Episodes
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This week on the Single Mom Tribe podcast, we get to know Angela of Accomplished Self, a Transitional Strategist, helping to guide others through life after loss and what that might look like...
Having lost her mother in a tragic accident just six days after being accepted into college, her 'worst case scenario' takes a sudden shift and she is met with an unbearable grief. Although she pushes on to pursues her degree, she uses her studies as a way to distract her from the pain. After seeking therapy and reemerging from this period of mourning, she begins to focus on what life could look like after such a sudden loss.
Seeing as her focus in psychology was directly tied to her relationship with her mother, Angela decided to take on a double major in sociology - creating a new path that was specific to her personal interest in the functioning of human society. Distancing herself just enough from a degree that felt deeply rooted in her mother, and opening herself up to redefining her WHY for attending college in the first place.
Angela's why shifted from something that was rooted in a relationship outside of herself to one that she valued on a soul-level. And while, we are often conditioned to believe that focusing solely on yourself is selfish, Angela believes that restructuring your WHY to encompass your personal morals, values, vision and purpose will be the driving force to accomplishing your goals.
Beyond overcoming limiting beliefs and self-identifiers that are holding you back from redefining your future, Angela dives into codependency and how we as single parents can implement strategies self-regulating techniques to empower our children to take control over their actions and emotions. Being intentional with the seeds that we plant in our child's mind can reinforce your child's confidence in their ability to things on their own, with you there to support and guide them should they need it.
This episode is filled with so much insight on grief and healing, major life changes that can really throw us off the path we once knew, permitting yourself to once again seek a fulfilling life after loss, the importance of consideration and curiosity, because there will always be other possibilities available to you, just believe.
Growth can be scary, even painful, but what's worse? Being open and putting in the work to see what is possible, or never giving yourself the opportunity to live the life that you truly deserve, the choice is yours, you decide!
To connect with Angela and the strategies that she shares about transitioning through life's greatest changes - Follow her on Instagram & Facebook: @accomplishedself
Resources - Books Mentioned During this Episode:
>> Broken Open by Elizabeth Lesser
>> Motherless Daughters by Hope Edelman -
This week on the Single Mom Tribe, we meet Tina Dierna, Transformational Weight-loss Coach - She shares her story of divorce, weight-loss, single-motherhood and slaying self-doubt. She believes in living life to the fullest and the recent fetes that she has overcome in life have led her to take on the persona, Mom Overboard!
As her marriage deteriorated, she decided to shift her focus from everything that she's does wrong to everything that she is capable of... which led her to purchase her first home, lose over 115 pounds to transform her body and her life, launch her own coaching program to help other women do the same, and book a 6-week Spanish immersion program for herself and to daughter in order to better serve both overseas and in her home community.
Some call her a dreamer, some an over-achiever, but she doesn't have space in her head for the naysayers, she is a nay-slayer and she is busy building the life of her dreams, teaching her daughter that she too is capable of achieving anything she desires, and leaving behind a legacy for generations to come.
Her weight-loss journey helped her to rediscover all the things that she once enjoyed doing in life, that she could once again do and share with those she loves most. Her mind became a vision board of all the things she wanted, she set attainable goals and gets them done - she is still striving for more!
Tina lives her life to the fullest, and she wants you to know that you can too - Single Mothers don't need to be bound by the limitations of societal beliefs and the noise of the naysayers - Become a nay-slayer, be willing to put in the work, find what brings you joy and do it!
To learn more about Tina's Weight-loss Journey and Discover all the Tip she shares along the way, follow her on Instagram: @mom.overboard
Website / Blog: https://www.twlcoachtina.com/
Facebook: Tina Dierna FB Group: Transfomational Weightloss Support -
Missing episodes?
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In a very special two-part episode, we are diving a bit more deeply into Karen Stanley's story, and this week we get to meet her husband, John...
I have always wanted to hear from the other side, man that fell in love with the single-mom, the man that loved her, despite the weight of the baggage she believed she was carrying, the man that accepted this woman and her children as a packaged deal, and saw the whole package as a blessing!
That is a true story of hope for any woman journeying through life as a single mother, and it's a story I am so honored to be able to share.
This week we hear John's story - The loneliness he experienced after his first marriage fell apart, the work he did on himself to try and work through his own personal traumas, and the prayer he recited on the night that he decided he was ready for love.
John takes us through his first and second date with Karen, and when he knew she was 'The One' - Discovering that the true gift of real love is having a helpmate, someone that will help you in everyday life, but who is also strong and empathetic enough to walk with you through the healing of past traumas together.
As they blended their lives and their families, John wanted to give her children everything he never had as a child; proving to them that he will always honor and protect their mother. While also showing them that while he was not going to replace their father, he wanted to me a strong role model in their life, providing them with safety, peace and a sense of security. Stepping in to a powerful role in their lives and changing their family for the better, you'll see...
So if you're a Single Parent, and you've grown weary and nearly lost all hope of every finding love in a life partner, John and Karen want to tell you 'DON'T GIVE UP!' - If it is possible for one of us, it is possible for all of us! This week's episode is sure to deliver a dose of HOPE that many of us need, and a few tears may be shed along the way... Keep believing, your blessings are surely to arrive!
Keep in Touch with Karen at: https://mrskarenstanley.com/
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Follow her on Instagram: @officialmrskarenstanley -
Becoming Mrs. Stanley is the Single Mom's Guide to Attracting Mr. Right, and in Karen's story that was Mr. Stanley, in her book Karen shares the strategies that she used to become the woman that she would want to date in order to attract the man she wanted to date.
Karen began to look at partners of her past as Teachers, realizing that each of them came in to her life and made his exit with a lesson for her to learn, and as she identified each lesson, she came to the realization that each one was leading her closer to her ideal partner.
In her book, Becoming Mrs. Stanley, Karen shares her seventeen-month journey that ultimately led to the day she accepted an invitation to her last, first date! And how the strategies that she used shifted her energy to become her Best Version self, and as she shifted, so did the way in which one man saw her, a man that had already been in her life through a business connection, but now he was seeing her differently, he was seeing her in all her glory, because she finally stepped into her power, knew her worth, and truly believed that she was capable of having the love that she desired.
The catalyst to this confidence was her Best Friend's Wedding, when she saw her say I do, to a man that adored her. She too had been a single mom, and with unshakable certainty she knew in her heart that a second chance at love was possible. So as Karen listened to the Father of the groom share his testament to ever-deepening love, Karen began to believe that, good men, men that desire real love do exist, and if it was possible for one woman to find her ideal-partner, it is possible for all women, should they so desire.
From that day on Karen's life started to change, she was becoming the women that she wanted to attract, she wanted a man that would love and interact with her kids, so she stopped waiting and began getting out and throwing the football with her son, she was no longer waiting on a man to throw the ball. She began visualizing the things they would do together, creating physical space for him in her life and with each lesson, her Soulmate list became a bit more descriptive as she became more clear about what she did and did-not want in her partner.
And in the span of 17-Months, that man came into her life, and soon thereafter, Karen became Mrs. Stanley! She now shares her strategies with women and single-mothers in her book and through her weekly blog, offering incredible resources to help all of us embody our own inner Boss!
To check out Karen's work, visit her website: https://mrskarenstanley.com/
Or follow Her on Instagram: @officialmrskarenstanley -
Carisa Montooth is a 6th Generation Energy Healer and New Age Love Coach, she could wow us with her degrees in psychology and counseling. She could tell us all about her advanced certifications in the most amazing and scientifically supported energy work on the planet; she could tell us how she comes from a family of healers; going back decades... or She could simply tell us all about what she does, which is exactly what we get on this week's episode of the Single Mom Tribe!
Carisa sets the stage to help us to get out of our own way and call in the most authentic, juicy, sexy, soulful, adoring, committed, generous, loving, and stand the test of time relationship. Because she believes that we should never settle for anything less than everything we want in our romantic lives.
Carisa has gifted our listeners with a Free Tutorial on the 5 Most Common Side-Effects of Heartache and How to Heal Them... To get Your FREE copy of Her e-book, visit: https://theheartachecure.com/
You can follow along with all the Carisa has to offer at: http://carisamontooth.com/
Find Her on Instagram: @carisalovehealer
And geek out on her incredible teaching on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdgd-8At-80plT8UHS3ry0A -
Michelle Bowen is a parent empowerment coach, entrepreneur and mother to a child who she gave birth to during the early stages of her awakening. The only way for Michelle to continue to further expand in her awakening was to utilize her relationship with her child.
Your Child is Your Guide was birthed from her own process with her child that brought about an enormous transformation in her own life. In her practice, she specializes in guiding parents to the realization of the divinity of their child and the relationship with them, which initiates a level of accountability that aids in the acceleration of both your healing and actualization.
Michelle learned that her child was her guide, and continues to provide parents with the guidance and applicable practices that allow them to see the same. The courses created by Michelle along with her other offerings show you how to achieve the actualization of the unconditionally loving relationship you seek with your children.
Michelle believes that the relationship you foster between you and your child is up to you regardless of your conditioning. You have all the power to overcome your conditioning and it only costs you the choices you choose to make in each moment. Our children are guiding us to freedom. When we, as parents allow them the freedom to be themselves and to feel freedom in each moment, we unlock the chains that bind us to our own past conditioning and gift ourselves with that same freedom that translates into all other areas of our lives.
To continue following along with Michelle's wonderful teachings you can connect on Instagram at: @yourchildisyourguide
Watch Her tutorials on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRQhf52TbY1FRG_Irnmmd3Q
Connect with Her directly: https://www.michellebowencoaching.com/ -
Shah Granville and her organic, luxury skincare company, Sweet Curly Beauty are both pure radiance from the inside-out. I enjoyed so many aspects of this conversation that I’m finding it hard to put it into words how to summarize all of the magic that was shared in the course of an hour, but I’ll do my best…
Shah does not shy away from the difficult topics of conversation and is very aware of the problems that people of color are facing in our world today. Shah Granville is an actor and producer, born and raised in Los Angeles, she holds a Bachelor of Arts from UCLA, studied Shakespeare at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, and the Sanford Meisner technique in Santa Monica. She holds both film and theatre credits, when she is not on set, she is busy advocating for children’s access to education and women’s empowerment through business literacy with various organizations around the world. Shah is also the founder of Sweet Curly Beauty, a skincare company that focuses on luxury, organic products and reintroducing Black Women into the conversation of skincare, and it is an honor to share her inspiring journey with you today.
Shah is the fourth of five children in her family, she embraces her familial roots, describing it ever so beautifully as a tapestry of heroic women, resilient matriarchs, and mothers rich with spiritual intelligence that fostered their children’s creativity, a heritage holding seventeen generations of ancestral secrets, recognizing motherhood as a gift from God, and I could not agree more. Shah lovingly envisioned her future daughter, with skin the color of the earth and eyes like stars in the night sky; promising to show her where she comes from and teach her just how much she is loved, in hopes that she won’t take long to learn to love herself.
That self-love that Shah describes meant freedom in her own life. Her journey to self-discovery has helped her to identify her values, the meaning of both her yes and her no, and the importance of self-care, beyond the surface of her skin; she focuses on being lit from within and radiating that light out in to the world. Shah believes that every woman should see herself when considering aspirational beauty, and through Sweet Curly Beauty, she is opening up the conversation of skincare to black women. It is no longer a ‘thank you for the invite’, rather black women have a seat at the table, and they should be the center of their Universe, and the Heroine of their story; Sweet Curly is that portal, the return to self.
Shah identifies where the work can be done in order to better our world; adults need to be intentional in dismantling their own biases and decolonizing their bookshelves, systems of education and community funding. However, our children can be the generations of change through better exposure to diversity, as we amplify melanated voices and create value around people of color in business and communities, children will be able to grow up without having to overcompensate for this current state of lack. This is why a huge part of the vision for Sweet Curly Beauty, is to give back to our communities, because Sweet Curly cares; not only does she intend to be a household name, but one that creates a culture of mindfulness and self-love.
Lastly, Shah reminds us to prioritize ourselves in order to reclaim our freedom, as women we play many roles in this world; it is important that we always keep a portion of our truest self with us in our back pocket, to know that she is there supporting us no matter what role we are playing in life.
To follow along with Sweet Curly, you can find her on Instagram @sweetcurlybeauty – or – online at www.sweetcurly.com Shah has generously gifted all of our listeners with 20% off their entire purchase, using code: TRIBE20 at checkout. Sweet Curly Beauty products are also available on www.post21shop.com -
Trina Johnson is a Co-Founder of Blue Forest Farms and BFF Hemp, and she too is a Single Mom; she took the time to sit down with us and have a very transparent conversation surrounding many of the issues at play today. Trina broke into the Cannabis industry, as it was emerging becoming legalized, as a Colorado native it made sense; she saw this as a one and a lifetime opportunity to pave the way in world change. Cannabis has a very dark history and many people (of color) are still behind bars for their relationship to the plant, embodying an undeniably powerful energy and an abundance of healing properties, Blue Forest Farms has built their business structure around inclusivity. Trina believes that Hemp is the answer, and it will influence every industry out there and benefit the ways in which we live.
As both a woman in business, and the mother of three Jamaican-American children, Trina has witnessed firsthand the roles that white-privilege has played in her life and the ways in which she can strive to make a difference in identifying and dismantling systemic-racism for her children, her company and her community. Trina does not shy away from the difficult conversation, and brings awareness to what most (white) people wouldn’t dare acknowledge as privilege. She bravely opened up to me about that awkward moments, which I too have experienced, when strangers assume that your child is adopted or you’re the hired help. Touching on raising black children in a white world, and ways in which she has supported her children in embracing the totality of who they are.
Trina opens up about her divorce, the importance of understanding your love language and her excitement surrounding her second GO at life and love. She is a firm believer that we are here to create a life worth living, she trusts in the power of surrender, knowing full and well that she doesn’t need to force her way through anything, because she in fact, is guided and supported in every situation. Trina teaches her children that it is important that take ownership of your actions and apologize when someone has been hurt, because everyone’s actions are a reflection of themselves and not the person(s) they’re interacting with. When you can remember these lessons in the moment, it leaves room for grace and offers a softness that every situation needs. Trina reminds us that when you choose LOVE, you can’t go wrong!
It was an honor to learn more about Trina and Blue Forest Farms, and she has generously gifted our listeners with a 50% discount on all products from the BFF Hemp retail line; upon checkout, use code: tribe50 to received 50% OFF your entire purchase at bffhemp.com
You can also learn more about the evolution and inclusivity of the farm at blueforestfarms.com
Thank you so much for tuning in with us today, remember you’re right where you are meant to be in this very moment - stay green and be blessed! -
The only way to undo racism is to identify and describe it — and dismantle it. Anti-racism is actively taking action, and using our voice to dismantle white supremacy on all platforms; it’s far more than being “not racist”. It is identifying your own white privilege and admitting that you yourself are a part of the problem, it’s saying, “I will call attention to racism when I see it”, because calling things out as they truly are is liberating and it needs to be done.
While I realize that this is a conversation that needs to be had with Black Teachers and Leaders, I also knew that right now the black men and women of this country are exhausted, not only by the treatment they’ve endured for centuries, but by the system that has cheated them time and time again, and the hundreds to thousands of well-meaning white folks wondering what they can do, what it’s like and how they’re feeling. I am dedicated to learning more from the lens of the Black Teachers that are already sharing so much, but I didn’t feel that right now was the time to put myself among the many others begging for podcast content from an already exhausted voice, no matter how powerful the message might be.
I want to serve the black community but not from the place of white martyr or savior, I want to do so authentically and while I believe that it is important to hear more from Black, Indigenous and People of Color, especially those that are walking or have walked the journey of single-motherhood, I didn’t want add to their current state of overwhelm. And, maybe those are just the excuses that I’ve used to justify to myself why I haven’t stepped beyond the comfort level of featuring women I already know… So with that I decided to reach out to a friend, who although she is a white woman, she is a student of anti-racism, and a very vocal one at that. She studies a black advocate, educator and activist, so I thought she’d would be a good place for me to start, but this will definitely not be the one and only conversation had around this topic on this platform.
As a survivor of sexual, verbal, psychological and emotional abuse, Erica has explored the deeper layers of trauma through the lens of Eating Psychology, 12-Step Recovery and Anti-Racism, all in an effort to discover what “hurt people hurt people” truly means on a cultural, historical and interpersonal level. An extroverted introvert, Erica can usually be found taking a mid-day long drive along the California Coast, accompanied by a great playlist and an even greater desire for truth, connection, sushi and plenty of alone time. She also has a knack for taking everything personally and dancing like everyone is watching.
Being a white woman raising a mixed race child, I’ve constantly struggled, wondering if I am doing enough to help her to embrace both cultures from which she comes, and the truth is I’m not, the truth is I need to do more. With that, I thank you for joining me today to unpack an uncomfortable topic, identifying and learning ways in which I can dismantle my own white privilege in order to better serve my child and our community. I hope you listen in again soon as we continue to hear more from teachers, leaders and mothers, to expand our own stories as single-mothers and recognize what we can do to raise children that are both courageous, compassionate, and eager to build an all-encompassing world. Until next time...
Books:
Me and White Supremacy by Layla F. Saad
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/1728209803/ref=tmm_hrd_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1591713685&sr=8-2
How to Be an Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi
https://www.amazon.com/How-Be-Antiracist-Ibram-Kendi/dp/0525509283/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1591886296&sr=8-2
Fearing the Black Body by Sabrina Strings
https://www.amazon.com/Fearing-Black-Body-Racial-Origins/dp/1479886750/ref=sr_1_1?crid=31JPIRKL8802Z&dchild=1&keywords=fearing+the+black+body&qid=1591888473&sprefix=fearing+the%2Caps%2C252&sr=8-1
This Book is Anti-Racist by Tiffany Jewell
https://www.amazon.com/This-Book-Anti-Racist-lessons-action/dp/0711245215/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1591888733&sr=8-1
Podcasts:
Speaking of Racism
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/speaking-of-racism/id1448794346
Follow Erica on IG: @whats_eating_erica_j
Suggested IG Handles to follow:
@ckyourprivilege
@speakingofracism
@rachel.cargle
@moemotivate -
Since Shannon's last appearance on the Tribe, she realized she does have a story to share in all that she's overcome. This podcast planted the seeds, and as you sow, so shall you reap. Shannon listened to the calls of her heart, and she is now supporting others in overcoming their obstacles, getting out of their own way, and rediscovering who they are at the core level in order to ignite a more purpose driven life.
Shannon leads all of her clients through a multitude of practices, she's not a one-size-fits-all type of coach, but she never misses the three A's of Self-Acceptance - Today She wants to Gift You with Her Favorite Strategies - You can find Shannon on Instagram @_shannonreynosa - She will Send You Your Very Own Copy!
When you think you've surrendered, surrender some more. Forget what you think you need and honor how you want to feel... May blessings be upon you! - Love & Light - -
This week on Single Mom Tribe, I had to honor of sitting down with Rachelle Castor, author of Emotional Super Powers, a children's book that enables parents to empower and heal their children, who in turn will heal the world.
Rachelle is a mother, grandmother and early childhood educator. She writes from the heart, both short stories and picture books for children and families. She has received multiple awards on the books that she has written, and today we are discussing Emotional Super Powers, her work with Pam Robinson, which received the Mom’s Choice Award in 2019.
Rachelle’s next visionary step is to see that the tools of hope for humanity find their way into the hands, minds, and hearts of children in homes, schools, social and humanitarian organizations globally.
Rachelle believes that “If we can teach children who they really are and give them tools to manage their dark thoughts and heavy feelings we can help them build resiliency before difficulties and afflictions cause disruptive damage. Where painful or harmful events have already taken place, these emotionally healing and inspiring truths will empower children in real ways to help them move out of the painful darkness and into the light.”
Rachelle also believes [that our] children are the nearest thing to heaven [on earth]. It is through a collaborative voice of love, hope, and wisdom that our children and our world will heal, and as she shares these empowering techniques, she is offering us the tools to do just that. Unfortunately, not everyone knows where to turn to find such tools, and that is why I am beyond excited to sit down and speak with Rachelle today, because similarly, she has created Mom Squads, a supportive community, with her sights set to power up true heroes everywhere!
Rachelle has teamed up with the Healing Hands Foundation to get the Emotional Super Powers books into the hands and hearts of as many children, parents and educators as possible! Today until April 30th - You can get the entire POWER PACKED PROGRAM - which includes the Book, Tips & Tricks Booklet, and the Online Training Program for a $40 Donation - x2 - GET ONE, GIVE ONE (GOGO)
To get Your copy today visit: https://www.momsquads.org/product-page/mom-squads-power-pack -
On this week’s episode of the Single Mom Tribe, we take it back to where it all began, catching up with our Co-Founder, Natalie Wainwright, reminding ourselves what inspired us to start this project. Reflecting about how our lives have changed over the past year, especially during this Universal pause brought on by the global outbreak of COVID-19, forcing us all to slowdown and do some deep, personal introspection.
Natalie is single-mother of two, a Tenant Representative in Commercial Real Estate within the Las Vegas Market, and she has been dominating each minute of every day for years. So this lapse in time and space has really allowed her life to slow down momentarily, and it has actually changed how she sees herself, in adapting to this “new normal” additional strengths she hadn’t previously acknowledged have emerged.
Today she’s here to share with us some of her greatest advice on self-doubt, negative self-talk, fear-based beliefs, self-love, dating, a warning regarding jumping from one relationship to the next and introducing your child(ren) to your suitors too soon, loneliness, the pros and cons of social media, and the dangers of the comparison spiral.
In her own search for solutions to sabotaging self-talk, her brother lovingly reminded her, that when you look for a solution, you’re going to find it, and on the flipside, when you’re looking for a problem, you’ll be sure to find that too, it’s all about your perspective. So it is important to choose the path that serves the best version of yourself. She reminds us that it’s ok to be ‘not ok,’ but it is even more important to love yourself (and your child(ren)) enough to do the work that it takes to get through the darkness and return to the light.
Asking the hard questions that come in moments of self-doubt… Why me? Why this? Why now? Something has to give… Those questions don’t make you a victim, but they allow you the opportunity to sit with your emotions that surround certain circumstances in your life and give you the ability to work through them in healthy manners, so that they don’t show up in other negative ways in your life.
Natalie gently reminds us that even when we do the work and get to a place where you love yourself despite your flaws, there will still be bad days, and moments when you just feel broken. We are human, but don’t be too hard on yourself, release the judgement, allow yourself to feel the frustrations, and as it passes, build yourself back up again; your child(ren) are learning by your direct example.
Natalie continues to share her story because she doesn’t want other women to feel alone and unsupported on this journey, she prompts us to love ourselves even in the awareness of our drastic flaws, while allowing ourselves to step out from behind our shadows and shine, because we don’t have to be perfect to be seen!
To connect with Natalie - You can find her on both Twitter and Instagram @Natalie_CRE310X -
Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeek!!! We are so excited to introduce to you Season Two of the Single Mom Tribe!!! It has been a while since we have published an episode and so much in our society has changed since our last show, I wasn’t quite sure where to go with this… but when times get hard, we don’t quit, WE PIVOT!!!
So here we are, in our third week of “Shelter in Place” (aka Safer at Home, aka LOCKDOWN) and many of us have gone from working full-time to full-time homeschool teachers in the course of a few short days without any preparation into this transition.
We had become so used to the rat-races we were running, and now we’re being given the time to soak in some much needed quality time with our kids, but most of us are at a loss and feeling like this “new-normal” is a bit overwhelming, and we question whether or not we are doing enough.
With that, today, I am sitting down with Tobie Garcia, a dear friend and Credentialed Montessori Teacher, and she is here to tell us that we are in fact doing ENOUGH! She gently reminds us to BREATHE, and also offers some amazing tips and tricks in transitioning our homes into a Homeschool environment, mapping out a successful schedule for our children and how to turn everyday chores into learning activities.
Tobie offers a great deal of insight into the splendor of the Montessori Method, which has taken the East Coast by storm, a Cosmic Education system that is slowly emerging on the West Coast. A philosophy that introduces children to their impact in time and space, teaching them to embrace their connections to one another as well as the world around them.
The passion that she holds for educating children is beautiful and the values she shares with Dr. Maria Montessori herself, keeps the authenticity of this incredible curriculum intact and aligned with its traditional practices. Practices that include holding space for personal child development, fostering independence, embracing leadership skills and building strong community.
While in the classroom, Tobie does not use digital tools, in the midst of this transition to homeschool, she has embraced a few choice online platforms to support her students in distance learning, and today she has offered to share these resources with us as well…
Mathematics: https://www.stmath.com/
Reading: https://www.getepic.com/
Insight to Montessori: https://montessori-mint.org/
It was such an honor that Tobie would hold this space for us, offering us such thoughtful guidance and loving reminders to honor ourselves as parents, support our children as individuals, and go back to the basics; allowing everyday activities to become an opportunity to learn something new. Although we are all treading new waters, and the transition may not be easy, we’ll get through this together! This is the Single Mom Tribe and we’re here to support you any way we can… Cheers!
To follow along with Tobie's journey and learn more about the Montessori Method, she invites you to connect with her on Instagram: @sftobie -
On this week’s episode of the Single Mom Tribe, we meet Stephanie Manzo, the daughter of a single-mother and she has an incredible story to share.
Today Stephanie is a wife, mother, and thriving career woman. She was once the a child that questioned whether or not she was wanted due to an absent father and nearly repeated the cycle of falling prey to domestic violence in her own romantic relationships. But the life lessons and strengths she gained from her mother pulled her through more obstacles than one...
Some of the greatest teachings she acquired from her mother were remembering her worth, knowing what she deserves, finding strength through her struggles, knowing what she brings to the table in relationships and never losing sight of yourself; although you may be in union with another person, you are still one whole on your own and need to honor all of who you are.
Despite her oftentimes trying childhood, Stephanie persevered with a smile on her face and a heart of gold. Upon building a family of her own, she thought her struggles had come to pass, until she was diagnosed with Breast Cancer at the age of 32. This led Stephanie to once again question her worth, wondering if she was not deserving of a good life; a question many of us have asked, a struggle I am far too familiar with myself.
But in these unfortunate times, she held on to her unwavering faith, her devoted husband and the unconditional love of her mother, and with those by her side, she conquered her battle. Stephanie is now 34, cancer free and able to see the silver linings in her turbulent journey.
She is a survivor, and she has many lessons to share, so tune in, because this is an episode you won’t want to miss... we both cried and there was not a tissue in sight to soak up our tears! -
A follow-up episode in a series of to-be-continued conversations with the lovely Parris Hodges; on her first episode we explored her personal and professional transformations. This week we journey through her metamorphosis into motherhood; from a miscarriage, to the diagnosis of celiac disease and endometriosis, she let fear lead her to believe that she may never be healthy enough to conceive and carry a child. However, in our human experience, it’s often hard for us to see the bigger picture, unable to connect the dots until the present day becomes a past memory.
And that is where her journey begins, two months into a new relationship, she found out she was pregnant, although fear plagued her, Parris knew this baby came into existence with a purpose.
Motherhood brought much needed perspective into Parris’ life, including the realization of the influence we have on our children and the perspectives for the stories they’ll one day narrate of their own lives, this awareness led Parris to release the ongoing struggles she shared w/ her son’s father of constantly “trying to make it work,” instead, she chose to offer her son a more healthy image of what (self) love looks like.
Like many of us, Parris struggles with addiction - to chaos, control and codependency - and it has been in her ability to surrender that she has found her freedom. I can relate to Parris’ story in so many ways and I am honored that she’s so openly shared her evolution with me, if you feel called to support her as she walks the road to sobriety and healing, I encourage you to follow along with her on IG @parris.hodges, she’s quite an inspirational woman! -
This week on the Single Mom Tribe, I’m swooning just a bit over Parris Hodges, I’ve followed bits and pieces of this mom’s journey over the years, gawking at all of the creative ventures she’s taken on in her career path. But behind the glam of Instagram are the true stories that we don’t all get to see, so what I thought I’d known in the assumptions I’d made, I truly had no idea.
Oftentimes we will place people on pedestals and spiral into a flurry of comparison and self-doubt, I could have let that happened when a mutual friend suggested she introduce us, as she thought Parris would be perfect for the show. But rather than let my own insecurities get the best of me, I embraced the opportunity and held space for a powerful woman to share the struggles she’s faced, many of them quite similar to mine.
Parris takes us through her personal evolution from a college athlete battling a severe eating disorder to catering event supervisor, nail artist to retail manager, from social media marketing to funds processing. Today we meet her in another state of transition, a woman that is once again receiving a nudge from spirit to follow the calls of her heart and despite her own fears and insecurities, she’s going for it. Studying integrative nutrition and training in the art of Yoga, Parris hopes to serve underprivileged mothers in the Bay Area and far beyond.
Parris reminds us that it is ok to break the mold of what society says we should do, she reminds us that it’s over time embrace our personal evolutions and find the freedom in transformation. Although her life may seem like one of constant changes, but she healing different aspects of herself with each new season.
Parris reminds us of that little girl that we all once were, the one with HUGE ambitions, the tiny dreamer that didn’t just shoot for the stars, but galaxies far beyond. We all know how easy it is to let our fears hold us back, Parris reminds us to allow our courage, hope and desire to set us free, pushing us forward into the life we want to lead.
To follow along with her journey, you can find her on IG @parris.hodges - She will be announcing the launch of some very excited projects she's been working on, so STAY TUNED for that!!! -
This week on the Single Mom Tribe, I have the pleasure of interviewing Miriam Dorsett, a community builder, published author and successful entrepreneur; while she humbly refers to herself as an artist, I see everyday her accomplishments reach far beyond the works that she’s produced.
Initially, I wanted to bring Miriam on the podcast to promote her recently launched children’s book, The Lion and The Elephant, an interactive art book about the journey of life and friendship, offering the children the freedom to write their own ending to the story. Some other amazing aspects to the book include illustrations done in black and white, allowing each picture to be treated as that of a coloring book; tutorials teaching the kids how to draw each character on their own are also included.
What really struck me while reconnecting with Miriam about her book, was finding out that she too had been raised by a single-mother, it was that discovery that confirmed we were meant to have this conversation. I obviously knew that Miriam was a beautiful biracial woman, what I didn’t know was that she was raising by her Caucasian mother; and here I am a white woman raising my biracial daughter, I was eager to learn more.
I always wonder am I doing enough to help my daughter to embrace all of who she is, especially when we are not closely connected with the Belizean side of her family. In a society where there is still so much “hidden” hostility surrounding someone’s color and creed, I worry about the days when she might struggle with how to identify herself and where she fits in. So to be able to hear the firsthand accounts from a woman that has gracefully grown through such difficulties, was both inspiring and reassuring.
I highly recommend you follow Miriam to keep up to date with all that she has going on, especially those local to Miami - To stay in the know in her upcoming projects find her on IG: @mdorsettnow | @zenzonemiami
And to get your very own copy of @thelionandtheelephantbook - She is generously offering a 10% Discount with the code: TRIBE10 and Donating an additional 10% of all sales to fund future events with the @single.mom.tribe
Purchase Now: chibur.info/books -
When your marriage is unraveling and your husband's affair seems to be the talk of your small town, it can feel as though you are walking through a hail storm without an umbrella (or a jacket), and that's exactly the trials that Brittney Matack faced. When faced with the storms of life, we can seek shelter until it passes, or we can face the downpour and learn to dance in the rain; while neither may be ideal, one of those options will remind you just how strong and capable you are of getting through some of life's greatest hardships. Brittney fought hard for her marriage, and she finally remembered she needed to fight even harder for herself. As women we often dedicate so much of ourselves to exterior aspects of our lives: partner, children, career, family, etc. We forget to pour into ourselves and it isn't until we are struggling to pour from an empty cup that we realize something has to give. Brittney faced her storms head on and prevailed; she, her sister, her dogs and her two beautiful children journeyed 1,500 miles to begin again and when they arrived, the sun was shining. Although no season is guaranteed without its storms, it's nice to remember that when the rain washes you clean you'll know (Fleetwood Mac) and your rainbow will await you, this too shall pass.
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This week on the Single Mom Tribe, we’re talking to Sarah Lynn Wallace of Her Exchange Media, a Personal Branding Strategist, and Single-Mom; she’s a self-starter and self-employed entrepreneur, and she believed that her risk was worth the reward if it meant seeing her visions for a more fulfilling life come to fruition.
Sarah left her safe corporate environment just over a year ago to chase her dreams, proving to herself and her child that if you believe in yourself and put in the work, you can live the life you’ve always imagined. She didn’t want to spend any more impressionable years of her sons life telling him he can be anything, while insisting that he do whatever will make him happy, yet leading from a very different plan in her own life, she knew it was time she make a change!
In this week’s episode Sarah shares with us the Top 3 Steps to Building an Online Business, the Key to Your Success, and the importance of Personalizing Your Brand! Sarah reassures listeners that we too can start an online business at no cost, in a matter of seconds; begin right where you are, commit for 90 days, and watch as things evolve.
As both women and single-mothers, we often fear the glass-ceilings, but Sarah believes we built them ourselves and it’s time they be shattered. Sarah emphasizes the importance of breaking free from the stereotypes and stigmas cast upon single-mothers, because WE CAN!
So if you’re tired of day dreaming and are ready to live out your dreams each and every day, do yourself a favor: LISTEN NOW & START TODAY! Don’t look back on your life a year from now and wonder, what if I’d started then?
Follow along with Sarah Lynn’s story and strategies on Instagram: @sarahlynn.co -
Conscious parenting is a shift of awareness, it is not a set of rules for parents to follow, but rather a change of perception between the roles of parent and child. It is more a set of beliefs that aim to equip parents with what children need in order to develop and thrive.
Conscious parenting engages and connects with the child using emotionally intelligent choices and method of discipline which embrace decency and respect towards the child as the whole being that they are, it’s not seeing them as less than simply due to their age.
A child’s brain blossoms with connection and empathy and Conscious Parenting methods offer children just that, as opposed to other punitive methods of raising our precious little ones.
Natalie Vires is the Playroom Fairy, she teaches conscious parenting through the power of play, and she believes that the world can be saved one fun moment at a time. It was such an honor to explore this belief system with her and I must say...
Timing is everything! Natalie and I recorded this episode in early August as I was prepping it for publication it was the exact message I needed as a gentle reminder as to why I’ve taking in the initiative to parent my child the way that I do.
Whether the term Conscious Parenting is new to you, or your an avid practitioner of this empowering style, this episode is an eye opener for caregivers of all types. Our children are often here to teach us just as much if not more about life as we have to teach them. Triggered moments can be an opportunity to dive within and every day stresses can easily be diffused with a small dose of silliness.
So do yourself a favor and have some fun today with your little one!
To follow along with Natalie's teachings, she can be found on IG @theplayroomfairy - Show more
