The Benefits of Positive Thinking in My Life!

The list is immeasurable of all the benefits positive thinking has had in my life. Just two years ago I was a stay at home mom ready to join the corporate world again. I had two boys ages 1 and 3 years old and I was at the point where I missed working, but I still wanted to be there for my children. I thought about putting them in daycare for half the day, but the weekly cost was outrageous! Then life happened, and I found myself becoming a single mom to two boys who NEEDED to work. I was nervous, sad, and worried about my future. But one day something changed in me, I decided that I was going to overcome my circumstances and change my life completely.


First up, I needed to find a place to live. I had two months to do so and I was lucky to have money in my savings account to pay for a new place to live. But who on Earth is going to rent to a woman with no job and two children?! I didn’t let those little details bother my search. I made a list of my must have’s….yes, I am being choosy with no job. My list: Two bedrooms, at least one bath, full size washer/dryer hookup, parking, and not more than $1200 a month. I should also mention, that I decided to move 120 miles from my hometown. Away from the life I’d known and away from family and friends. I was 30 years old and ready to step out on a limb. I took two trips to the area I wanted to move and looked at maybe 5 different rentals. I found my favorite of them all and I submitted my application and put down a deposit. I had to wait a few days to hear back, but I was content, knowing that even without a job, I would move into the place. I took out a piece of paper with my list of must-haves and I wrote my full name with the address of the new place. And I didn’t look at another place. Because I knew, if I had faith the answer was yes, then I wouldn’t need to look any further. However, I was PUMPED when two days later the property manager called to say they decided to give me the place even though I had no employment at the time. That is a benefit of positive thinking in MY LIFE!

Next up, I need to find a J-O-B! My savings would only carry me for 3-4 months if I didn’t splurge on any extras. I moved into my new apartment in mid-February 2011. It was liberating and a bit intimidating at the same time, I cannot tell a lie about that. But I didn’t let those thoughts consume me or get into the universe. Because I believe it’s true what they say, “what you put out, you will receive.” I had a series of interviews with an Urgent Care office to be the Office Manager of their new facility. I’d had three interviews and I was pretty confident I had the job. It was just a few miles from my apartment and the people were very nice. Imagine my surprise when they’d decided to give the position to someone else! This was a time I could have lost my positive momentum. But, I wouldn’t let that get me down. When I told family and friends I didn’t get the job, I told them in a matter of fact tone. I remember telling some I was not worried because there was a better position waiting for me. I’m sure they all thought I was NUTS! LOL!

I’d been living in my new city for about three weeks and I had two other interviews with companies, but neither of them was exactly the right fit. They were both more a part time basis and with children, it would cost me money to work there. So I had to decline both positions. Bold, I know! In the third week a family friend said she would send out an email to her friends to see if anyone was hiring. I thought that was cool and didn’t expect much from it. Well, let me tell you! Within an hour, I had 60 NEW EMAILS from the email she mailed out! All kinds of job positions, searching tips, company links, and intern offers! I felt so blessed and thankful to have such people in my life. But one email stood out. It was a position that was farther than I wanted to drive and it was only for four months while a woman went on maternity leave. My thought was, the money is great for me and that will give me time to make money and find a full time position. I interviewed for the position and got the job in the same day! And two years later, I still work for the company as a full time employee. That is a benefit of positive thinking in MY LIFE!

And now I am embarking into the next chapter of my life. I have continued to make strides in this life of mine and I do not let fear or doubt get in my way. I make a vision board every year to document my goals and progress. Obviously, I have minor setbacks just like everyone else, but the difference is I do not change my mind set. I keep on with positive thinking knowing there is a reason for everything. And sometimes bad things have to happen to make you appreciative of all the good things you have, big or small. The benefits of positive thinking will turn your life around!

The Life of a Single Mom!

Wake up at 6am. Stretch, check on kids, and shower. Set up ironing board; turn lights on in kids’ bedroom. 7am wake up sleepyhead kids. Between 7am and 7:40am is the mad dash. I must get three people dressed and presentable for the world. Make sure they’ve have breakfast and make sure all homework has been completed. Whew…the life of a single mom!




For the last two years I commuted to and from work eighty miles a day! Thankfully, I have moved much closer and that part of my day is no longer a strain. If you’ve ever experienced Los Angeles traffic, hug yourself or anyone that drives in it every day. It’s a war zone!



I work for a bank in Southern California and my job is different every day and I never know what I am going to come across. It definitely keeps my day moving along. In between that I enjoy time with other adults and sharing stories that don’t involve much of the 4-6 year old conversation I have at home.



6pm….quitting time! I listen to music before I pick up the kids because as soon as they see me, I’M ON! My oldest son is in kindergarten and has a flurry of stories to tell me and tell me the things he’s learned during the day. My younger son is in pre-school and has equally entertaining stories to tell. Bugs, boys and girls, new friends, mini fights, yucky lunches, bathroom jokes, sports stories, new library books, and the list goes on!



We are home by 7pm and my second job begins. Kids complete any homework and reading assignments; they eat dinner, take a bath, and bed time! I can honestly say I do not know how I get thru the whirlwind from 7-8:45pm. It’s one of those perks in the life of a single mom that you just master. Now I am not saying I have it all down to a science, but I’ve definitely found my groove.



Now you may ask yourself, when do you have time for yourself?! Well this is the time, my friends….when the kids go to bed! Mommy can read books and magazines, paint my nails, talk on the phone, or enjoy one of the kids’ snacks!



It can definitely take its toll on a person to be the sole parent in the household. In any given day you are Mommy, Daddy, Friend, Nurse, Dentist, Police, Judge, Jury, and anything else children may need at any given time. It helps to have family support and the other parents support as well. Unfortunately, not everyone has those to help them. I find it most important to find time to decompress my mind and have a good balance in life. I make sure my children have me when they need me but I also make sure I make time for myself. Because I cannot be the best Mommy to them if I am stressed out and overworked!



Okay, my free time is over….back to the wonderful life of a single mom! Thanks for reading!