An Open Letter to my younger self for Mother's Day

If I knew then what I know now, life would have been much easier, but would it have been worth it? I wrote this letter to my younger self when motherhood and life was overwhelming, to say - life is worth living if you allow yourself to live it.

You're still overwhelmed with the responsibility of being a mother - a single mother, too. Caring for a little human, nourishing him and guiding him through childhood to adulthood is one of the most difficult jobs that you will ever have, but it will be worth it.

Remember the little things. Like his first steps and the first time he muttered your name - Mama. You will cry tears of pride when he reads in front of a crowd for the first time. You will be excited, yet afraid, when he learns to ride his bike sans training wheels - he will fall a few times, but he will be fine - just kiss it better.

He will get hurt, physically and emotionally, but keep in mind that it's all a part of growing up and he needs to experience this to build his character. He's stronger than you think.

Be there for him, comfort him, but most of all - love him and listen without reacting when he has something to talk to you about.

As a single parent, oftentimes you will feel alone, lonely, and sad - allow yourself to feel it, this is normal. Don't be so hard on yourself either, assuming both parental roles is not easy, but I promise you that you will get through it and it will be worth it.

As he grows older, you will be surprised yet elated by what he knows. He is an old soul, he feels and thinks with great depth - with all his heart and soul. Encourage him to find his true personality, to explore every aspect of life.

As I write this, I realize that if I knew then what I know now, I would have changed my attitude about a lot of situations.

Like the time you will worry about his dad's new girlfriend mothering him - he'll talk her ear off about you, there is nothing to worry about.

Never withhold a hug, a kiss, or keep him hanging when he's reaching up for a high five. Tell him he's handsome every chance you get, and don't listen to people who say that it will turn him into self-absorbed egotistical asshole.

Encourage him. Listen when he talks, even if it's something that you don't understand - to him, it is his reality.

Do everything in your power to find your own happiness, there will be times that you'll feel lost but it's only temporary, if you're happy he will follow.

Trust your heart and your instincts, I promise you life will be fun and you will be OK.