Content..

I was told today that I've been looking amazing of late. But, most of all I'm looking content.

What does being content mean to you?

For me, being content is about being in a state of peaceful happiness. Feeling fulfilled and grateful for all that you have.

It never dawned on me that over the last couple of weeks, I have become a woman of patience, acceptance and love. Mainly because I've been so busy with life, loving myself that I've had less time to focus on anything negative.

Whilst I may be in a job that requires a lot of energy, I haven't felt stressed, angry, or overworked, compared to my last job. A job that I remained in for over 17 years just because it was convenient for my children and myself.

The thing is, I knew deep down that I wasn't happy there, but I continued the routine, because I was scared that the change would affect me and my children.

I felt deflated, even sick on occasions and hated dealing with customers who had no manners.

It's amazing what a change of job and lifestyle can do for your mental state of mind.

Now, I'm loving working with children and helping them to be positive whilst learning life skills.

I feel like I've now found my purpose and although some may find working in a school hard work. I find it extremely rewarding. Knowing that I've have given back to society in a way that inspires the children to do well.

At its best, working in a school offers a high-level of job security, a decent income, generous vacation time which still allows me to spend quality time with my boys.

Every morning I wake up, I look forward to my day. I'm excited about the challenges I know I will face. But, it doesn't stop me from smiling and accepting the fact that whatever happens in my life, I'm in control. I'm the one who steers the wheel on my journey and being a single mother, shouldn't change that.

I guess when you're a single parent, you're constantly trying to prove to the world that you're up for the job. It matters to you what people think about your parenting skills, because you know people will judge you if you fail.

I have learned on a very difficult journey that failure is the start of success.. I have got many things right as a mother and at the same time, I have got many things wrong. But, it has definitely all been a learning curve. A learning process which has made me a better woman and mother.

At times, I have looked at myself in the mirror and questioned my strength. I have doubted my ability to raise two boys, only because there were certain people who loved to put me down despite my efforts. Now, over time, I couldn't give a damn about what people think of me.

What others think of me, is not my business. Still I rise.

I have hated falling, but I have most definitely loved rising.

I have also seen the transformation within my thoughts and approaches to different obstacles.

Years ago I would have become anxious about things I feared. Fear always held me back, but I'd always try. Now, I just crack on, don't look back and give everything my best shot.

Being a single mother hasn't stopped me from excelling to my full potential and that's why it's very important to me, to show other mothers out there, that we are much stronger than we think.

Once we as women start to understand that our limitations are just temporary situations, we will all be able to reach for the stars. When things go wrong, it's not going to be forever. There will always be a solution and there will certainly be someone else in a similar predicament.

So yes, now I am content, because I know I have the power to choose what to accept and what to let go.

I have accepted where I am in life and I intend to make the most out of every day.

I am discovering who I am daily and I am extremely happy with what I find.

I am content, because I can smile, even when I shed a tear.

I am content, because even when I have been single, I have learned to love myself and know my worth.