Embracing Type 'BE': A Journey of Self-Discovery and Coparenting as a Single Mom

Dear Be Better Life Reader,

In a world that glorifies Type A personalities—those driven by productivity, achievement, and external validation—it's easy to fall into the trap of constantly striving, pushing, and proving oneself. As a single mom navigating divorce and coparenting, I found myself entrenched in this Type A mindset, believing that my worth was tied to my ability to do it all, to keep up appearances, and to never show weakness. However, I soon realized that this relentless pursuit was not only unsustainable but also detrimental to my well-being and my relationship with my children.

Photo by Lesly Juarez on Unsplash

Like many of us raised with a traditional blueprint, I had been conditioned to believe that success meant constantly being on the go, juggling multiple responsibilities, and putting my needs last. But beneath the layers of societal expectations and self-doubt lies the essence of our being—the core of who we truly are. And it's from this place of authenticity that true fulfillment and peace emanate.

The journey to discovering my Type 'BE' began with a radical shift in perspective—a conscious decision to prioritize my inner well-being over external validation. It meant letting go of the need to constantly prove myself and instead honoring the things that brought me joy, peace, and a sense of grounding.

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For me, this meant embracing consistency in small, meaningful rituals that nurtured my soul. Whether it was practicing yoga, attending church, or immersing myself in the calming embrace of the ocean, I committed to making these activities a non-negotiable part of my daily and weekly routine. Despite the chaos and uncertainty swirling around me, I found solace in these moments of quietude and connection with myself.

But the journey to Type 'BE' wasn't without its challenges. Stepping into authenticity meant confronting my fears and insecurities head-on—shedding the layers of conditioning that had kept me trapped in a cycle of striving and burnout. It meant embracing vulnerability, owning my flaws, and relinquishing the need for perfection.

As a single mom, navigating the complexities of coparenting added an extra layer of complexity to my journey. Coordinating schedules, managing conflicting priorities, and navigating emotional terrain required a level of patience, empathy, and resilience that I never knew I possessed. But through it all, I remained steadfast in my commitment to authenticity—to showing up as my true self, both for myself and for my children.

Photo by Robert Collins on Unsplash

And therein lies the beauty of embracing Type 'BE'—it's not just about finding peace within ourselves, but also about fostering deeper connections with those around us. By prioritizing authenticity and self-care, I've been able to show up more fully for my children, modeling resilience, compassion, and grace in the face of adversity.

So to all the single moms out there navigating divorce and coparenting this Mother’s Day, I urge you to embrace your Type 'BE'. Release the need to constantly prove yourself and instead honor the essence of who you are. Find solace in the small moments of joy and connection, and trust that authenticity will always lead you home. For in the end, it's not about how much we achieve, but rather, how deeply we love and live in alignment with our true selves.

A Single Mom

P.S. A great resource I've found for learning type 'BE' is Be Better Life's High Performance Zen course written and instructed Wendy Jones.  Check it out HERE!