Hi Mama!
We’re thrilled to introduce the second part of our special blog series. We will revisit the profound dialogues with an outstanding mother. This series is set to be a goldmine of knowledge and motivation, allowing you to experience the incredible tales that adorned our platform once more.
Kicking off this adventure, we spotlight the formidable Lynda Moore, fondly referred to as the Money Mentalist. Join us as we explore her incredible thirty-year journey of motherhood insights and the intricate relationship between motherhood and money matters.
I’ve always been fascinated by how our lives take unexpected turns, and Lynda’s story is no exception. It raises the question: Why do some of us find our most creative and entrepreneurial bursts during motherhood, a time arguably packed with responsibilities and constraints?
When I asked Lynda why she embarked on her business venture when she had her daughter Amy, her answer resonated deeply with me. For many of us, it’s the search for flexibility. The traditional 9 to 5 grind doesn’t always gel well with the unpredictable demands of motherhood. So, carving out our own path seems not just appealing but often necessary. Lynda’s situation as a single mother further amplified this need.
One of my friends has ventured into the realm of baby products, and I had previously delved into this topic of motherhood and creativity. How ironic it is that when we’re arguably at our busiest, the flames of passion and creativity burn the brightest. And after hearing Lynda’s story, it’s clear to me that motherhood might just be the perfect breeding ground for fierce determination and innovative thinking.
Lynda’s reflections on societal expectations particularly struck a chord. The perceived notion that mothers “should” be at home, coupled with the judgment that sometimes surrounds the decision to work, can be daunting.
But for many women, especially those like Lynda, working isn’t just a choice – it’s a necessity. The demands of single motherhood and the responsibility of being the sole breadwinner are challenges that many face. I deeply admire the resilience and tenacity with which Lynda approached these challenges.
Has the societal view shifted over the years? I’d like to believe so. Lynda’s observations point towards a more accepting and supportive society. The rise of daycare centers and the increasing number of working parents are testament to this change. More than anything, it underscores the need to support each other’s choices, free from judgment.
As I sat across from Lynda, there was an evident aura of strength and resilience around her. It made me wonder – how does a single mom navigate the challenges that come her way without faltering? What’s her secret? While the spotlight often falls on the mother, in this episode, we dove deeper, uncovering the role of the unsung heroes – the extended family.
Lynda recalled Amy’s initial stage of life when her parents made the significant decision to move closer to their granddaughter. Her parents’ presence gave Lynda a sense of relief and support. But it wasn’t just her parents who played a pivotal role. Amy’s paternal grandmother stepped up when her son moved overseas. Fearing that she might lose touch with Amy, Lynda offered her the chance to be a constant in Amy’s life.
This gesture from Lynda wasn’t just about maintaining connections. It was also about ensuring she had moments of respite, moments when she could just breathe. The bond between Amy and her paternal grandmother grew stronger with time, a testament to the fact that love and care aren’t just bound by direct bloodlines.
I couldn’t help but relate Lynda’s story to my personal experiences. In Jakarta, my grandmother lives with four generations under one roof. Although common in some parts of the world, this scenario is becoming rarer in modern society. The concept of a ‘village’ raising a child might seem outdated, but it’s rooted in our biology and history. And honestly, it’s something many moms yearn for in this age of nuclear families.
As Lynda aptly highlighted, no one is truly a superwoman. Everyone needs support, a breather, a moment to themselves. For Lynda, sending Amy to her extended family in Christchurch during holidays was a way to ensure Amy stayed connected to her roots while also giving Lynda the time she needed for herself.
Motherhood is, by all means, an enigma. It’s an intricate ballet of following the rhythm of our gut feelings, the instinctive steps we take, and navigating through the structured choreography that life tends to offer.
Lynda’s words resonated deeply with me when she expressed motherhood’s quintessential challenge: “There’s no rulebook.” It’s the sentiment every mother, at some point, has felt deeply.
You’re handed this delicate, wailing bundle of life and suddenly expected to exactly know what to do without any guide or manual. “Flying by the seat of the pants,” as Lynda described, is possibly the most apt way to describe this journey.
But what intrigued me further was Lynda’s identity as an accountant—a profession synonymous with order, rules, and structure. From my own family filled with accountants, I know their inclination for structure all too well. The contrast of the inherent chaos of motherhood against the ordered world of accountancy brought forth an intriguing contrast in Lynda’s story.
Lynda chuckled as she agreed, sharing that her daughter refused to fit neatly into any plans or structures. Yet, this clash of worlds seemed to mold Lynda, teaching her to let go and embrace life’s unpredictability.
It was humbling to hear her recount those initial years. The sheer haze of raising a child, balancing an active career, and building a business—all without any clear roadmap. And while today’s age overflows with information, there’s a question to be asked: Are we better off?
The sheer volume of guidance today can be paralyzing. Lynda’s honest confession about not knowing how to change her daughter’s nappy until she was born might sound alarming to today’s super-informed moms. Still, there’s a simplicity and authenticity to it that’s deeply endearing.
Lynda’s father once shared a piece of wisdom that perhaps every parent needs to hear: raising a child is an experiment. And true to that, Lynda’s story reflects the ongoing experiment of parenthood. There’s no certainty, no clear right or wrong, only a continuum of learning, adapting, and trusting one’s instinct.
Listening to Lynda share that emotional chapter of her life resonates with many mothers out there. Motherhood, especially single motherhood, comes with its fair share of challenges, doubts, and heartbreaks. I found myself deeply affected by her narrative. It prompted me to reflect on my own experiences and the challenges of raising children with shared responsibilities.
The concept of trust is central to Lynda’s story. Trusting in the foundational values and principles she instilled in her daughter, Amy. Trusting in the bond they had nurtured over 16 formative years. And, of course, trusting in herself.
The pain of a child wanting to live with the other parent is unimaginable. As Lynda recounted the heart-wrenching decision to let Amy live with her dad, I could almost feel the weight of that moment. A heavy combination of doubt, worry, hope, and a testament to her strength and love as a mother.
Lynda’s story isn’t just about trusting your child; it’s about trusting the upbringing you’ve provided. It’s about understanding that sometimes, kids need to step out of the protective cocoon and experience life from a different perspective.
It also brought to light the role of support systems. In Lynda’s case, it was her parents – particularly her dad’s calming words of wisdom. It made me think of my own pillars of support. Who do we turn to when our resolve wavers? When the weight of our choices, especially the really tough ones, threatens to overwhelm us?
Balancing different parenting styles and approaches is never easy for parents in shared custody or co-parenting situations. Every family has unique dynamics, and kids, especially teenage children, will often oscillate between the two worlds. They’re seeking independence and identity; sometimes, they just need to see the grass on the other side. It’s a rite of passage.
But as Lynda beautifully illustrated, the values and teachings we impart as parents will remain. Those core values will pull them back even if they stray, even if they challenge and question. Amy’s return home after six months is a testament to the strong foundation Lynda built.
Wrapping up this segment, I found solace in Lynda Moore’s message. It’s a reminder to all parents: trust in the journey, the love, the lessons, and most importantly, trust in ourselves.
Every decision, every sacrifice, every sleepless night – it all contributes to the resilient and loving individuals our children become. They may venture out, but they’ll always know their way back home.
For those eager to delve deeper into the rich tapestry of Lynda Moore’s experiences, tune into our full podcast titled “Life Lessons from 30 Years of Mothering with the ‘Money Mentalist’.”
Immerse yourself in her heartfelt stories and glean insights from her remarkable journey intertwining motherhood with financial wisdom. Don’t miss out on this enlightening conversation.
All rights reserved @ empowermums | 2022
Empowering Mums to Thrive in Motherhood
All rights reserved @empowermums | 2022
