All around the blogosphere, people are doing a year in review. But I'm not. Not exactly, anyway. Don't get me wrong, I've had quite a fantabulous year and Mommy Delicious has only made it that much better. Like when I was invited to participate as an audience member of The Nate Show for an ambush makeover. Sweet!
But as 2010 comes to a close and as this NYC single momma thinks of all the things that I've been through, I get shivers -- shivers! -- when I think of this one thing: how I made it through.
As many of you may know, I did not start this year off as a single mom. But I'm happily ending it that way. Ouch! I'll spare you all the lovely details in this post, but for those of you who don't know, you can read this post about me letting go of the image of portraying a perfect family.
But when I think of this post about how things started to come together for Aiden and me, and how we began to settle into our new life and our new family structure, I get super excited.
But these past few months, one thing that has helped me make it through was taking walks. Long walks. I'd strap Aiden in his stroller and just go. Somewhere. Anywhere. Near or far, I'd walk.
Although I am content with my single mom status now, I'm not going to pretend like it has been easy. Because it certainly hasn't. At all.
But long walks have helped me to clear my mind and ponder. On what exactly happened, what went wrong, how I played a part in what went wrong, and how I learned from it all.
I've had to mourn the loss of the image of portraying a perfect family image and mourn the loss of my innocence -- going from that poster "church girl" to being pregnant. With no ring on my fourth finger, left hand.
But that's all right now. Because my Aiden is super delicious. And my life as a single mommy is even more delicious. Just read for yourself.
I've learned to accept my defeats and accept that which I could not change. And I've grown since then. Mentally. Emotionally. Tremendously.
Walks. Long walks.
Sometimes you just gotta get up and get moving.
Smooches,
"But I'm happily ending it that way"
ReplyDeleteDude...your positive energy is electric.
Loving that you've been able to walk and get moving, it really helps and has helped me. Self-reflection is such an integral piece of healing and moving on.
I too have had to bury the image of the perfect family, and even though I'm going into my 3rd year of being a single mom, it hasn't necessarily gotten easier for me, but I've learned more about how to handle my role as a single mom.
You are an inspiration Alica and we wish you & delicious Aiden nothing but the best in 2011 and beyond!
xoxo
I agree with Mommy Glow - I really love your ability to see the positive in any situation and to grow from those trials in life that, for many people, would be devastating. 2011 has been an amazing year for you, and I know 2012 will only be that much better. Looking forward to seeing and partnering with you more in the future!
ReplyDeleteAnd p.s. you ROCKED it on Nate! Get it girl!
Wow. That was powerful.
ReplyDeleteFrom one single mom to another all I can say is that your attitude will make all the "negatives" seem minute. As others have stated 2011 will only get better. *hugs*
Walks are definitely healing! You are a strong woman. You should be proud.
ReplyDeleteHi there, Im a new follower from the blog hop, hope you can visit my blog http://www.everydayfishphil.com
ReplyDeleteI agree..Thanks for stopping by and following, following back :)
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful New Year!
It sounds like 2010 was quite the year for you. I appreciate your positive attitude, it's always nice to see people take the good step forward.
ReplyDeleteI found you off the winter friends blog hop as someone to follow and glad I did. Take care!
I wish you the best in 2011!!!!
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad I found your blog.Like the others said you're ability to be positive through the rough times is so encouraging. We're alike in so many ways (taking walks to anywhere and no where, and the church gone pregnant lol). It was a trying year but a growing year I can tell it's only going to get better for you and that handsome little man in 2011. HAPPY NEW YEAR AND ALL THE BLESSINGS ON YOUR FAMILY!
ReplyDeleteSo many reflective posts are stuck in woulda, coulda, shoulda...but you stand by your decisions. I admire your conviction! Happy New Year, New Friend!
ReplyDeleteFollowing you back from Mommy Brained Madness! Thanks for the follow and the lovely comments. All the best in 2011!
ReplyDeletehttp://mommybrainedmadness.blogspot.com
I am so glad that you have finally arrived at place that is Great for you and Aiden. I totally know all about the single mom struggle and the child wondering about what's happened to the other parent but you've got to stay strong and keep going with your life. I'm proud of you for doing so because God knows it's hard when you're dealing with a broken heart, a child, work and everything else.
ReplyDeleteI've had such a blast getting to know you and reading about your journey. I can't tell you how grateful I am for all the support and inspiration you've given to me throughout my journey this year. Looking forward to seeing even greater things from and for you in the future!!
Thank you so much for all of your thoughtful, positive, and powerful comments. Words cannot express how truly grateful I am to have "meet" such positive people this year. I am so ready for the new year, new challenges, and new experiences. 2011, bring it!
ReplyDeleteWe are such kindred spirits. I walk all the time here in my apartment complex. The grounds are always freshly manicured even when other things are lacking...life of a renter =) but being in South Florida allows me most days to see the ducks and birds while walking, listening to my iPod, talking to GOD and KT. It release sooooo much; in addition to giving you a mental boost and it's free!
ReplyDeleteThanks for passing by the the house, and totally feeling your style. You go girl! Following you back.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the follow - I am following you back!
ReplyDelete