes you smile.  I can tell you what I don’t  want though.”

“What?”

“I don’t ever want you to stay in a job that makes you unhappy.  I don’t ever want you to stay in a relationship that makes you sad.  I don’t want you to make a choice that feels uncomfortable in your belly.  Don’t let anyone make you feel less than you know you are, or stay where you feel unhappy, unloved, or uncomfortable.  Long story short—I want you to be happy.”

I wish someone had said this to me when I was eleven. 

So I have decided to embrace the title A Single-Minded Single Mom for me and my blog, and I am forever grateful for the phrase making itself known to me.

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