I’ve been a single mama now for just under 5 months – and you know what? It’s not so bad!

The aftershock of separation aside, I’ve found that there are some surprisingly sweet things about being a single thirty-something adult. This in no way means that being married or in a long-term relationship is bad. I will be the first to tell you that I’d love to have a dapper gent of integrity sweep me off my feet! Having someone to share your life with is a beautiful thing – so I don’t want this post to diminish that. But, in those moments when life sends you a curve ball, and you suddenly find yourself alone, there are some benefits. Here’s my here and now list of what I’m enjoying in this current season of my life.

Setting My Own Bedtime: I am an early riser and konk out pretty quickly once the day is done. My favorite nighttime ritual includes a cup of tea, animal cuddles, conversational prayer, reafing God’s word, and then something leisurely. On those nights when my eyes are too fatigued for extended readimg, a little Mindy Project or Star Trek (re-watching Voyager currently – I love Janeway!) is my night cap. That flow usually puts me in bed by 9 p.m.. Being single means getting there with no guilt. Yay to that!

Dressing My Nest: No surprise here – I love decorating my place! I’m always looking for eco-friendly and stylish ways to update my home. Sometimes that means dumpster diving a new mirror and repainting it to hang in the hallway. At other times it may include completely rearranging a room while August naps. Being single means getting to change things up whenever I want and not having to worry about another person’s tastes. I can arrange the furniture how I want, put up any kind of art I’d like, and can change it all at a moment’s notice with no one to consult but myself. Sounds like a win to me!

Taking Care of Myself: With a toddler on the run, this one may surprise you. But the truth is, being the only adult in the household means I’m the one that makes all of the decisions regarding where we live, how we live, what we eat, when we eat, our activities, sleep schedule, and more! I can choose to keep a weekend plan-free or book us solid with interesting activities. I can fill the fridge with fruits and veggies and don’t have to be tempted with a refined sugar stash. It also means that I can focus on how I’m feeling inside and out. Instead of catering to another adult’s whims, I can journal. Instead of having to stay home with the babe while the partner’s away and plays, I can hire a babysitter, and go out for yoga. Instead of sleeping in I can rouse early, dress the tot and dogs, and take a long stroll along the lake. I can slow down, speed up, and tune out whenever and however I want. Sounds like a gift, no?

Honoring Routine: I am a person who savors ritual. I enjoy routine, no matter how trivial or seemingly insignificant. August and I are very much alike in that way. Now that I’m the only adult, I get to set the stage for our daily schedule, and there’s something so very soothing about that. Saturday mornings are for long walks through the park, Sundays include an indulgent breakfast, church, and a laid back afternoon. Weekdays I’m up at 5, take care of the critters, and hustle August to daycare and myself to work. This is done with a steamy cup of chai in hand. And then weeknights are for dinners with friends, library visits, farmers markets, and all the little things in between. No matter the surprises of the day,  we always end it the same way, and at the same time, and there’s such comfort in that.

Adorning Self: This one may seem silly – but it’s the honest truth. When you’re single you only have to look good for one person: yourself. You can glitter up your nails, pop on that red lipstick, and wear a vintage lacey frock with complete abandon. There’s no one you have to impress but yourself, and there’s something (maybe ironically) so incredibly empowering about that. You learn to love yourself, and dress yourself, without compromise.

Rebuilding Identity: After being in a relationship for an extended period of time, you lose the “me” and develop a “we” vernacular that extends well beyond language. And while that’s a beautiful thing when you have two happy, healthy people, it becomes suffocating should one partner neglect the other. One of the more unexpected blessings of sudden singledom has been shedding that “we” persona to establish one of my very own. No longer am I part of a unit, I am my own person, with my own faith, intellect, passions, and purpose. I no longer have to compromise on preferences, tastes, or ethics. I can live a full life with an attitude of gratitude, holding firm to God’s promises, all while keeping negativity at bay. To have the opportunity to start each day afresh, accountable just for yourself, is a beautiful thing indeed. And while there’s a time and place for a “we” life, in some situations, you realize your blessed to simply be by yourself.

Just to be clear – being a single parent definitely presents its challenges (ahem costs and availability of daycare!), and maybe one day I’ll write about those, but for now, I want to focus on what I’m actually enjoying about my newfound independence. I want to savor this season, no matter how unexpected. And who knows! Maybe I won’t be single for long – so I should take advantage of it while I can!