New Year, New You: Your Path to Single Mom Success

What if I told you that the single most powerful thing that you can do this year doesn't cost a penny and doesn't require anyone else's approval ? You heard me right . It won't cost you anything . But here's the kicker it has been costing you something . So how is it free ? For me , it's changing the way you think . So you stop shortchanging yourself .

That's right . It starts with changing your mindset , because the truth is your thoughts shape your world , not the other way around . I wonder how many of you , just like me , have thought that differently . So if you're ready for a new year and a new you , you are back at the right place .

It starts right here , sister , right now , and with a new mindset , ready to do some heavy lifting , working out what isn't working for you . Welcome back , my single peeps , to our Say it With Me . Yes , fifth season together . What I know ? Right ? I am moved to tears just thinking about it , and it's really . It's all because of you and the you's listening .

I want to first off , start off by saying thank you so much for your time and your shine , because I am just glowing right now just thinking of you . So , as I like to do a play on words and thinking of all the you's listening right now , I want you to know I have a very special year planned for us .

As you came to mine , this is our year to reflect , reset and renew Now . As such , this first episode in our what I'm calling Thriving 25 series New Year , new you , your Path to Single Mom Success . So over the next year , you and I , well , we're going to tackle every challenge and every opportunity that comes your way as a single mom together .

But before we get to the how-tos of success , we need to lay the foundation , because without the right mindset , all the plans , goals and the to-do lists in the world yeah , they won't stick . Now let me tell you something that I have learned the hard way .

I used to think success was all about doing more , being more , proving myself to everyone , but what I realized is that success well , real , lasting success it starts in my mind and my heart . When I stopped saying things like I can't do this and started believing with God , I've got this . Everything began to change . Now let me tell you something .

I also learned about success that I believe , besides our firm foundation and the rock on which we stand , on that success first starts with failure . You heard me right , see , you have to be ready to fail , for what follows failure . Well , that is your success Ready set , grow .

Let's start this year by getting ready to grow , not just to survive We've done enough of that , have we not but to truly thrive . If you've ever run a race , you know the power of those three little words Ready , set , go . But for us , this isn't just about running through life , it's about growing through it .

Now I'm going to repeat that again it's not about just running through life , it's about growing through it . You see , I tend to think , as single mamas , we are so accustomed to go , go , go , go that we forget to grow , grow , grow . It is possible especially listen , especially in this difficult season to grow . In fact , that's where Jesus does his best work .

So let's reframe those words to ready set , grow , words to ready set , grow Ready . First , let's get ready by embracing a fresh start , kind of like some fresh makeup . The new year is a clean slate , a chance to leave behind the weight of what didn't work last year and prepare our hearts for what God wants us to do this year .

And here's the thing about getting ready . It doesn't mean you have to have it all figured out . It simply means showing up willing to take the next step even if you don't know where the path leads .

And I know for us single mamas who are used to being in survival mode what now I am calling thrive mode for 25 , that it can be really difficult when you don't know where he has you going and growing . So one way to get ready for the journey ahead is to grab a journal . I like to call it your thrive in 25 journal .

This will be more than just a notebook . It will be your carry on coaching companion for the year . Now , girl , you want to use this to jot down your thoughts , prayers and the lessons you take from each episode .

Ok , so you need to bring this with you next week , just giving you a little homework right there , you see , because by the end of this year it will be so much more than words on paper . By the end of this year , it will be so much more than words on paper .

It will be a tangible story of how far you've come and the ways God has worked in your life . It will be your roadmap to success , now set . Next , let's get set by shifting our mindset . Success isn't about perfection , it's about progress . You see , perfection is an illusion that never happens getting in the way of progress , if that's what you focus on .

And progress , well , it comes when we stop focusing on perfection and fearing failure and instead we start seeing failure as a part of the process of being perfected . Remember , every time you stumble , you are one step closer to success . Don't give up , girl . Get up . This is where your journal can become a powerful tool .

You see , you can write down those moments of growth , the small victories , the lessons learned and even the failures that stretched you Over time . You'll see how God has been setting you up for success in ways you didn't even realize and in ways you wouldn't even done yourself . Grow , finally grow . Growth doesn't happen all at once . It's a process .

It's the small steps you take daily , the seeds you plant in faith and the moments when you choose to keep going , even when it's hard . Each week , when we , when you come back to this podcast , bring your Thrive in 25 journal , use it to capture the highlights , the truths that resonate and the next steps you feel called to take .

By the end of the year , girl , you will not only see how you've grown , you will uncover and discover the incredible journey God has taken you on . So here's your call to action Ready . Number one open your heart to a fresh start . Number two set , grab your journal and commit to capturing this year's journey .

And three grow , step into this season with faith , knowing that God has great things in store for you . This is your moment , girl , to thrive in 25 , and it starts today Changing my world , changing my words . Let's talk about the power of your words Now .

If you've ever caught yourself saying I can't do this or I will never get it right , then you know how quickly those words can shape your world . Have you ever noticed that ? So let's do a little reflect , reset , renew , work right here , right now , on your first day in Thriving 25 . Have you ever looked back to a bad day and reflected on why it went south ?

Possibly did your words turn your world upside down . You see , here's the truth . What you say to yourself , it matters . As I like to say , your chatter matters . Your words have the power to tear you down or lift you up , to keep you stuck or move you forward . And if you want to change your world , well , it starts by changing your words .

Said differently , let's look to the word to see what it has to say about our words , the power of words . And we're going to find that in Proverbs 18 , 21 , which reminds us the tongue has the power of life and death . That's not just a nice saying , it's a call to action . Girl , you see , your words are seeds and what you plant , it will grow .

If you plant negativity , self-doubt and fear , don't be surprised when that's what fills your world . You see , seeds of doubt . They can kill a garden . They are seeds , well I like to say , turned into weeds that choke , strangle and entangle your garden with more thoughts that can keep you in survival mode instead of what we want to do , in thrive mode .

So , but if that's true , we also know that if we plant seeds of , maybe , faith , hope and love , you'll see a very different harvest , possibly one you didn't even think was possible . You see , the key is learning to speak life into your circumstances , even when it feels hard .

So let me ask you would this be a good year to plant something different , to possibly even bloom where you're planted , reframing negative narratives . So let's be honest Life as a single mom comes with challenges and it's easy to slip into negative self-talk .

But maybe if you've caught yourself thinking I'm doing this all alone or I'm not enough , but let me ask you , what if you flipped those statements on his head ? Instead of I'm doing this all alone , try , god is with me every step of the way , he is near . Instead of I'm not enough , say I'm equipped for the season . He is enough . Therefore , I am enough .

Right here , right now , even when things go left , you are enough . You see you , my dear , you have the power , the power to change your words and soon you'll start to see , your world will shift , as I like to say , shift happens . So here are some practical steps for that to happen . Number one these are steps to speak life .

Number one catch phrases and catch your words . Number one these are steps to speak life . Number one catch phrases and catch your words . Pay attention to what you say about yourself and your situation . You may take a pause , if you need to , for the cause to write that down in your Thriving 25 journal .

You see , girl , are your words building you up or breaking you down . Number two , then what you want to do is you want to replace and reframe them . Or , like I like to say , erase and replace . You see , when you catch a negative narrative thought spot , it got . It is what I like to say . You replace it with truth .

Write it down in your Thriving 25 journal , for example . If you think I can't do this , replace it with with God , I can do all things . And then number three daily verse victories . Or let me say that differently daily victory verses . Start each day by speaking victory verses over your life .

Here's one that you can do to get started I am strong , I am loved and I am capable . God is working all things together for my good . It's a truth bomb to blow up your day in a good way . So , truth be told . Your Thriving 25 journal . Well , it is the perfect place to practice . This is the perfect place to practice this .

Create a page just for words of life affirmations , declarations , truth bombs or victory verses , bible verses or even simple truths , like I'm doing the best I can and that's enough . I don't have to have all the answers . I know the one who has my answers . You see , when you feel discouraged .

Flip back to those words and remind yourself of the power that you have to speak life into your world . So here's your challenge for this week Pay attention to your words . Start noticing the way you speak to yourself and about your situation .

When you catch a negative thought or a negative narrative , write it down in your journal and flip it into something life-giving . You see , because when you change your words you'll start to see how they change your world . Begin to notice sudden shifts that start to happen , how your posture , much like your attitude , starts to straighten up . Catch your confidence .

Feel the light of your spirit . Enjoy the joy and the miles of smiles that suddenly show up on your face , even when you face difficult situations . Notice the new you that tries to take a peek as you step a small step outside your comfort zone , but then also notice the old you that wants you to have a seat . What does she say ?

Is it something you or someone close to you spoke over your life ? What does she want you to do ? What does she have to gain if you don't make any new gains from doing those mindsets this year ? Record those thoughts , too , and the catchphrases , and do that . Catch them , hold every thought captive that has been holding you , my dear captive Growth and grace .

So , as I close , I want to leave you with two words that will carry you through this journey Growth and grace . So , as I close , I want to leave you with two words that will carry you through this journey Growth and grace . Growth is what you're aiming for .

It's the progress we make , the lessons we learn and the ways we stretch ourselves to become the women and the mothers and , some of you , the grandmothers God created us to be . But grace , it is what sustains us , it's what catches us when we fall , reminds us we're human and whispers that God's love doesn't depend on how well we perform .

In fact , if we're going to perform , he'd prefer it was with our imagination and dreams , like we used to do when we were kids the balance between growth and grace . So here's the thing about growth . It's not always a straight line . Some days you'll feel like you're thriving and other days you might feel like you're barely surviving .

That's OK , girl , because growth is messy I mean , your garden is full of dirt , my dear it's imperfect . And that's where grace steps in . Grace says you don't have to have it all together because I got you . Grace allows you to stumble and still keep moving forward . Grace allows you to stumble and still keep moving forward , even when you're stuck in the mud .

God's grace in your growth . One of my favorite verses is 2 Corinthians 12 9 , and it says my grace is sufficient for you , for my power is made perfect in weakness . That means that even on the days when you feel like you fail , god's grace is there to fill in the gaps . Girl , it's his strength , not ours , that carries us through .

So when you're growing , lean on his grace . When you're tired , lean on his strength . And when you're tempted to give up , remember that he's not finished with you yet and he has not given up on you . So here's some practical ways to embrace growth and grace . Number one celebrate those small wins . Growth isn't about giant leaps .

It's about the small faithful steps you take every day . Write those moments in your journal and celebrate them , because they matter . Number two give yourself some grace when you fall short , because you know you will don't let it derail you . Instead , write it down what have you learned ?

And thank God for his grace keeping you on track and keeping you move forward . And number three extend grace to others . Now , this might be kind of hard , but this is where you're going to grow . You see , as you grow , remember that the same grace God gives you is meant to overflow to those around you .

That means your kids , your coworkers , the other co-parent , even the stranger who cuts you off in traffic . Yeah , grace is a gift we give ourselves and others , and it's one we didn't deserve . So here's my prayer for you as we start this new year .

My prayer is that you would grow in ways you never imagined and that you would experience God's grace in ways you never thought was possible . Remember , you don't have to do this perfectly . You just have to do it faithfully and with growth and grace . You're already on the path to thriving in 25 .

So take some time this week to write in your Thriving 25 journal . Reflect on where you are , where you want to grow and where you need grace . Let this be the year you see God's hand in your life like never before . And next week we'll take another step together on this incredible journey . Until then , keep growing and keep showing up and keep thriving .

Remember , this year we are going to reflect , reset and renew . So before we wrap up today's episode , I have an exciting invitation for all the amazing single moms living in the Tampa Bay area . We are kicking off the new year with our very first it's a Single Mom Thing class of 2025 , and I'd love for you to join us .

Our first class is happening on Tuesday , january 14th , and we meet every second and fourth Tuesday of the month at Starkey Road Baptist Church from 6 to 7 30 pm . And here's what you can expect Free child care , a free meal and time to connect and mingle with other single moms who get it .

Girl , this month we're starting strong with a class on practical prayer , because if you want to thrive in this year , there is no better foundation than prayer . So don't wait . Start your new year and your new you off right by joining us . For more information and inspiration , visit shepherdsvillagecom . Forward slash classes . We can't wait to see you there .

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 .