Whew! We are still buzzing with excitement about all the BlogHer12 fun. Everyone brought a different perspective. Rene had her take and in today’s Life Lesson, Linda Grant, has hers. Linda gives some insight into what she’s learned along the way. Don’t forget you, too, can share. Email us and we will get the questions to you ASAP!
Are you happy at the moment?
Yes and no. I love my life with my daughter. We are lucky to live in New York City and have amazing group of friends that supports and loves us. My daughter and I have so much fun together taking advantage of all that the city has to offer. And no because, I am currently unemployed, which makes me very unhappy and impacts my overall happiness factor since I am the sole breadwinner.
If you could go back and say anything to your 16-year-old self now – what would it be?
I would tell myself to open a simple savings account and save a little bit every week. And would have bought Apple and Microsoft stock.
What’s the most important thing you’ve learned this year?
I have learned to be more assertive about asking for things whether it’s a networking opportunity, babysitting help, a job or whatever. What is the most that can happen, they say “no”. As my dad used to say, “You don’t ask, you don’t get.”
What do you most want to achieve in the next 12 months?
I have two goals, take my blog to the next level and start my own blog talk radio show.
What’s your secret to happiness?
I am a pretty upbeat and positive person. But the real secret to my happiness is that I give myself permission to just wallow in self-pity every so often whether that means I literally sit on the sofa and watch television all day or eat a pint of Haagen-Dazs. There is nothing wrong with feeling sorry for yourself every once in a while versus holding all the stress of life in.
What one ritual or practice keeps you grounded?
I regularly meet up with my friends. I love getting together with them whether it’s to go shopping or out to dinner. And I feel no guilt in doing it. As a single mother, I feel that if I don’t get the much needed “me” time, I just don’t feel healthy and happy. It’s hard to give your best to your child if you yourself aren’t enjoying life.
What’s your biggest regret?
None, there was a time that I had wished that I had started the adoption process earlier but I truly believe in the cliché that all that things happen for a reason. My daughter was meant for me so waiting to start the process was perfect.
What’s the most important lesson you’ve taught your kid(s)?
Be thankful for what you have. We live in New York City and have friends whose apartments dwarf ours by a mile but I have taught my daughter that we are lucky that while we have a small apartment, we live in a neighborhood that affords us access to so many activities.
What bad habit would you most like to change about yourself?
Eating late at night. Because of this bad habit, I cannot lose weight.
Aside from motherhood and marriage what are you most proud of in your life?
I am proud that I started my blog and that people actually read it.
When were you happiest?
After waiting for two and half years, my dream of becoming of mother came true on the day the adoption agency called to tell me I was going to be a mother. Truly a happy day!!
What ten words best describe you?
Positive, introverted, funny, sarcastic, loyal, practical, well-read, disorganized, quirky, pop culture fiend (that’s three words).
Linda Grant is the Founder and Editor of NYCSingleMom.Com, ™ a lifestyle site the provides moms of all stripes with parenting tips, dining, travel, New York City centric events, product reviews and giveaways. As a family lifestyle and parenting (especially adoptive parenting) expert, blogger, and brand advocate, Linda shares her in-depth knowledge to provide valuable information and useful products to her readers that will assist them in managing everyday dilemmas. From the title, you can guess that Linda is a single mom by choice (through adoption) of a lively, nine year old girl. Since 1996, they have lived in downtown Manhattan where she spends their days navigating the frenetic life in New York City from school, to work to motherhood. Prior to founding NYC Single Mom, Linda was a Marketing Executive for several Fortune 50 companies. As a result of being laid off during the financial crisis, she took the opportunity to fulfill her dream of writing on a regular basis and to build her social media skills. Now she wears two hats; during the day she is a Marketing/Social Media Consultant and by night, the Editor of NYC Single Mom and BrooklynMamas.com along with contributing Kidzvuz.com writer. You can follow Linda on Twitter at @nycsinglemom
