Finding Magic in the Unexpected

2020 has provided lessons for us all, perhaps none as universal as the idea that life does not always unfold as planned. This collective season of adjustment is layered upon each of our individual circumstances in many different ways, providing unexpected hardships while also revealing unanticipated opportunities for joy. The mother you’re about to meet shares her perspective on how an interruption in life’s path - in her case, going through a divorce while raising two daughters - can deliver us cherished insights as parents and humans.

Meet Lindsay

An inspiring mother of two kiddos, ages 13 and 10, Lindsay seeks moments of grounded calm in the world, be it for herself or with her daughters. As a single mom and freelance photographer and designer, she models lessons of hard work, independence, self-confidence, and overall happiness to her children, friends, and loved ones. She lives each day with an eye open for magic and an intention to focus on the most important things and let the rest go.

Lindsay, tell us how many kiddos do you have and what are their ages?

I have two daughters ages 10 and 13. As a single mom, and with the addition of our 3 female cats, we like to say our house is filled with girl power!

What does your current morning routine look like?

Right now, both girls are schooling virtually and I work from home. Most days I wake up around 7am and get a walk in while the girls are still sleeping. Teens really do need as much sleep as toddlers! I wake everyone up to get ready for the school day when I return. Our district has a fairly late start time at 9:15am, so the mornings are pretty casual and easy to manage these days — a welcome departure from years past when the girls were less independent.

What is one of the best tips you have for making your kids better humans?

Let your children know that sometimes things are hard — but they can do hard things. I am grateful to a wonderful preschool teacher who gave me this bit of advice when my oldest daughter was just a toddler. To this day when one of them is struggling with a task big or small this reminder comes in handy and always helps boost their confidence. Recently I have begun seeing a similar sentiment on social media and beyond and think it is a powerful reminder for us all!

If you could turn back time and have a newborn moment back what would it be?

I remember sitting and staring at my babies while they slept in their bassinet and then feeling guilty for “wasting” that nap time when I could have been doing (insert household chore here)! I would take those moments back in a heartbeat and banish that mom guilt because the years really do pass quickly.

What keeps you up at night?

With a tween and a teen at home, most of my worries center around emotional care. Are they navigating their friendships well? Do they feel secure and strong when it comes to fighting peer pressure or standing up for themselves? I used to think I would worry less when my children were older, but now know that as moms we always worry, just about different things.

What makes you feel inspired or like your best self?

Going through a divorce when my daughters were both in their tween years turned my world and theirs upside down, but it also led me to a path of self discovery. All parents know that the early years can be all consuming - caring for small children challenges us both physically and emotionally while simultaneously teaching us about the deepest love we could imagine. It can be easy to lose track of your own needs in the process. Some weather this season and return to their center. Others may discover their center is not where they thought, or perhaps they never knew where it was at all.

Venturing into single motherhood has been the most challenging and most rewarding experience of my life. As I learned to prioritize my own health and happiness, I noticed my daughters absorbing the same lessons. I discovered that parenting is less about doing and more about being. Watching their independence, self-confidence, and overall happiness grow inspires me to keep pursuing the best version of myself.

What is one piece of advice you'd give a new mom out there?

When your child is fussy and you can’t identify the reason, take them outside. The healing power of nature is amazing. This advice works for babies, older kids - and adults too!

What is your favorite children’s story?

One of our younger kid favorites was the book “Interrupting Chicken” by David Ezra Stein. The little chicken in the story can’t help but interrupt with advice for the characters of classic fairy tales on how they can avoid the story’s impending danger! The spirited and funny main character was a perfect fit for my two spunky little girls.