SoloMAMAzing

Tag: writing

  • Learning How To Do The Solo MAMA Thing

    When I first became single, I really didn’t know how to do too much on my own. I had the Mama stuff down..the cooking, the cleaning, taking care of kids. I was still pretty young and inexperienced in life though. It didn’t take long for me to figure out how fast life can get you down.

    But. The bottom line is that you can do this.

    Many times, throughout just daily life different obstacles come up. This is the same for everyone. However, as a single mom, sometimes it can seem like a bigger obstacle because of being alone. Like when the heater goes out, or the plumbing is leaking, or the lawn mower breaks down. These things can always be stressful, but take a deep breath. Thanks to the internet, it’s easy for anyone to figure out most of these everyday problems.

    It’s important to be able to ask for help when you need it. Just don’t be afraid to try to tackle issues on your own.

    During my years of single motherhood, I have learned to take lawn mowers apart and get them running. I’ve learned how to fix the unbalancing drum issue in a newer style washer. I’ve also been able to repair the old-style washer and dryers. I know how to take the back of the dryer off to clean the vent trap. I have been able to remodel my bathroom and shower, partially by myself. I did recruit help on some of the framing and the floors. But I installed a concrete shower that I love by myself. I built my own vanity. I installed the toilet and did all the plumbing for the toilet, sink, and shower by myself. I can use a chainsaw. I have a woodstove, so I am pretty good at making fires. I’ve learned how to change ceiling lights and electrical outlets. I’ve also learned some minor mechanics on my vehicles.

    If I didn’t hate being in front of a camera, I would have loved to start my own channel showing some of these things.

    When I was first divorced, I didn’t know what to do when some of these things came up. I got tired of asking everyone to do these things for me, I felt like such as burden. Thank God for the internet.

    There is no obstacle that comes up that doesn’t have a solution. Sometimes it just takes creativity. This is true for more emotional obstacles too. There’s always a solution, just take a step back, take some time to think it over, and make a plan to tackle the issue. Don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it.

  • What’s most important now

    I was in the middle of yelling at the kids for not doing enough chores, or well enough, and I just started having questions come to mind. Does this really have to be done now? Why is this so important that I am stressed and yelling at the kids? Why do I let myself get this stressed?

    We all like for the house to be cleaned, the yard to be mowed, laundry folded and put away, children cleaned and on best behavior, and a nice healthy dinner on the table. But sometimes you have to pick and choose which of those items are best for the moment..and that’s whether you are single or not. The truth is that there just isn’t enough time and I don’t have enough energy to get everything done in a day.

    What I have learned.. what I am learning still..is that it’s ok if the mundane, routine checklist doesn’t get marked off as you like all the time. It’s really not worth stressing about. Figure out what is really important for you and work on the important things. Not stressing over dishes in the sink, laundry on the floor, that just isn’t real important. I mean important stuff like dinner with your kids, meeting the deadlines and goals with purpose, checking oil in the car.

    I really love just using pen and paper. Actually wish I could write this blog with pen and paper! I write lists all the time. I like to sit in the morning and think about everything going on and figure out what I need to get done that day. I also list projects that I need to start working on later in the week or next week. Using lists it’s easy to get a plan in place and figure out what really needs to be done today and what can be pushed off if I run outta daylight.

    Planning can help you stress less. Less stress for better moods and better times with your family. Don’t sweat the small stuff, the stuff that really doesn’t matter.

    Thanks for reading ❤️