Celebrating a Decade of Empowerment and Resilience: Lessons from Coaching Single Moms by Choice
Celebrating a Decade of Empowerment and Resilience: Lessons from Coaching Single Moms by Choice
This year, as I reflected on the past decade of raising my son Aiden as a Single Mom by Choice (SMC), a parallel milestone emerged that has significantly shaped my professional and personal life. Around the same time that I began my own journey into motherhood, I also started coaching women who were considering the SMC path,
This pivot from my established coaching practice with attorneys that focused on life purpose felt like a natural extension of my own experiences. Now, having supported numerous single moms for over a decade, I find myself enriched by the resilience, love, and pioneering spirit they’ve shown.
This coaching journey has been more than a profession; it has been a profound educational experience that has reshaped my views on family, love, and strength. Here are the standout lessons I’ve learned from these incredible women, lessons that illustrate the deep communal ties and vibrant support networks that defy the typical narratives of isolation often associated with single parenthood.
1. The Solo Journey: Empowering, Not Isolating for Single Moms by Choice
I’ve seen firsthand that while SMCs face unique challenges, the journey of solo parenting is often seen not as harder, but as differently fulfilling. The independence in decision-making and the deep, unbreakable bonds formed with their children are a testament to the strength and determination of every SMC I’ve had the honor to support.
2. Love’s Boundless Paths: Empowerment for Single Moms by Choice
The belief that the path to motherhood as an SMC closes doors to romantic love couldn’t be further from the truth. Countless stories from our community have shown that love and companionship can flourish, often with partners who wholeheartedly embrace and celebrate the family dynamic SMCs have courageously built.
3. Choosing Empowerment
For many, becoming an SMC might initially seem like a Plan B. However, the overwhelming feedback I’ve received is one of gratitude, with many moms expressing that this choice was the best decision of their lives. It’s a choice that redefines empowerment, offering a unique path to fulfilling the dream of motherhood.
4. The Power of Affirmation
It’s incredibly affirming to hear so many SMCs say they would choose this path again, even if the traditional option of a partnership presented itself. This speaks volumes about the satisfaction and fulfillment that comes from choosing to be an SMC.
5. Building Our Village
The notion that SMCs journey alone couldn’t be further from the truth. Our community is a vibrant tapestry of support, proving that solo parenting doesn’t mean solitude. We’re more connected, often finding ourselves part of a broader, more inclusive community than ever imagined.
6. Navigating Donor Connections
Children born through donor conception often express curiosity about their donors, and believe that knowing the identity of their donor is a biological right. Single moms by choice are dedicated to staying in this exploration with their kids.
7. Fostering Open Dialogue
Even though many women turn to me to talk about how to talk to their children about donor conception. They are nervous and not sure what to say. But eventually SMCs find that with openness, honesty, and age-appropriate discussions, the topic of donor conception becomes a natural part of a family dialogue, enriching the family narrative.
8. The Selfless Choice
Choosing to embark on the SMC path is far from selfish. The children of SMCs, thriving and well-loved, are a testament to the thoughtful consideration and love that goes into this decision.
9. The Personal Path to Using Donor Eggs
Each woman’s experience with donor eggs is unique, yet universally filled with gratitude, reflecting deep personal fulfillment.
10. Celebrating Our Stories
Our advocacy for diverse family narratives continues to challenge societal definitions of family, celebrating the unique beauty and integrity of each family structure.
As I look forward to continuing this journey with all of you, I am reminded of the transformative power of our shared experiences. Let’s keep learning, growing, and supporting each other.
I am profoundly grateful to each of you. Your stories, challenges, and victories enrich this journey beyond words. Together, we’ve woven a tapestry of support and love that is both rare and beautiful.
Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your incredible journeys.