Two Years of Being a Single Mom and Head of the Family: A Journey I Never Expected, but One That Changed Me Forever

Every day since then, I’ve been in what I call “masculine mode.” You know that mindset where you have to be the strong one, the planner, the fixer, the one who figures everything out, even when you're falling apart inside? That was (and still is) me.

I constantly told myself, “You have to be independent. You have to provide. You have to make this work.”

And let me be honest, it wasn’t easy.

There were days I cried after my child fell asleep. Days when I felt like I had nothing left to give. Days when I questioned whether I was doing anything right. But I kept going. Because I had no other choice. And somehow, that strength I didn’t know I had kept showing up. For me. For my child. For this life I was rebuilding.

Embracing the Unexpected Blessings

Here’s the most surprising part: over the past two years, life gave me more than just survival.

It gave me miracles I never imagined, opportunities I never planned for, and personal growth I didn’t know I needed. So many good things unfolded, things that I once thought were impossible. From emotional healing, building my own projects, to creating a stable and nurturing life for my child, life didn’t just continue, it evolved.

And no, it wasn’t a fairy tale. It was messy, painful, and full of learning curves. But every time I hit a low point, something, or someone showed up. Whether it was support from a friend, an unexpected opportunity, or just a moment of clarity while sipping coffee alone in the quiet of the morning… I realized, things are always working out, sometimes even better than I expected.

What I’ve Learned as a Single Mom

Now that I’m two years into this journey, here’s what I’ve learned:

• You can do hard things. Even when it feels like you can’t. You’re stronger than you think.

• It’s okay to ask for help. Being strong doesn’t mean doing everything alone.

• Trust the timing of your life. Sometimes the detour is the path.

• Small wins are still wins. Celebrate them. You’re building something beautiful.

• Masculine energy is survival, but don’t forget your softness. You’re allowed to be vulnerable, to cry, to need rest.

To Anyone on the Same Path...

If you're a newly single mom or going through a transition you didn’t choose, please know this: you’re not alone.

You don’t have to have it all figured out. You don’t need to be perfect. You’re doing the best you can with what you have, and that’s more than enough.

And even when it feels like life is falling apart, trust that something is quietly falling into place.

Final Words From My Heart to Yours

Becoming a single mother changed my life forever. It taught me to lead with love, to fight with faith, and to trust in the unknown. It showed me how much I can carry, and also when to put things down.

So here I am, two years later. Still figuring it out. Still showing up. And still believing that this life, though far from perfect, is filled with purpose, beauty, and strength.

And I hope by sharing my story, it reminds someone out there: you’ve got this too.

With Love,

Catharina Maya