Balancing the roles of a single mom, business owner, and insurance agent is akin to juggling flaming torches, thrilling, sometimes nerve-wracking, but immensely rewarding.
It feels like just yesterday that my girls were babies, swaddled in pastel blankets and dependent on me for every little thing. Now, they are growing into young women with lives of their own, secrets, dreams, and friendships that I am not always privy to.
The fleeting nature of time is undeniable, and while I find pride in the incredible individuals they are becoming, I know that there are mountains to climb as they enter their teen years.
Adolescence is a complex chapter filled with first loves, deep friendships, and self-discovery. I’m excited to see them grow into their independence, yet I can’t deny a sliver of trepidation that comes with it. The world feels bigger and scarier when you realize that your children are beginning to navigate it without you. But that’s the thing about time, it doesn’t wait, doesn’t pause. We can either fight it or embrace it, and I choose the latter.
Being a single mom in a blended family adds layers of complexity. Different personalities, different routines, and different homes come into play, but it also means our lives are enriched by a diversity of experiences. Through it all, the key to maintaining sanity and joy has been understanding that you can do it all, just not all at once.
Prioritization is not just a skill but a necessity. Some days, my focus is entirely on my girls, supporting them through their school projects or celebrating their achievements. Other days, I’m deeply entrenched in business meetings, crafting insurance plans that provide peace of mind to families just like mine.
However, as my girls grow older and seek independence, my role subtly shifts from being the manager of their lives to a supportive advisor. It’s humbling, and at times, daunting to accept that they might share their deepest secrets with friends rather than with me. It’s a bittersweet acknowledgment of their growth and my evolving place in their world.
In navigating these transitions, I’ve discovered three essential tips that help me remain present and purposeful, no matter the role I’m playing. Many of you have heard me speak and post about them before.
1. Be Where Your Shoes Are: This phrase has become my mantra. When I’m with my girls, I’m not scrolling through emails or planning my next client call. I am fully immersed in our conversations, inside jokes, and the small, precious moments that can easily slip by. When I’m working, I pour my passion into every insurance plan I develop, knowing that the work I do supports my family and provides a foundation for our future.
2. Embrace Flexibility Without Guilt: Life is rarely a straight path, and flexibility is crucial. Some days, I have to miss a school event for a business commitment, and on other days, I reschedule a meeting to catch a soccer game. Guilt is a natural reaction but not a productive one. I remind myself that each decision I make is a step toward a balanced life, even if it doesn’t always feel like it in the moment.
3. Celebrate the Little Victories: Parenting and entrepreneurship are marathons, not sprints. Celebrating small wins, whether it’s landing a new client, receiving positive feedback from a customer, or simply sharing a heartfelt conversation with my daughters keeps me motivated and centered. These small moments remind me that success is not just in the milestones but in the everyday.
As my girls stand on the edge of their teenage years, I am both excited and cautious. The road ahead will undoubtedly bring its own set of challenges and triumphs, but I am ready to face them, equipped with love, a sense of humor, and a focus on what truly matters.
Because in the end, time will continue its steady march forward, indifferent to our readiness. All we can do is make the most of it, embracing the chaos, cherishing the calm, and always, always being where our shoes are.
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