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Articles from Jessica Rector | Selfgrowth.com
- Frustrations of a Single Mom - by Submitted on Aug 30, 2014 from Jessica RectorI was a bit emotional today. My son was scheduled for his 15-month check up tomorrow. His pediatrician calls, and I miss it. I return the call, and luckily I do, because she tells me my son is no longer covered by his insurance. What? I am shocked. As I dial the number to his insurance, I can ...
Views: 1187 - The Face Of Single Moms - by Submitted on Aug 30, 2014 from Jessica RectorWhen I read a recent article citing single mothers for the recent decline in newspaper sales I was appalled. I couldn't believe Chris Powell, the Managing Editor of the Journal Inquirer, actually blamed single moms for his not being able to sell more newspapers. What shocked me even more than ...
Views: 1060 - Single Mom Finding Love - by Submitted on Aug 30, 2014 from Jessica RectorAs another year winded down and a new one begins, I feel a sense of pressure. Don't get me wrong I'm excited to see where this next year leads, but there's this thing creeping up. I have successfully pushed it away before, but I feel it coming again. I used to work in a restaurant, so every New ...
Views: 1148 - Being a New Single Mom - by Submitted on Aug 30, 2014 from Jessica RectorEven through my 38 weeks of pregnancy, I never once imagined what motherhood would be like. I really never thought about being a single mom. Yes, you hear things will change, but I never truly understood it, which seems to be the case with most things, until you experience them. After ...
Views: 1199 - Single Mom Dating Another Suitor - by Submitted on May 03, 2014 from Jessica RectorWith Suitor #1, he and I talked via text and on the phone a lot. Then when we met in person, there wasn't any chemistry. A friend told me next time to not talk with the guy so much. That way there wouldn't be expectations. So I decided to try this tactic, because at this point, I'm willing to ...
Views: 1281 - Single Mom Finds Success - by Submitted on May 03, 2014 from Jessica RectorWhen I was younger, I had a vision for my life. I was going to be successful... that was always a priority of mine. To be successful. I always connected success with a career, never with a family. Yes, I would get married and have kids, but a successful career was of the utmost importance to ...
Views: 1122 - Single Moms Let Go of the Past - by Submitted on May 03, 2014 from Jessica RectorIt's so easy to hold on... hold on to the maybes (maybe it's not that bad, maybe it can still happen, maybe he wants to be a part of the baby, maybe he is just busy, maybe this can still work), the hope, the dream, the passion, the good times, and everything else that might be considered good ...
Views: 1364 - Single Mom's Life Plan - by Submitted on May 03, 2014 from Jessica RectorWhen things first happen, they don't always appear how they should be. They may seem daunting or scary. They may not be what you want or how you planned. Life may not be working the way you envisioned it would. I had a plan for my life. I have always been career driven. Even before I ...
Views: 1415 - Going Back to Work After Giving Birth - by Submitted on Apr 26, 2014 from Jessica RectorI arrive at the doctor's office five minutes late. It seems that's par for the course when you have a baby. It takes a lot for me to get anywhere. Gone are the days where I can wake up, throw on some clothes, pull my hair in a ponytail, grab a quick bite, brush my teeth, and head out the door in ...
Views: 1201 - Single Mom's Promise To Her Son - by Submitted on Apr 26, 2014 from Jessica RectorMommy really doesn't know much right now, but I promise you I will. The only thing I do know is mommy loves you more than words, more than actions. Mommy loves you as though you are her heart, spirit, and soul wrapped in one... without a beginning or an end. There is no depth or breath to my ...
Views: 3388 - The Joys of Being a First Time Mom - by Submitted on Apr 25, 2014 from Jessica RectorIt still doesn't seem real. I can't believe it. It's taken me this long to get into a routine of things. Don't get me wrong, I had what I thought were routines. Then a week or two passed, and I would tweak them trying to see if something worked better. Sometimes routines put you in a rut, but as ...
Views: 1189(2 votes) - Only Another Mom or Single Mom Understands - by Submitted on Apr 25, 2014 from Jessica RectorDo you ever have those days or even though moments where you find yourself saying, "Only another single mom would understand?" Whether it's your baby rolling over for the first time, your child going off to kindergarten, or your teenager dating, there are just some things that only another mom ...
Views: 1258(2 votes) - Single Moms Girls' Night Out - by Submitted on Apr 18, 2014 from Jessica RectorTonight is my first night out with a mom's group. As a single mom, I haven't done much since having my baby. I don't really know what to expect. I know I shouldn't have any expectations, but it's hard not to when you are going into an unfamiliar situation. I don't know any of the ladies that ...
Views: 1497 - Single Moms, You Know What's Best For You - by Submitted on Apr 18, 2014 from Jessica RectorI received a baby gift this weekend from a college friend. He is one in the group of guys I used to hang out with my sophomore year. I remember the days like they were yesterday. He used to knock on my door so we could grab breakfast before walking to class. I even remember what I ordered each ...
Views: 1168 - Single Mom Learning the Basics - by Submitted on Apr 18, 2014 from Jessica RectorB and I go on our second play group to a music sensory, and I'm not sure how it's going to go. The first play group with other moms and kids we went on two weeks ago could have gone better. There were about 25 moms everywhere and even more kids. I was overwhelmed, and he was ...
Views: 1219 - Successful Single Mom - by Submitted on Apr 18, 2014 from Jessica RectorDo you ever feel like you are your own reality show? Between the kids, work, and things that happen, do you think your life is filled with enough ___________ (you fill in the blank)... so much so that even if you tried, you couldn't plan the things that happen? I've felt that way recently. ...
Views: 1223 - Does Having Babies Kill Your Career - by Submitted on Apr 13, 2014 from Jessica RectorSo have you heard it? Having babies kills your focus. Hedge fund Billionaire Paul Tudor Jones has reportedly said that having babies kills the focus for women in the trading industry. Macro trading, a male-dominated, highly competitive industry, requires a lot of focus and drive. Tudor Jones ...
Views: 1340 - Single Moms' Limitations - by Submitted on Apr 13, 2014 from Jessica RectorI had plans for today. It's Sunday, so I'm going to take Blaise to the park. He just loves swinging and propping his foot up in the swing to steady himself. That way, he doesn't have to hold on and can gnaw on his hands instead. I also need to get my blogs done for the week. That's five blog ...
Views: 1094 - Single Mom Considers Dating - by Submitted on Apr 13, 2014 from Jessica RectorI see you walking toward me. Is it you? I can't really tell. It somewhat looks like it could be. How could it be? I never saw you come in. Well, yeah, it could be you. We pass at a distance, while I try to be nonchalant about it. Then I see you again. I want to make sure it's you. I'm still ...
Views: 1147 - Single Moms Balance Life - by Submitted on Apr 01, 2014 from Jessica RectorI had the best day with B. We decided to go to the zoo for the first time. Although the only thing I think he is really interested in are the fish, I still like showing him different things. I take him out of the stroller to point to an animal, and in a matter of seconds, he makes new friends ...
Views: 1150 - Single Moms Health - by Submitted on Apr 01, 2014 from Jessica RectorI went to my niece's first birthday party on Saturday. I was looking so forward to it. I can't believe it's already been a year for them. I remember getting the call that my sister-in-law was in labor, driving up to the hospital, and being in the waiting room... EAGER. Eager to make sure they ...
Views: 1233 - Single Moms Don't Give Up - by Submitted on Apr 01, 2014 from Jessica RectorA few weeks ago, I went to a single dad event held by a non-profit organization. Upon leaving, all the single parents were given gifts to take home, some were food items. I was given a large package of hamburger patty meat. As I left, the lady handing the food to me said, "Just stick it in the ...
Views: 1161 - Single Moms, A Day For You - by Submitted on Apr 01, 2014 from Jessica RectorI spent a day, well most of the day, all to my son and me. I haven't done that since he's been born. I always have work of some kind to do, but today I decided it was B and mama time. YAY! I had given two workshops early in the morning. Since I was going on less than four hours of sleep, I ...
Views: 1120 - Single Moms Asking For Help - by Submitted on Apr 01, 2014 from Jessica RectorB and I take our first flight by ourselves. He has traveled about four times but every other time, my mom has been with us. Doing it by ourselves... what a scary concept, but as always, we are up for the challenge. The morning we leave, my mom is rushing me. To her credit, we are leaving ten ...
Views: 1098 - Single Moms Welcome to Motherhood - by Submitted on Apr 01, 2014 from Jessica RectorBeing a first time mom changes you. You can't help but have it change you yet you are still the same person. I'm still the same goofy, adventurous, sarcastic, Type A personality person I was before. I still like the same things and talk to the same people. I'm still driven by passion and the ...
Views: 1190 - Single Mom Breastfeeding for Baby - by Submitted on Apr 01, 2014 from Jessica RectorBefore the conference today, I had spoken to the founder about my need to pump. So she was kind enough to find a private one-stall bathroom with an outlet for me. Since the other restrooms in this hotel either had multiple stalls or no outlet, this was the only place I could use in ...
Views: 1095(2 votes) - Single Mom Who Has To Do It All - by Submitted on Apr 01, 2014 from Jessica RectorI left the house yesterday in time for a meeting. I was so proud of myself that I had managed to leave in time, with my son in tow. I reversed out of the driveway and made it as far as the mailbox, when I realized I had a flat tire. Not just a flattening tire. I'm talking a completely ...
Views: 1240 - New Single Mom and Baby Sleep Habits - by Submitted on Apr 01, 2014 from Jessica RectorI love sleep. Before having my son, I would sleep ten hours a night... and even sometimes take a nap. I love sleep. Then my son was born and sleep is no longer my friend. I still love sleep, but for some reason, it's mad at me. I'm not sure if it's jealous, because I'm spending more time with ...
Views: 1251 - Single Mom Dating - by Submitted on Apr 01, 2014 from Jessica RectorI didn't date a lot when I was younger. I always used to say it was because I enjoyed hanging out with my friends (which I did), but really it was more about never getting asked out. Everyone wants to be liked. Everyone wants to be asked out. College I dated more, well hung out with guys, ...
Views: 1247 - How Migraines Affect Your Life - by Submitted on Apr 01, 2014 from Jessica RectorTonight, all of a sudden, I had a migraine headache... the kind where the lights are even too bright. I was working and felt it coming on. Then within minutes, it was FULL force, like a hammer banging constantly on my forehead. I had no idea why I was getting one or when it would disappear. I ...
Views: 2753 - Single Moms Discover A New Friend - by Submitted on Apr 01, 2014 from Jessica RectorI had a meeting last week with a new friend. It was only our second meeting, and I already feel like we have known each other forever. From the moment I saw her, we had something... not only is she the cutest thing ever, but we just have this synergy. We sat down and before I knew it, almost two ...
Views: 1362 - 3 Ways To Get Your Baby To Sleep Through The Night - by Submitted on Apr 01, 2014 from Jessica Rectorseven months old, that all changed. He went to bed later and woke up two hours earlier. I was NOT a fan! But the biggest problem was he woke up several times throughout the night. When this happens, mama wakes up in the morning COMPLETELY exhausted. This went on for weeks. I felt like I was ...
Views: 1159 - Single Moms and the Little Things - by Submitted on Apr 01, 2014 from Jessica RectorI have a couple of friends with young kids. When I ask them what they are doing for July 4th, they are either not taking their kids for fireworks or doing it at a distance, because of the possible loud noises. None of which occurs to me. As a first time mom, should I even have considered these? ...
Views: 985 - Single Moms Live Your Greatest Life - by Submitted on Apr 01, 2014 from Jessica RectorBlaise and I went to a one-year-old's birthday party this weekend. It was spectacular. With a rocket and astronaut theme, the mom is uber-talented and had thought of everything. From the handmade and hand painted solar system that hung from the ceiling to the refueling station (drinks), pop rock ...
Views: 1480 - Single Moms Rushing Your Life Away - by Submitted on Apr 01, 2014 from Jessica RectorBlaise "always" takes a nap at a certain time, and like clock work he wakes up at the same time. After months of this routine, nothing has changed. So why would I think today would be any different. Well, like I say, Welcome to Momhood... where even the predictable is unpredictable. I get B's ...
Views: 1207 - Can A Single Mom Catch A Break? - by Submitted on Apr 01, 2014 from Jessica RectorI spent the night at my dad's house, because my sister lives there and is going to watch B as I attend an all day conference in Austin. I get up about 5 am and lucky me, B gets up at that same time once he hears me stir. He has never woken up at this time, but he refuses to go back to sleep, so ...
Views: 1226 - Single Moms, Do You Give In? - by Submitted on Apr 01, 2014 from Jessica RectorWhen you're a mom, sometimes you can't get anything done. Well, you can't get things done the way YOU want them done. As I sit my eight-month-old son down in the living room surrounded by his security gates, that rarely do as they're intended, I'm ready to work. Yet, he has something else in ...
Views: 1252 - When Tragedy Strikes Kids - by Submitted on Apr 01, 2014 from Jessica RectorMy heart is sad. You send your kids... your babies off to school. You entrust others to watch over, care for, and feed them. It would never occur to me that food my child may eat would be tainted. How does this happen? How are people that irresponsible and careless? That something so preventable ...
Views: 1099 - Single Moms Follow Your Dreams - by Submitted on Apr 01, 2014 from Jessica RectorI conducted two workshops at the PTA Leadership Summit in Dallas. After my first session, an attendee came up and talked to me. She said she had a dream, she just didn't know what it was. She was entering a new phase in her life, in her early thirties, and just settling in after a divorce, ...
Views: 1381 - Single Moms, How to Get More Time - by Submitted on Apr 01, 2014 from Jessica RectorHow important is your time? I know, I know, it's important. You likely don't have enough time in your day, but how are you using the time you have? Are you doing the dishes by hand when you could be running the dishwasher. It may cost you a few more dollars a month, but are those few dollars ...
Views: 1392 - Single Mom Dating and Finding Love - by Submitted on Apr 01, 2014 from Jessica RectorAs a single mom, it's a big step to date, no matter how old your kids are. You put yourself out there wanting to find love and hoping to find quality men. Talk about having faith. Well, I do. I have faith that it will happen. It might not happen when I want it to, but I KNOW it will when it's ...
Views: 1258 - Single Moms, Listen to That Inner Voice - by Submitted on Apr 01, 2014 from Jessica RectorWe've all done it… then something happens, and we think "Why didn't I listen to that voice?" We think this, because the voice could have (and should have) prevented a bad result from occurring. I have always carried my cell phone in my purse. The last couple of days, I've been carrying it in ...
Views: 1274 - Single Moms Find Love - by Submitted on Apr 01, 2014 from Jessica RectorLove is in the air. Or so we hope, especially for this single mom. This season, fall in love. Where is the best place? That's the question, I've asked myself over and over again. Where do people go to find love? If you don't meet men through your friends or work, where do you meet them? I've ...
Views: 1406 - Single Moms, What Would You Do With $1,000? - by Submitted on Apr 01, 2014 from Jessica RectorWhat would $1,000 mean to you? Could it change your life? As a single mom, the decision to attend college may not be easy. You make a list of the pros and cons for going back to school. You really want to go. You know in the long run it will benefit you and your family, but you feel a financial ...
Views: 1305 - Single Moms, Step Outside Your Comfort Zone - by Submitted on Apr 01, 2014 from Jessica RectorAre you destined for greatness? Absolutely. So what's holding you back? You're familiar with where you are now. It's comfortable, yet you aren't really where you're supposed to be. You're not doing what you're supposed to be doing. You're not reaching the people who need you most. I'm a HUGE ...
Views: 1175 - How To Get Out Of Your Own Way - by Submitted on Apr 01, 2014 from Jessica RectorThe other day, I was at another birthday party for a one-year old. (I didn't realize so many people I know had babies around the time I did.) I start talking with a couple about babies, as the wife is holding my son. I ask if they are ready for one. As the lady says yes, her husband shakes his ...
Views: 1062 - Best Networking Strategies - by Submitted on Apr 01, 2014 from Jessica RectorDo you leave a networking event with a stack of business cards? Do you wonder what you got from the event or why you went? For business, networking is a must, but you don't want to feel like you wasted your time when you could be doing something else more productive. When you feel this way, ...
Views: 1150(1 vote) - Single Moms Accomplishing Your Goals - by Submitted on Apr 01, 2014 from Jessica RectorI'm going to do it! How many times have you told yourself you're going to do something and then a week goes by? Then a month? Maybe even a year and you still haven't done it? It's not that you don't want to do it, but life gets in the way…or so you tell yourself. So, what's stopping you? Do ...
Views: 1381 - Single Mom Finding Love Before 40 - by Submitted on Apr 01, 2014 from Jessica RectorWhy are you still single? It's this the question every single person hates. I used to get this question all the time. Now, I get more of the statement that's a question, "You're single?!" What follows immediately is "Why?" I used to say, "If I knew the answer, I wouldn't be single anymore." ...
Views: 1273 - Single Moms Doing It All - by Submitted on Apr 01, 2014 from Jessica RectorAs a single mom who does it all, cooks, cleans, owns a successful business, is the only provider for her child, and now dates, I've been asked, "How do you do it?" What a great question. Anyone who acts like they have it all figured out and together is not being honest. Even as someone whose ...
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