Training

ADVANCE SOCIAL JUSTICE THROUGH EMPOWERMENT

YOUR TRAINING STARTS HERE

 

The Single Mother Advancement Project (THESMAP) is not here to empower you. We know that you already have everything you need to be successful. You have charm and wit and strength and power beyond what you think you’re capable of. The Single Mother Advancement Project (THESMAP) is here to make you aware of the knowledge and resources to learn more, do more, and achieve more.

 

Even empowered single mothers need a reminder of their own brilliance. Sometimes we don’t feel good enough, or smart enough, or capable enough to achieve the things we want in life. These qualities help you recognize how you can take full control of your life. Recognize your authentic and powerful self, go after your goals and dreams, and leave behind things that no longer serve you.

 

WHAT IS AN EMPOWERED SINGLE MOTHER? You are an empowered single mother because of your strength, power, skills, and unique life experiences that make you beautiful and authentic. You do not need permission to unleash our power; however, you are often not reminded of your brilliance, which leaves you feeling inadequate, not smart enough or not capable enough to achieve the things you want.

 

Know Who You Are. Self-awareness is the foundation for building confidence, and an empowered single mother knows exactly who she is. She knows her strengths, what she’s good at, what she loves doing, her core values and life beliefs, and how to use all of these things to make a difference in the world. An empowered single mother is authentic and knows how to show up as her best self every day.

 

Knows Your Worth. An empowered single mother knows what she is about, what she wants, and what she deserves. She knows that she is enough, just the way she is. An empowered single mother no longer needs to please other people or be affected by what people do or say about her. She does not define herself in her appearance, past mistakes, nor society’s expectations. An empowered single mother has boundaries and respects herself.

 

Love Yourself and Your Body. An empowered single mother knows that in order to love someone else, she must first love herself - all of herself, even her perceived flaws. She is gentle with herself when she makes a mistake, forgets something, or loses her car keys (again). An empowered single mother keeps negative self-talk at bay because she knows it doesn’t serve her. She understands that her body is not perfect, and she genuinely loves it anyway. An empowered single mother is comfortable in her own skin and cares for her body to keep it healthy.

 

Live Your Purpose. If every single mother lived her purpose, every need in the world would be met. An empowered single mother is a seeker. She takes steps to discover her life purpose and dedicates herself to living in a way that aligns with it. She knows that living her purpose will bring meaning and fulfillment to her own life, while improving the lives of those around her.

 

Communicate Effectively. An empowered single mother is capable of delivering her message and making herself understood. Instead of merely choosing the right words and saying things to manipulate or please others, an empowered single mother understands the importance of respect for the other party when voicing her point across. She does not let her emotions lead her in a conversation but rather engages with others in a calm and rational state.

 

Build Healthy Confidence. Confidence comes from taking action, and an empowered single mother understands this firsthand. She feels the fear and does hard things anyway. An empowered single mother applies for jobs that seem out of reach. She goes back to school to get a degree in a different field. She asks for a raise or promotion that is long overdue. An empowered single mother stands up for what she believes in, and she knows that all the while, she’s building healthy confidence. This confidence is contagious and will pave the way for future generations of single mothers to take action, build confidence, and change the world.

 

Never Stop Learning. An empowered single mother understands that learning is a lifelong process. She finds a way to grow and develop every day. She views failures as opportunities for growth, and she seeks to improve all aspects of her life, whether it is cultivating a gratitude practice, learning a new skill, or reading books. An empowered single mother appreciates the value of her mind and invests in it.

 

Stand Up for Your Beliefs and Challenge the Status Quo. Instead of going along with what society thinks is right, an empowered single mother is not afraid to challenge society rules and norms when she sees a problem. She takes risks against traditions graciously but determinedly because she refuses to behave in ways that go against her core beliefs just to please others.

 

Be Approachable and Amiable. An empowered single mother carries a genuine warm smile with her and does not discriminate against anyone. She opens her heart, and her pure intentions make others feel at ease with her. An empowered single mother gives off a calm and confident vibe and is open to communication from others. She makes an effort to see things from an outside perspective and welcomes new cultural viewpoints.

 

Show Vulnerability.  Vulnerability is the birthplace of love, belonging, joy, courage, empathy, accountability, and authenticity. If we want greater clarity in our purpose or deeper and more meaningful spiritual lives, vulnerability is the path. Thus, an empowered single mother understands that vulnerability allows her to be open to change as change requires serious, honest self-analysis. Being vulnerable also allows an empowered single mother to build intimacy with trusted people by allowing them to see her real self.

 

Give Wholeheartedly. An empowered single mother knows that there is more than enough to go around. She loves giving her time, talents, and treasure to causes she cares deeply about. An empowered single mother loves helping other women succeed, and she will be the first to show support to a friend who’s going through a difficult time. She knows that by giving, she’s not getting less. Rather, she’s creating more for everyone.

 

Empowering single mothers starts with you. Show your support for the single mothers around you by showing them they matter and reminding them of their strengths. Changing the narrative for single mothers and seeing real change is a team effort, so share this list with the single mothers in your life and encourage them to take action!

​

LEARN MORE