Misconceptions About Our Life

A week or so ago, I posted a status on Facebook discussing the air quality in my town. There was a disagreement between myself and some others, which is okay. What isn't okay, is what ended up being said.

On a post about my concern with the air quality, I was attacked for having a "baby daddy", I was attacked for living with my mom, I was attacked for taking trips with my daughter, and I was attacked for not working.

I'm sure there's a deeper-rooted issue behind the exchange I had on that thread. However, I do feel it's important to express my feelings on some things that were said to me, as I don't tolerate misconceptions about myself or my family. I also feel that these are common misconceptions that many have about mothers, and it's a good time to shed some light on the reality behind these thoughts.

Yes, my child's father and I aren't together. Him and I made the best decision we could, and decided to make the healthiest situation possible for our child. Yes, there are issues here and there as EVERYONE experiences, but we have created an amazing situation for our very unique family. We do things together with our daughter, we plan activities with our daughter, and we give her experiences that any other child gets with their parents. The only difference is that we aren't together. And we're better that way. In fact, we get along BETTER now.

Yes, I'm a stay at home mom. I recently graduated with my Bachelors and picked up an internship in a role I'd love to do for the rest of my life. I have the ability to do this internship from home, which is great. I'm on the search for the job of my dreams, and I have the amazing ability to be picky. I had an extensive interview process that ended about two weeks ago, and was actually in the final stage of accepting a position as a Social Media Director for a local business. I declined as it wasn't the right fit for us. But it re-ignited the light in me and made me realize what I was capable of and what I wanted. I'm not staying at home because I lack the ability to work, I'm staying at home because I'm waiting for my DREAM job. And I'm blessed with the ability to do so.

Yes, I do plenty of fun things with my child. Why wouldn't I? I spend responsibly, save up, and rarely EVER spend on myself. I have monthly payments for a pass for Disneyland that I don't even feel when they exit my bank account, and I've never done something exciting without the finances to do so. My daughter loves going, and we love enriching her life with these experiences. If that's something to judge me on, then you'll be judging for a very long time.

My parents don't pay for my daughter's expenses, and I don't ask them for any help. However, my mom offered me the ability to stay at home to receive some physical help with Mila. As a single mom, that would've been insane to refuse. I love the help, I love having the support, and I love my family. Receiving support from family doesn't mean you can't survive without it. It just means your family wants to help. Simple as that.

Thanks to anyone who's intrigued in my life, and I promise you, my daughter and I are doing just fine. So is my co-parenting situation. We aren't any worse off because we're not together.

I'm only turning 24, just received my Bachelors, got my Associates 2 years ago, and I'm in the midst of an internship. We're all good over here.

I'm so thankful for everyone in my life who supports me, loves me, and goes to bat for me. I hope you know I'd do the same for you in a heartbeat, and I will forever appreciate you. 💞

And on that note, live your life for YOU. Quit investing so much effort into what others are doing. It's terrible.