We all have that one friend who seems to have it all figured out. Take my friend, Sarah, for example. She’s not just into yoga; she practices aerial yoga. Her social media is a gallery of stunning images—yoga poses in blooming gardens, striking monochrome shots in her cozy living room, and moments lounging on her charming porch. She runs marathons, flaunts her confidence in a bikini, and, yes, she juggles life as a single mom to two teenagers while enjoying her Diet Coke fix.
Sarah is breathtaking—not merely in the conventional sense but in a profound, soulful way. She’s thriving because she embraces life on her own terms, as she rightfully should.
Then there’s my friend, Lisa, who has a spirited 3-year-old. She’s known for her playful twirly dresses and claims the title of “Doughnut Queen,” though she humbly insists she’s more about all things fried. Dreaming of an all-pink kitchen, she always has the essentials for chocolate chip cookies at hand. She made a life-changing move across the country to ensure her son could stay close to his dad.
Lisa radiates beauty—not just the surface level, but a deep, soul-nourishing beauty, as she too is living her best life unapologetically.
Living your best life doesn’t equate to perfection. Both Sarah and Lisa face their fair share of challenges, including navigating the complexities of single motherhood. Their lives are not devoid of pitfalls; they experience sleepless nights, unexpected messes, and the trials that come with parenting. Yet, they both understand a vital truth: they can either dwell in the difficulties or sculpt their own moments of joy, irrespective of outside opinions.
And guess what? You have the same power. You are a remarkable human being, deserving of creating your own moments of happiness. It’s about embracing who you are right now, because waiting for the perfect moment is futile. There will always be distractions, like that annoying ingrown toenail, if you allow them to stop you.
There’s often a voice—whether external or internal—questioning your worthiness or dismissing your aspirations as trivial. But you can silence that voice. You can muster your courage and take that leap anyway.
Take my story, for instance. I always dreamed of owning a tutu. After confronting some uncomfortable body-image issues, I decided I wanted to embrace my uniqueness. So, I bought a few tutus, even though I’ve never danced a day in my life. They are whimsical, fluffy reminders of the joy I can create for myself.
When my kids and I recently hopped in the car, I blasted the soundtrack of Hamilton. As my sons joined in, I encouraged them to sing at the top of their lungs—because that’s what felt right. We drove through the city, belting out our favorite lines, even the raucous parts.
I’ve taken to carrying vintage handkerchiefs in my bag, and instead of panicking over bugs, I catch them with my kids. I’ve been training my German shepherd, rescuing charming old blankets from thrift stores, and engaging in arts and crafts with my children instead of merely overseeing them. Yes, these activities take time, but the joy they bring is worth every moment.
You, too, can step into your best life. Start by finding something quirky that sparks joy. It could be a quirky accessory, like knee-high gladiator sandals, or perhaps a vibrant crop top. You might need to begin small, with that bold lipstick shade you’ve been eyeing or thrifting for adorable outfits for your kids at budget-friendly prices.
It’s about doing what makes you happy—whether it’s planning a solo vacation, crafting sandcastles, or baking brownies. Just ensure that these choices stem from your desires, not someone else’s expectations.
Engage in something that fills you with pride and allows you to celebrate your uniqueness. It doesn’t have to mirror what everyone else is doing. That’s the beauty of life; we all have different paths. Not everyone practices aerial yoga, hoards cookie ingredients, or wears tutus, but those of us who do are unapologetically living our best lives amid the chaos.
If you’re interested in exploring ways to expand your family, you might find inspiration in other topics we’ve covered, such as artificial insemination kits.
For those contemplating pregnancy, you might also want to check out this excellent resource on intrauterine insemination.
In summary, you have the right to experience joy and embrace who you are. Start small, and remember that your journey is uniquely yours. Celebrate yourself, and don’t be afraid to lean into what makes you happy.