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It's A Single Mom Thing
Welcome to “It's A Single Mom Thing,” the show for single moms by single moms, hosted by Sherry Chandler.
Being a solo momma and present parent is hard work, and losing focus is easy when you forget your faith. The good news is you are not alone. You were singled out this season, and together, we can work on what’s not working for you—finding Christ in the crisis! Whether you’re tuning in early in the morning or late at night, I’m here for you, momma.
This podcast is your go-to space for navigating life as a single mom with faith, fun, and a fresh perspective. We'll cover everything from mastering a single-mom success mindset and budgeting like a boss to prioritizing self-care and raising resilient kids. We’ll share time management hacks, parenting perspectives, co-parenting challenges, and how to find joy and laugh again. Together, we’ll move from surviving to thriving in every season of single motherhood.
Be encouraged. Get inspired. You can do this, momma.
Each Monday, join me for practical advice, relatable stories, and uplifting conversations as we walk this journey from solo momma to solo momma. I promise not to take too much of your time, and I’m so grateful you’re spending it with me.
It may be a single mom thing, but it doesn’t have to be the "single thing" that stops you!
It's A Single Mom Thing
Fill Your Cup Without Emptying Your Wallet: Self-Care for Single Moms
Fill Your Cup Without Emptying Your Wallet: Self-Care for Single Moms
Alright, Mama, let’s get real—when was the last time you did something just for YOU? Spoiler alert: reheating your coffee for the third time doesn’t count. This week on It’s A Single Mom Thing, we’re spilling the tea (or coffee) on why self-care isn’t just a buzzword—it’s your lifeline. And no, it doesn’t have to cost a dime.
In this episode, we’re diving into:
✨ The real price you pay when you skip self-care—think burnout at work, short tempers at home, and dreams left collecting dust.
✨ Creative, budget-friendly ways to refill your cup (hint: sandcastles, kickball games, and Monday Mask Nights might be involved).
✨ Why self-care isn’t selfish—it’s spiritual obedience to the fierce, faith-filled woman God called you to be.
✨ Practical tips to make self-care non-negotiable, because girl, your peace depends on it.
So, grab your journal, hit play, and get ready to take back your time, your energy, and your sanity. Because self-care isn’t optional—it’s survival with a side of sass.
💡 Subscribe now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or iHeart Radio, and leave a review if this episode gives you life. Share the love with another single momma who needs this reminder: she’s worth it.
It's a Single Mom Thing, Not the Single Thing That Stops You!
Welcome to it's a Single Mom Thing, the show for single moms by single moms. This is Sherri, your host, and I am happy you are here today. Remember it's a single mom thing and not the single thing that stops you. So welcome back my fellow solo peeps to another episode of it's a Single Mom Thing. So I have a question for you when was the last time you did something for you and you actually took the time to enjoy it?
Speaker 1:I know scrolling social media while your kids nap that doesn't count. I know the drill You're juggling all the things like a circus act and while self-care feels like an act you can't afford. But today I'm going to prove otherwise. You see, self-care is essential and it doesn't have to cost a dime. Because, listen, in my checkbook, self-care isn't selfish, it's survival with a side of sass. So picture this You're scrolling Instagram, sipping your third reheated cup of coffee and seeing influencers post about their $200 spa day. Meanwhile, you're just trying to find time to shower without interruptions. Sound familiar? I know that's right. Well, listen, I'm here to flip the script on that, because self-care isn't about the price tag. It's about what it's costing you if you don't do it. It's about what fills your soul and your empty cup. As a solo, you need your soul filled so you can feed those who depend on you showing up. So in this episode, we will redefine self-care, share creative, budget-friendly ideas and even toss in some fun activities you can do with your kids to get them involved. And, as always, you can count on your girl to have a few sassy surprises up her sleeve to make this journey as joyful and as practical as it can be. Practical as it can be. So my promise is, by the end of this episode, you'll have a fresh perspective on what self-care looks like. Actionable tips to refill your cup and a simple journal exercise to make it stick. And, who knows, you just might discover a new way to reset your mind and recharge your spirit that you never saw coming the real price tag of ignoring self-care.
Speaker 1:All right, let's get real for a few seconds. We all know self-care isn't just spa days and candles, but do you know what it's actually costing you to skip it? Here's a spoiler alert it's way more than the price of a manicure. Let's talk about the price tag that comes with ignoring self-care and trust me, mama, it's steep. So listen, when you don't take care of yourself, you're paying for it in ways you might not even realize, and I'm here to break that down with you here.
Speaker 1:Let's talk about at work. Burnout, lack of focus and decreased productivity can impact your performance and even your job security. Think about it. How can you slay all day at work if you're running on empty? How about with your kids? Short tempers and exhaustion can rob you of precious moments with your children. You can't pour love and patience in your kids when your cup is bone dry and it shows up in your finances as in the form of health issues from stress and exhaustion, which can lead to costly medical bills. Skipping self-care now could mean paying a big price for it later, mama.
Speaker 1:And here's another area where it's going to cost you, and that's keeping the peace with the other co-parent. You see stress and emotional fatigue. Well, that will make it harder for you to navigate co-parenting with grace and boundaries. Listen, mamas, the drama isn't worth it. Invest in your peace of mind so you don't fall to pieces with the other parent. And here's an area I'm sure you have not thought about your dreams Neglecting self-care.
Speaker 1:Well, that can leave you too drained to chase your goals and live out God's purpose for your life. You know God has big plans for you, but you can't step into them if you're stuck in survival mode. And lastly, it'll show up in your health and your relationship with God. Stress and burnout can distance you from both physical well-being and spiritual connection. So listen, mama. God's not calling you to run yourself into the ground. He's calling you to rest in him.
Speaker 1:So if you have it handy, you need to pull out your Thrive in 25 journal, because I have a little prompt for you. So in your journal, I want you to write down what is it costing me to skip self-care? Now you need to be honest and reflect on how it's impacting your work, family finances, health and your dreams. From my own experience, sometimes singing on paper was a wake-up call that I just needed. So listen. You know they say you can't pour from an empty cup. Well, mama, if you don't refill that cup soon, you might just end up trying to drink from a sippy cup instead.
Speaker 1:Budget-friendly self-care ideas with fierce faith and some sass Okay. So let's get real. Self-care isn't about blowing your budget or squeezing yourself into someone else's Instagram-worthy version of rest. We're flipping the script on that. It's about finding what fills your soul and doing it unapologetically. So let's dive into some budget-friendly ways to refill your cup and then throwing in some fierce faith vibes to keep you grounded while you're doing it.
Speaker 1:Number one mommy masks and mimosas or juice boxes. I'm talking a spa night without the price tag, and here's what that might involve DYI facials with oatmeal honey or whatever you have in the pantry. Involve DYI facials with oatmeal honey or whatever you have in the pantry. Epsom salt baths with essential oils or even a few drops of vanilla extract for a spa-like sense. Now we can also 10x that experience, too, by getting the kids involved. The kids, I know, but listen. Their stress is your stress, so let's flip their script to into a Monday mask night. That can be your new thing Funny pics, silly faces and a post-worthy moment to share with other moms. Who says self-care can't be a family affair?
Speaker 1:Number two sweat, sand and sanity. Outdoor fun that saves your soul. Take a walk, sit in the park or watch a sunset, but why stop there? Invite your mom crew and kids for a kick it kickball game or see who can build the most solid sandcastle at the beach. You see, sometimes the best self-care comes with a little sweat and a lot of laughs. God gave us this big, beautiful world. Go enjoy it.
Speaker 1:Number three doodle, decorate or DIY your way to sanity. Creativity that heals your soul. Try journaling, doodling or picking up a new hobby like crochet or DIY home decor. Challenge yourself with something new. Learn to watercolor, bake bread from scratch and invite the kids to be your taste testers. You see, creativity is a powerful way to quiet the noise and reconnect with the person God made you to be. Plus, who doesn't love some fun or a new skill to show off?
Speaker 1:Number four fill your soul by filling someone else's plate the selfless self-care hack. Cook a meal for a friend, a neighbor or someone in your church. Volunteer at a local charity or send an encouraging note to another single mom. You see, here's the thing about serving others. It fills your soul in ways you can't even imagine. When you're pouring into others, god is pouring right back into you Mic drop.
Speaker 1:And number five digital detox. Log off and level up. Commit to a seven-day social media, fast and reclaim your peace. And yes, girl, you can do it, it's just seven days. Replace scrolling with soul-filling activities like reading, journaling or spending quality time with your kids. Mama, because your mind needs a break and God's got better notifications waiting for you. Oops, I forgot, I had another one in my bag of tricks, so we're moving on to number five Pause, pray and slay finding your calm in the chaos.
Speaker 1:Try the Abide app. That's A-B-I-D-E for guided Christian meditation and prayer. How about create a prayer jar? Write down family and friends' prayer requests as you learn about them, then pull one out each day to focus on in prayer. You see, prayer isn't just a ritual. It's your direct line to God, and when you lift others up, you'll find he's lifting you up too. Plus, isn't it time to give your worries the boot and let God handle the heavy lifting? So practice mindfulness by simply sitting still, closing your eyes and letting gratitude flood your heart for 60 seconds, criss-cross applesauce.
Speaker 1:So listen, mamas, a pause in the chaos doesn't mean you're giving up. It means you're gearing up, with God by your side. So even if you don't have a dime, you do have some time. I know that. So self-care doesn't have to be fancy, expensive or time-consuming. It's about finding those small, soul-filling moments that remind you of the fierce, faith-filled woman you are. So now let's make it happen, making self-care non-negotiable. Fierce faith and fierce focus. So here's the truth, my fellow solos. Self-care isn't just something you fit in when you have time, it's something to protect, like your peace, because, let's be honest, they go hand in hand. So let's talk about how to make self-care a lifestyle that even your busiest days can't derail.
Speaker 1:Number one start small and stay consistent, and I'm talking about committing five to 10 minutes. That's it a part of your day for you. Rome wasn't built in a day, and neither is self-care habits either. But consistency, this is where the miracles happen. Number two schedule it like a VIP meeting. I'm talking about blocking self-care time in your calendar and treat it like a non-negotiable appointment. You see, if you can schedule dentist appointments and teacher conferences, oh yes, you can schedule time for your mental health, no excuses. Number three model it for your kids. Teach your kids the value of self-care by showing them how it's done. Now, ladies, you know, when you take care of yourself, you're giving your kids permission to prioritize their well-being too.
Speaker 1:Number four phone a friend, ask for help from your mom, tribe, family or friends when you need a little break. It takes a village, and your village is there to help, but only if you let them. Number five infuse self-care with faith. Begin your self-care time with a simple prayer like Lord, renew my strength so I can pour into others. You see, when you invite God into your rest, it becomes restoration. This is where your cup will begin to overflow.
Speaker 1:So, listen, skipping self-care, well, it's like ignoring the check engine light in your car. Sure, you can keep driving I've done it but don't be surprised when something breaks down. I've been stranded. So let's shift gears and end today with an exercise to help you prioritize you, and here's where we're going to close, and it's with an interactive journal exercise called Make it Stick. So listen, mamas, now it's time to turn all this self-care talk into action. Get that Thriving 25 journal out, if you haven't done so already. Remembering, it's more than a notebook. It is your playbook for thriving, not just surviving.
Speaker 1:So let's build out your self care roadmap. Step one reflect. Now, at the top, I want you to title a page called what Drains Me vs what Fills Me. On the left side, jot down things that drain your energy, for example, late nights, overcommitting, constant scrolling, volunteering way too much. Then, on the right side, write down what truly fills your soul, for example, quiet time, creative outlets, meaningful conversations. You see, this will help you identify where your energy leaks are and how to refill your tank.
Speaker 1:Then step two plan. Okay, so you are going to create a weekly self-care schedule and then you're going to start off with a daily, and that might be writing down one small thing you can do each day, and that's, let's say, five minutes of prayer, a quick walk or a gratitude list Weekly. I want you to pick one bigger activity to look forward to, like a spa night, a park outing or a catch-up coffee with a friend, but then now we're going to 10X it to the monthly friend, but then now we're going to 10X it to the monthly. And I want you to choose one thing that feels like a treat, whether it's a day trip, a creative project or a mom's night out. You see, planning self-care isn't selfish, it's smart, and writing it down makes you more likely to actually do it.
Speaker 1:So, number three I want you to declare it, write a self-care affirmation declaration at the top of the page, something like I'm worth the time and effort to care for myself, because when I thrive, my family thrives, and then I want you to post it somewhere you can see it your mirror, your fridge, or even as your phone lock screen. Listen, if you even have to go as far as writing it in lipstick on your mirror. If that's what it takes to get you to stick to it, then you need to go for it. Number four pray it forward. End the page with a prayer like Lord, help me honor the body, mind and spirit you've given me by prioritizing rest. Honor the body, mind and spirit you've given me by prioritizing rest, renewal and connection with you, because listen, girls, when you make room for him, he multiplies your strength. All right, ladies.
Speaker 1:So listen, here's the truth. Self-care isn't a luxury We've talked about that. It's a necessity. It's the fuel in your tank, the light in your soul and the key to showing up for your family and for God's calling in your life. And listen, you're going to hear this reminder in every podcast, because it's important. You aren't just surviving, you are thriving in 25. He is your strength and your own fierce determination.
Speaker 1:So, as you go into this week, remember this you're worth the time, the care and the effort. When you fill your cup, you don't just pour into others, you overflow into their lives with love, peace and purpose. And that, ladies, is the kind of ripple effect this world needs. So don't forget to join our. It's a Single Mom Thing Facebook group and check out our classes at shepherdsvillagecom. Forward slash classes. If you're loving this podcast, hit, subscribe and leave a review. Your story might just inspire another single mom to step into her best life. Until next time, keep thriving, keep shining and keep giving yourself the care and grace you so deserve. You're not just a single mom, you're a force to be reckoned with. Have a wonderful week and remember it's a single mom thing and not the single thing that stops you. Thanks for listening to it's a Single Mom Thing. I hope you enjoyed our time together. If you have more questions on how to have a relationship with Jesus or need prayer, visit us at wwwshepherdsvillagecom. Backslash prayer. For more information and resources. Check out our show notes.
