Embracing the Journey: Weekend Fun, Friendship, and Finding Joy as a Single Mom

This past weekend, my son and I were invited to celebrate a friend’s birthday. It was a lovely change of pace and something I hadn’t realised I needed until I was in it—laughter, conversation, community. The location wasn’t exactly around the corner, so it meant driving a bit of a distance. And let me tell you, just the idea of that used to terrify me.

For a long time, I avoided motorways like the plague. I’d tell myself, “Nope, not doing that. Too overwhelming, too risky.” But as a single parent, sometimes you don’t have the luxury of depending on someone else. If something needs to be done, you do it. And that’s exactly what I did—I put on some worship music, packed snacks, strapped my precious cargo (my son) safely in the back, and hit the road.

To my surprise, the drive was smooth. Peaceful, even. Isn’t it funny how often the things we fear the most turn out to be the least problematic? I was proud of myself—not just for making the journey, but for pushing past my fear and showing up for my life.

Overcoming the Isolation of Single Motherhood

Let’s be honest—single motherhood can feel isolating. Most of my friends are married with children, and sometimes I find myself wondering, “Do I even fit in anymore?” It can feel like everyone has their little unit, and here I am, doing it on my own.

But then I remind myself: I’m not an outsider. I’m still a valuable part of any group I enter. My journey is just different. Not wrong, not broken—just different. That mindset shift has taken time, but it’s been key to healing.

When I do accept an invite or step into social spaces, I do it with intention. I remind myself that my presence is worthy, that I bring something unique, and that my son and I belong, just like anyone else. I want him to grow up feeling secure and included—not because I hide our reality, but because I’ve embraced it with grace and strength.

Teaching My Son to See Abundance, Not Lack

One of my biggest goals as a mother is to help my son see life through the lens of abundance, not limitation. I don’t want him growing up with a scarcity mindset, or feeling like he's “missing out” because our family looks different. Instead, I want him to know that love, joy, and adventure are all around us—and that they’re not exclusive to any one type of household.

So I expose him to moments like this past weekend—time with friends, laughter around a table, running through parks with other children. These things remind him (and me) that we’re not alone, and that we’re supported, seen, and valued.

God’s Grace in the Midst of Our Journey

I can’t talk about this journey without talking about grace—God’s grace specifically. In the early days of my son’s life, I wrestled with feelings of shame. I wondered if I had somehow failed. But one day, a wise woman reminded me of a scripture: “Children are a heritage from the Lord.” Not children from married homes. Not children from perfect homes. Children—full stop.

That reminder shifted everything for me. I started praying differently, seeing myself and my son differently, and embracing the truth that we are not second best. We are loved. We are chosen. And we are being equipped every day for this journey.

So if you’re a single mom reading this and you’ve ever felt “less than”—please know you’re not alone. And please know that shame is not your portion. God didn’t give you that burden—people did. And people are not God.

Creating Memories That Matter

Back to the weekend—we laughed, ate good food, watched the kids play, and just soaked in the joy of being together. It wasn’t extravagant, and it didn’t need to be. It was meaningful.

Sometimes we think we need big vacations or flashy outings to create memories. But often, it’s the simple things—conversation, connection, a safe space to be ourselves—that create the most lasting impact.

I’m learning to lean into those moments more. To make space for joy even in the busy seasons. To say yes to community, even when I feel like retreating. And to allow myself to be poured into, not just as a mother, but as a woman, a friend, and a daughter of God.

Living with Purpose, Sharing with Others

Before I started blogging, I wrestled for a long time with how to use my story. How could I share my life in a way that was helpful, encouraging, and real? I didn’t want to sugarcoat anything, but I also didn’t want to wallow in the hard parts. I wanted balance. Honesty. And most of all, purpose.

Starting this blog has been an act of obedience for me. I know that someone out there needs to hear these words. Someone needs to know that they’re not alone. That their journey, though messy, is still beautiful. That their kids are not less-than, and that healing is possible.

So I’ll keep writing. I’ll keep showing up, even on the days when it’s hard. I’ll keep sharing about weekends with friends, moments of faith, and the ongoing, sometimes bumpy, always sacred journey of single motherhood.

Because maybe—just maybe—that’s how we heal. By telling our stories, one blog post at a time.