Balance for Busy Single Moms: Creating Positive Patterns to Thrive with Joy

By Heather Eden

The book "Balance for Busy Single Moms: Creating Positive Patterns to Thrive with Joy" is a heartfelt endeavor born from the author's personal experiences as both a single mother and a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). It aims to provide guidance and empowerment to single mothers facing the intricate challenges of juggling various responsib

• Language: English
• Publisher: Vox Publishing
• Release date: Nov 21, 2023
• ISBN: 9798869015433

Book preview

Balance for Busy Single Moms

Creating Positive Patterns to

Thrive with Joy

Heather Eden

Copyright © 2023

All Rights Reserved

Dedication

To the radiant constellation of single mothers who have illuminated my path during the most challenging chapters of my journey. Navigating parenthood alone is a voyage of unparalleled strength and unwavering determination. With heartfelt reverence, this book is affectionately dedicated to:

My extraordinary grandmother, a fearless maverick with an unbreakable soul, who fearlessly raised nine children single-handedly.

My beloved Aunt Rose, who traversed the intricate terrain of single parenthood, eventually finding love anew and gracing us with two more precious lives.

To every woman co-navigating parenthood while carrying the weight of solitude, and to the widows who radiate unshakable grace and resilience in the face of profound loss.

To the mothers within marriages who courageously confront isolation and the apprehension of shouldering parenthood alone.

To the exceptional mothers surmounting the added challenge of disabilities, your bravery and affection shine brighter than any obstacle.

Unified by diverse experiences, strengths, and hues, single mothers, this book stands as an homage to your relentless spirit.

For the mothers who've sensed inadequacy, remember you are a masterpiece in progress, and your expedition is marked by bravery, optimism, and unyielding love. This book is a living testament to our shared fortitude and a persistent reminder to hold onto faith. Continue forging ahead, for our collective journey knows no bounds. Persevere, always.

With deep admiration and unbreakable solidarity,

Heather Eden

CONTENTS

Dedication

About the Author

Preface

Chapter 1: Creating a Spiritual Life

Chapter 2: Reduce and Manage Stress

Chapter 3: Mental Health for Moms

Chapter 4: Recreating Meaning

Chapter 5: Intuitive Goal Setting

Chapter 6: Create and Maintain Financial Health

Chapter 7: Making a Career Work for You

Chapter 8: Parenting with Love

Chapter 9: Parenting with Autonomy and Healthy Discipline

Parenting Styles Quiz

Assessment Sheet for Enmeshment

Chapter 10: Dating and Co-Parenting

Chapter 11: Manifest Your Destiny

Epilogue

APPENDIX

Assessing Your Parenting Style

Correct Responses for Enmeshment Sheet

Glossary

About the Author

Heather Eden stands as a radiant exemplar of resilience and unwavering determination, epitomizing the very essence of her roles as a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Certified Health Coach. As the dedicated single mother of two exceptionally bright and remarkable individuals, Heather's life voyage stands as a profound testament to her indomitable fortitude and unyielding commitment.

Her insightful prose and empowering counsel have positioned Heather as a wellspring of inspiration for mothers navigating the intricate landscape of contemporary existence. The pages of her books, including Balance for Busy Moms - A Stress-Free Guide to Tranquility and Balance for Busy Moms - Cook Your Way to Health, reflect her profound comprehension of the myriad challenges mothers encounter. These works present pragmatic, holistic remedies, encapsulating her profound insights into nurturing equilibrium amidst the tumult.

Heather's fervor for aiding others in their quest for personal excellence radiates through every facet of her being. Leveraging her background as a Licensed Professional Counselor, she has wholeheartedly dedicated herself to furnishing guidance and bolstering individuals striving to surmount hurdles and attain emotional well-being. Her compassionate methodology and seasoned acumen have touched the lives of numerous souls, establishing her as a trusted confidante and a tireless champion of constructive transformation.

Beyond her counseling acuity, Heather's status as a Certified Health Coach signifies her commitment to championing holistic well-being. With profound insight into the intricate interplay between mental and physical wellness, she emboldens individuals to embark on journeys of transformative self-discovery and optimal health attainment.

Heather's resolute commitment to her family's welfare, her unflagging pursuit of personal growth as a single mother, and her achievements as a published author and counselor seamlessly weave into a narrative of triumph over adversity. Fueled by her devotion to her children, her zealous dedication to aiding others, and her unrelenting quest for harmony, she emerges as a luminous source of inspiration for mothers universally.

Heather Eden's odyssey reminds us that even within the crucible of life's trials, we possess the potential to effect profound change. Her narrative and contributions continue to stir hearts and elevate spirits, leaving an enduring imprint on those who have had the privilege of crossing her path.

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Preface

Balance for Busy Single Moms: Creating Positive Patterns to Thrive with Joy, was born from a place of heartfelt purpose and a deep personal connection. As both a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and a single mother raising two exceptional children, I hold a close understanding of the intricate challenges that single mothers face each day. This book embodies my own experiences, professional wisdom, and an unshakable commitment to making a positive impact in the lives of single mothers who, like me, find themselves gracefully juggling numerous responsibilities while striving to nurture their own well-being.

Through my role as an LPC, I've had the humbling privilege of working closely with individuals, diving into their struggles, and bearing witness to their transformative journeys toward healing and growth. Yet, it was my own path as a single mother that truly ignited a deep-seated desire to create a resource that could empower, uplift, and guide other single moms toward a path of serenity, fulfillment, and abundance.

Within the pages of Balance for Busy Single Moms, I weave together a tapestry of personal insights and professional know-how to directly address the specific challenges that single mothers encounter. From managing the constraints of time and financial demands to nurturing one's own mental and emotional well-being, I am intimately acquainted with the overwhelming nature of these pressures. Yet, I firmly believe that within these challenges lie the seeds of opportunity to cultivate positive patterns that lead to both inner peace and external abundance.

I hold a profound recognition that the journey of a single mother is both deeply personal and shared among many. This book extends beyond simple advice; it is a heartfelt sharing of empathy for the struggles, paired with practical tools and strategies that I am confident can truly make a difference. I've personally witnessed the transformative power of positive habits, mindfulness techniques, and self-care practices in my own life and in the lives of those I've had the privilege to counsel.

Balance for Busy Single Moms stands as a guiding light, supporting single mothers as they navigate their journey with strengthened resilience, renewed confidence, and a sense of purpose that's been rekindled. My intention is to walk alongside my fellow single mothers as a compassionate ally, offering guidance and serving as a reminder that they are not walking this path alone. I want to inspire them to craft new patterns that cultivate peace, nurture abundance, and ultimately lead to a life that's not only balanced but also deeply enriching.

Through this book, I extend more than advice; I extend a hand of heartfelt support and a voice that warmly assures, You can triumph, thrive, and discover joy in your unique journey as a single mother.

Chapter 1: Creating a Spiritual Life

Prayer, meditation, spiritual laws, and moral laws are integral elements of a fulfilling spiritual life. These concepts provide a foundation for the right action, thought, and being, serving as a guide for making ethical and meaningful choices in our daily lives. By incorporating these practices into our daily routine, we can connect with a higher being and tap into inner wisdom to gain clarity, peace, and motivation and achieve our set goals. The spiritual laws and moral laws help us understand our place in the world and how our actions can positively impact us and those around us. With this understanding, we can live a life grounded in purpose, integrity, and compassion. Let us get going with learning about each of these things and their effects on our lives.

Word of the Lord says, I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me, you can do nothing. First thing first, to ensure that everything we do bears fruit, it is important that we remain in the Lord and consequently create and maintain a spiritual life so that we can continue to be on the right road to achieving our goals. God is our fountain of strength and direction; hence we must abide in Him and practice the way of the Lord if we want to have a consistent lifestyle and reap the healthy fruits of our efforts in various aspects of our lives. Obeying God's commands and following His ways can dramatically bless every aspect of our lives, as stated in the Book of Deuteronomy, chapter 28.

I understand that nourishing the Spirit is not always an easy endeavor since we live in a world that progressively trends toward secularism, materialism, and commercialism. Today's difficulty is figuring out how to nurture, nourish, heal, repair, and regenerate the soul in a world that is not conducive to spiritual development. I agree that doing so is not easy, but it is not impossible. The good news is that the Word of God gives us absolute directions on how we can build or restore our relationship with God, along with real-life examples for our encouragement and motivation. God knows that we may face challenges and temptations can be at the door, and therefore, He is always there for all those who genuinely want to root their lives spiritually.

In this chapter, we will talk about some strategies and steps you can take to strengthen yourselves spiritually and keep steadfast.

First of all you must develop an everyday prayer routine Prayer is an essential spiritual practice for many people, and having a daily prayer routine can help establish a regular habit of connecting with one's spiritual beliefs. According to 75% of Americans, prayer is a significant component of their everyday lives. Because they have witnessed and personally experienced the advantages that regular prayer brings to your life. Daily prayer can help us to establish a sense of connection to something greater than ourselves, whether that be a higher power, the natural world, or one's inner self. It also enhances our sense of purpose. Taking time to reflect on our beliefs and values can help clarify our sense of purpose and direction in life. In times of difficulty and despair, prayer or talking to God gives us comfort and a sense of support.

Making prayer our lifestyle does not only have spiritual benefits, but it has a significantly positive impact on our physiological health. According to medical professionals who have studied the physiological benefits of prayer, respiration is controlled, and blood pressure and heart rate are balanced during prayer, which consequently helps us feel more in control and at peace while reducing stress.

When our spiritual, mental, emotional, and physiological health is all at its optimum, we begin to sense inner peace and tranquility. Hence not only for the sake of our souls but also for improving mental and emotional well-being, a daily prayer routine can help to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression and can improve one's overall emotional well-being.

By being thankful to God for everything in your prayers, He will bless you more abundantly; and when discussing your life matters with God becomes part of your daily routine, your life will begin to take a positive turn. It's a divine result of positive, committed action aligned with the universal law of motion. Moreover, what we intentionally do with our time matters. The deeper your connection becomes from intentional practice and seeing positive results, the more you will begin to rely on God more than your efforts and understanding, and God will start working in your life beyond your imagination. The miracles are a broad spectrum, and they may vary from subtle ones to magnificent ones, like God calming a storm in your life or turning 100.00 dollars into a fortune.

The Bible tells us that God listens to the prayers of a righteous person (1 Peter 3:12, Proverbs 15:29, James 5:16). Therefore, when you pray, expect God to work around your request, and it will eventually come out as a miracle. The significance of requesting miracles can vary depending on an individual's beliefs and spiritual practices. However, for many people, requesting miracles can be a powerful way to connect with a higher power and express deep faith and trust in the divine. We experience miracles every day in the form of:

Small acts of kindness, such as a kind word or gesture from a stranger, a friend, or a loved one, can be a subtle miracle that brings joy and positivity to our day.

Synchronicities: When we pray to God and ask for His will for any given matter in our life, such as while making a decision or amid the fulfillment of a goal, He miraculously works things out, indicating if/if not, it is His will. It can be seen as subtle miracles that guide us on our path.

Healing: Physical or emotional recovery, even if it is small or gradual, is considered a miracle. You may be suffering an unfortunate incident in your life and gradually realize that you have come a long way through strengthening your relationship with the Lord and with unceasing supplications. The tears you once shed are finally rewarded.

Answered prayers: Answered prayers are considered miracles as they are the fulfillment of our requests and wishes placed before God's altar, often in unexpected ways, showing that God is listening and providing guidance and support. They remind us that we are not alone and our prayers are heard. Sometimes they may not be fulfilled immediately, in which is the purpose of faith and patience.

A sense of protection and safety: Feeling protected and safe, even in uncertain or dangerous circumstances, is a miracle because anxiety is a common response to such a situation. When you can feel safe, it means that God, who is beyond all circumstances, is at work for you.

Experiencing a miracle can build us spiritually in several ways. It can deepen our faith, increase hope and positivity, empower us, remind us to be grateful, show love and