When I found out I was pregnant, I was still a homeowner of a beautiful suburban property.
Knowing this journey was about to change my life and finances, I had to to move into swift action. While some would advise that real estate is a wonderful investment (which it can be) you have to look at the big picture. My mortgage was about half my monthly income. To afford childcare in the future, that house had to go. The maintenance, snow removal, and risk were all to high for the next part of my journey.
1. I sold my first single family home, and moved into an apartment. I remember going to Uhaul in my early pregnant state, getting their largest truck and driving that beast like no other. 😂 I have to admit. My ability to just act, when it had come to this move was pretty incredible for me. I hired an old contractor that did some house renovations for me to assist with the move. OfferUp became my best friend, and setting stuff out at the end of my driveway for my neighbors was the norm.
2. Once I reached the safe zone in my pregnancy, I started getting ready for my son early. I bought the large and heavy items and solicited the help of gracious new neighbors in my apartment community. Even in a pandemic, people were still helpful. I didn’t procrastinate and I’m sure baby boys stuff collected dust for months before his arrival.
3. I started to get more active on Instagram and found new YouTube content to engage with and find inspiration through women that have been on this journey before.
4. To protect my energy, I stopped reading comments sections and following the news. Anytime I googled stuff about single moms, I became overwhelmed with the negativity out there for women who are choosing to do the best they can despite the circumstances. So, I curated the space I wanted and found the people I wanted to share this journey with.
5. I made peace after months of being hurt, confused and resentful. I became the Victor instead of the Victim and pinpointed what The Lesson (future post) was in all of this.
6. I focused on what I did have. I found so much gratitude in having a well paying job, great benefits, friends and family (though separated by a great distance), basic life necessities and then some. It was at this point that I realized, I have just what I need.
7. I looked at my circumstances differently. My sons father, while not for me romantically, and not at all present during the pregnancy, made things “easy”? There was no drama and we came to agreements relatively easy.
8. I got excited! I became enthusiastic about this journey and where things were. I knew it would have its ups and downs, but I was hopeful that everything had to happen this way for me and my personal growth journey.