ByPriscillaCabrera -

Healing Your Heart as a Single Mom

March 7, 2025

Healing your heart as a Single Mom is tough! Everyone has a different life journey; mine was a Telenovela scene. Being a single mom has been nothing new. Over 8 years ago, I became a Single Mom when my oldest was in the womb. It wasn’t easy; it was the most arduous situation I had to overcome, manage, and heal from. If you had asked me over 10 years ago that I would be a single mom, I would’ve laughed because I did everything right; I did everything by the books. Well, at least I thought I did. After going through that hardship, I found myself once again pregnant with my second child, and the uncertainty of being a single mom lingered. If I’m honest, I felt like my mind knew I would become a single mom with two kids, but the reality is that my heart hoped and prayed that wouldn’t be the case. Fast forward, I found myself healing a broken heart that seemed impossible to overcome.

Several months into my healing journey, I finally say I am OKAY! With a feeling like a finger snap, I felt better; I laughed with my heart in it, and the outside seemed clear without all the smog it once had. I woke up one day, and I did a self-check. That’s when I realized I was healed. Thank You, God and Universe. Being heartbroken isn’t easy, especially when you have two little girls to raise and still see the one who once caused so much heartache. It seemed like a lifetime of healing this time, maybe because feelings were more profound, I didn’t want to be a single mom, or because I felt like this was my person. Over the last couple of months, I have done some things that truly helped my cure his broken heart, and I am sharing them with you because I’ve been through this before, not once but twice in this lifetime.

6 Tips to Help You Heal as a Single Mom

Letting myself feel every emotion.

This one was hard! The feeling of a bunch of rocks hitting your soft heart, but it was needed. I cried myself to sleep of what I hoped could have been. I would see families doing family things. I would have to answer my oldest’s questions about her sister’s dad. It was rough, but I felt that emotion; I let every tear fall, and most importantly, I was compassionate with myself.

2. Go out and Do things!

For me, this meant taking my girls out no matter how I was feeling. Or the feelings I would feel going out just my daughters and me. This comes tied with seeing families together with their dads. I was the one who noticed, but the girls… were having fun, eating good food, and enjoying the day or evening. Over time, this became easier and less painful because my girls and I were doing everything independently.

3. Take Care of Yourself

As a single mom, it’s challenging to get some alone time. I can’t even use the restroom without having one of my girls. So, using any time I had, even If it was 5 minutes, I took the time to enjoy it. I wanted some ME once my girls were in bed, driving to work singalong to some music, Pilates, or simply taking a walk with my girls. Again, this can look different for everyone.

4. Focus on your Children

Everything I do is for my girls; when I have both girls on the weekend, we do some activity, such as lunch/dinner or the park. Making these memories is what I want them to have.

5. Co-parenting

These are times when things were different like we can be together or I wish I never met you the type of feelings. Let’s keep in mind that I was going through postpartum things, and my emotions were at an all-time high. Communicating with your child’s father after being unable to work things out should be out of the question. But we share a little one, and she has no fault we couldn’t work things out. Being able to communicate effectively and, at times, straight to the point is where I needed to be. I couldn’t do the small talk because it hurt. I knew it would become more manageable within time, and moving forward, I think it is.

6. Be Compassionate with Yourself

I am one of my strongest critics and sometimes my worst enemy. I continue to learn to be graceful with myself, my journey, my life decisions. I have learned to accept where I am currently, be kind to myself, and remind myself I am doing everything I can to be a woman, mom, and daughter.

I am not saying healing a broken heart as a Single Mom is easy because it’s not. But I do know that healing comes with time and that we will not be stuck in our current circumstances forever. Our emotions won’t last forever. So be graceful with yourself and your heart. God and the Universe have better plans for YOU.

7 Tips to Juggle Grad School as a Single Mom

March 3, 2025

Returning to school can be scary and stressful to think about. Like many, I returned to school a month after I had my oldest daughter. I was a first-time mom, a single mom, and I added another stressor, but I knew I had to take the chance. It took me four years to get my master’s degree. Fast forward 6 years later, I am back in school for a second master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy, a single mom of now two girls, a 7 and 1 year-old. Often, we think to ourselves, how can we possibly do it?

Ladies, I want you to know that it is never too late! It’s never too late to go to school, change careers, or want to further your education or finances. Finances and more time are why I chose MFT; it allows me to work from home and continue to provide for my girls.

Now, let’s get to it! Here are 7 Tips to help you juggle Grad school and Mommy-hood

Time Management

This is huge! I struggled and still struggle to stick to a schedule for school. I’ve learned that carving out time when my girls are asleep or with their dads works best for me—usually anywhere 2-3 daily.

2. Support System

The saying It takes a village to raise kids is so TRUE! And I am grateful for mine! My parents, especially my mom, help me tremendously with pick-ups and after-school care. That system is crucial for overall success in school and personal life.

3. Communication with Instructors

Meeting your instructors via Zoom or email is crucial for your academic success. I want to disclose that I am a single mom of two girls who works full-time. This creates a report and an understanding of your professor. Life is hard, and juggling several things can be difficult. Most oftentimes, professors understand our obligations aside from being a student.

4. Quality time with your children

This is important. Many parents, including myself, lose themselves to social media, and we tend to neglect our kids. As a mom-student, spending time with our little ones is key to continuing to build a relationship and working on our goals. I’ve learned that quality time is better than quantity when spending time with our kids. It can be an hour of your undivided attention on your little ones rather than 3 hours of dedicating partial time.

5. Study Space

Having a designated study space is essential. This motivates me; I am less distracted and can easily focus on the task.

6. Self – Care

This may look different for everyone. For some, it may be working out, reading, walking, meditating, or watching a movie. Do something that brings you joy, peace, and comfort.

7. Get up and Move

Whether working out, walking, Pilates, or yoga, simply moving is essential for our health and minds. Again, it doesn’t have to be an hour a day; it is more than enough if you only have 15 minutes to spare.

Tips to help your child with OCD

February 28, 2025

How do I help my child with OCD?

Obsessive-compulsive disorder, OCD, is a mental health condition that is characterized by intrusive thoughts, unwanted thoughts (obsessions), and repetitive behavior (compulsions). There are several types of OCD, such as contamination OCD, harm OCD, symmetry OCD, religious OCD, checking OCS, and sexual orientation OCD.

That saying, “I am so OCD…” Yeah, not! Individuals with OCD are in a constant fight or flight mode, which impedes everyday function depending on the gravity of their OCD. In 2021, I had a breakdown, a crisis where I was finally diagnosed with OCD, and really, I was so grateful for the diagnosis because it meant I wasn’t crazy! At the age of 5, I had my first intrusive thought, which caused a sense of guilt and anxiety for having those thoughts.

What causes OCD is unknown, but research has suggested that OCD can be related to various factors such as genetics, environmental, psychological factors, and brain chemistry.

As a mom who was diagnosed with OCD, I feared that my children would have this mental condition, which was a fear I communicated with my therapist at that time. She told me, you have the tools, the understanding of what OCD is and how it can make you feel. I felt confident and prayed that my girls wouldn’t endure this condition. Just recently, my oldest has displayed intrusive thoughts, and in the last week or so, it has gotten progressively worse. I am grateful that she shares these thoughts with me because she aids from her mother but also as a person with OCD to understand her better.

How can we help?

Kids do not understand what OCD is, so informing them that its unwanted thoughts cause compulsions, which, in my eldest case, is telling me of every intrusive thought she has. As parents, we must listen to our kids nonjudgmentally and with an open mind and ear. Sometimes, some intrusive thoughts are not commonly viewed as usual, but for individuals with OCD, it’s another random thought.
Educate and inform your child that their thoughts do not define her. Often, intrusive thoughts are the opposite of what we value and contradict what we believe.
We must accept our thoughts and feel all the emotions and feelings that come with them (even though this step can be scary).
Seek Help. You must seek professional help. NOCD provides excellent services and therapists across the country. NOCD is also kid-friendly.

If you or anyone who is suffering from OCD, I want to let you know it gets better. <3

Check out NOCD for more information.

All in ONE

February 26, 2025

If I can execute every business idea, I’d be a millionaire! I’ve tried several ideas… The first is a love coach, candle making, boutique, clothing brand, stationary, skin care, custom bags… The list can go on and on. After listening to Mel Robbin’s podcast, I learned that when we / I have alone time (meaning not busy), I start to self-sabotage, intrusive thoughts come flying through the roof, and I feel like I need to do more with my life. I have concluded that no matter my achievements, I am not content and do not feel accomplished. I often ask myself, what will I think once I have accomplished some goals, or how would it feel to have a successful business? Would I feel good?

Hi guys, welcome back to my blog, where I disclose everything about my girls and me. And really, because I have no friends or anyone I can have deep conversations with. It’s been tough the last couple of months. I was so amped with Hello Liah and making progress, but this economy and my priorities are changing! I had to sit back, but in reality, it was waiting for vendors to send samples that gave me time to reflect on where my money was going. I am a single momma of two, working full time, going to school for a career change, and wanting to start a business. Well, the math is not mathing anymore. One of my goals and dreams is to be able to get my place. In LA, it’s unrealistic! Periodt! So moving is our next step. Moving too, I don’t really know yet. I want to live in a small town, have a ranch-style home, and raise my two girls and our dog, which my oldest has wanted. I am looking for jobs, but it’s all about financials. I am open to the possibility of new beginnings as LA has nothing for me to stay for anymore. My parents, of course, but that’s a whole can of worms.

The feeling of a new beginning is calling my name; I am ready to go wherever it is, God and the Universe will guide me. I have a plan set: transfer with my current job, finish my MFT program, work from home as a therapist, and start a business. 🙂 Mat Pilates: what small town wouldn’t like some Mat Pilates?

Bringing back my blog will give me an outlet, sell different types of merch here, and grow a following within the blogging community. I must learn that success isn’t overnight, just like with everything else; consistency is KEY. If you have made it this far, I truly appreciate you, and I am excited that I can tie all these crazy ideas into one big platform.

Are you ready to start Dating as a Single Mom?

May 29, 2024

Being a Single Mom is tough! We are so tide up with just being a mom that there’s little to no room for dating, like literally. Now that I have my youngest who will be 8 months in a few weeks I have had a zero-love life. Before when it was just my oldest because she was older so my mom would take care of her when I would go out (again it wasn’t that often) but now the baby is still a baby for me to actually go on dates.

At times I feel conflicted with dating as a single mom now of two babies and two baby daddies. Ugh! I know! I know! It’s my fault for being in my situation but in all honesty, I never signed up to be a single mom, it really just happened and for not taking care of myself and not choosing the right man for the job. Not trying to bash but it really is what it is.

Often times I do get lonely, well more than often for sure! But then I ask myself the really big question, can I really date someone right now? When I feel lonely, I am like “I need a man! “Where is he at! And other times I get too into my thoughts and realize that maybe right now is not a good time date.

Not sure how other single mommas feel, cause all our journeys are different but I yearn for a love that completes me in a sense that he is my person, a man who motivates me to be and do better, a man who makes me feel like home around him and vice versa. I know it’s possible cause once upon a time I felt it, like the universes magic of bringing two souls together. Such a beautiful feeling but it wasn’t meant for me in this lifetime.

So, ladies how do we really know we are ready to date? I have searched for a few key things that can help us make that decision.

Are you confident in your own skin? (This one hit deep for me because I am not where I want to be physically…)
What do you want from dating
Do you have healthy boundaries that you learn from your previous partner or situation?
Can you commit to getting to know someone?
Are you dating just to date or are you intentionally dating?

Being conflicted myself on dating is just another confirmation that at this present moment in time I am not ready to date and that is okay. But when I do start dating again, I want to intentionally date.

4 Tips to Not Feel Stuck as a Single Mom

May 23, 2024

Is it just me or do other moms feel like what now? Maybe it is my given circumstances of being a single mom of two and having no income. My contract was actually terminated while I was on disability because my employer did not replace my position, so the third party contractor said “we good, thanks for your services.” Which at that time I was like okay that’s fine I get to spend more time with my baby. But now, I am ready to get back to work or get something going on my own.

I started applying for work in the beginning of May, and usually I find work pretty quick but for some reason or another I’m not getting any jobs this time around. I don’t want to toot my own horn but my background is extensive in what I do. I’m thinking it’s the Universes way saying I got something better for you! Ideally I would love to go to beauty school but right now it’s not realistic as I’m the provider for both my girls (with some help from their daddies). I had to prioritize supporting and providing for my girls and let this ambition/brain take a break (which is really heard for me to do).

I’ve often heard Mommas sometimes say they lose themselves in being a mommy and not a woman first. That’s exactly how I’ve been feeling lately, like I’m lost in motherhood which isn’t bad but I’m losing site of Priscilla the woman.

So I was thinking to myself what can I do to get ME back!

4 Tips to no feel Stuck as a Single Mom

For starters getting back in shape is essential especially how I am feeling with my body and this extra weight I’ve kept on. I’m ready to tap back into ME, like seriously! So hitting the treadmill and Pilates! I’ve been doing Pilates for a few months but maybe 2-3 times a week, I feel like adding cardio will help me so much.

Secondly I began journaling. I love me a good outlet where I can let all my thoughts, ideas and worries out but I also use it as form of talking with myself, the universe and God.

Third, I began reading self help/personal growth books. Now reading and me have always had our little issues but recently I have enjoyed reading a good book and really the knowledge that I am obtaining.

Lastly which I feel is important is being compassionate with myself. At times I can get overwhelmed and frustrated with myself, my current situation and basically feeling like my life is falling apart. When I am in that space I try to remember all the good things I currently have and what I am grateful for and this brings me back to clarity and living in the present moment.

So Mommas! I know often times it’s gets overwhelming but the stage and season we are in our life does not last forever.

Postpartum Weight Loss

May 20, 2024

Postpartum weight loss journey for me has been very difficult and sometimes feels unattainable. I don’t bounce back like many of these women out here, who go right back to their pre-baby weight. With my first born, Maliah it took me almost 5 years to get back to my pre – baby weight! I was there and then BOOM! I find out I am pregnant again! It was bittersweet cause a baby is a blessing but also it took me forever to get my body back! Although my baby is here and 7 months, I still have mixed emotions regarding that

We are now 7 months postpartum and I have 15 pounds to go! Sometimes I feel a little thinner, my stomach is looking a little flatter and then my 6 year old daughter tells me I have a “food baby” or “why does it look like I still have Analiah in my belly.” Thanks baby such a confidence boost! It definitely hurts my feelings cause I have always had an issue with my weight, I have an issue with working out and I have had an issue with eating healthy. Makes a lot of sense! I had to have a talk with Maliah and let her know that words can hurt people and we have to think before we say things!

A lifestyle change is what I need! I do feel like the attempt is there but making more of an effort is key. I don’t need a diet, or change my habits for a short amount of time but a change that is continuous. I also have to find an alternative to my emotional eating. When I am down, sad or just out of it I tend to overeat on sweets and chips. This season of my life has definitely had more of its lows than highs but I promise I am pushing through. Growing up in a household where we started diets every Monday is definitely detrimental and builds negative lifestyle habits but of course our household did not know any better.

So things that I have implemented to help me along with my postpartum weight loss journey are

Taking walks – I’ve never a been a cardio/running type of girl so walking is on top of my list!
Finding Your Thing that gets you Moving – for me this is Pilates and I try to implement this about 3-4 times a week
Eating health during the week (although I really have to work on my snacks) – My go to these days are chicken breast, white rice and zucchini and cherry tomatoes
Limiting the times we eat out or changing it up! – Weekends I usually do not cook (I mean weekdays is a struggle too). Eating out is our go too! I began to look at healthier options and found a Chop Salad place in Glendale which I love! Surprisingly Maliah loves salads too !
Being compassionate with myself – Often times I have to remind myself to be kind to myself and my journey as a mother, and a woman. We put our bodies through a lot when having a baby that after care most times goes unnoticed. I takes our bodies about a full year to heal after having a baby.

Ladies I know postpartum weight loss is hard but YOU are doing a great job, YOU are beautiful, YOU are loved and YOU are appreciated MAMA!

Pilates Journey

May 18, 2024

I am going to be 100% honest here! I never really liked working out! I remember being in middle school and having to run around the school, oh I disliked it so much but I still did it! In high school I HATED conditioning with a passion! I literally would die! That is one of the reasons why I didn’t continue playing softball but also because I wasn’t really good at it! Who was I kidding! I never played sports up until HS. I have always had a love – hate relationship with working out! I never liked running! I tried strength training, Zumba classes and yoga. I felt like I tried it all up until Pilates!

When I first discovered Pilates I was definitely intimidated by the women who would practiced Pilates; thin and a size -2! Here I come my thick bone-ded self. I began to look at classes around the area and granted the area I live in is a little boogie so everything is more expensive and in general Plates classes are expensive to begin with! So I searched in YouTube and lo and behold I found Mat Pilates! Now I went through various instructors via YouTube but until I found Jacqui Kingswell! OMGEE! I feel in love with Mat Pilates! Her beginner videos were just that for beginners but the sweat and shaking in my body hurt so good! I continued doing her videos on YouTube and later got a yearly subscription to her program, The Pilates Class. I am not going to lie it is intense but it felt so right and of course I wanted to learn more about Pilates so I got certified! Give me a few years and maybe I’ll even start teaching Pilates who knows!

Growing up in our culture and lifestyle we did not pay too much attention to what we ate and the exercise we did. So as an adult I had and have to relearn and train myself to make my health journey a lifestyle not just a diet. Some people can be like me and say they don’t like working out but you simply just haven’t found YOUR THING! It’s never too late to start your health journey. I truly think about how my body already feels just imagine when I am 45 or 65! We can truly make an impact now that will allow us to be more mobile when we age.

Eating in the Car! #PEACEFUL!

May 16, 2024

Okay I know eating in the car doesn’t seem that fun! Once you have children eating in the car while your little one is asleep is the BEST! After running some errands I went to Chop Salad in Glendale (great salads) and drove home with my 7 month old. We got home and she was asleep and I definitely did not want to disrupt her nap but I also wanted to eat in peace. So I parked and ate my salad while watching a movie in my car. She gave me just enough time to eat my salad and woke up right after. Thank You baby A!

When you become a mom, eating at times can be put on hold or you eat your food cold! NOPE! Not here! Even with my oldest and now my 7 month old, I make sure they are fed first or I do what they need me to do and then I sit down and enjoy my nice warm meal. My oldest (She’s 6 going on 14) she knows better than to disrupt me when I’m eating. She needs something, “YOU NEED TO WAIT UNTIL IM DONE!” Now if it’s an emergency then of course I’d stop eating. I need to remind my oldest most times cause that girl is always needing something or always wants momma to do it!

I promise I don’t neglect my kids! That is why I do everything they need to me do before I sit down and eat! So me eating in the car, was a win win for baby A and me! Let’s be honest, eating in the car can be pretty peaceful when you are Mom. Often times I also eat on the go because to me that is also peaceful eating.

Mommas we can’t neglect ourselves! Especially my single mommas out there I know it gets tough and stressful but taking time to ourselves helps fill our own cup even if that means eating and watching a movie in the car while your little one naps!

Cheers to eating in the car!

Sport Mom!

May 14, 2024

When Maliah was born, I remember I told myself I wanted a career that allowed me to take my daughter to practices and games! I always kept that in the back of my mind when looking for jobs and the hours they required. This was almost 7 years ago and here we are, attending Maliahs practices and games! This truly makes me happy seeing her play! It took a little encouragement to get her into sports but she loves it! We now have her in a rotation of sports that she enjoys that will allow her to play all year long. I mean the benefits of playing sports are amazing! Self confidence, discipline and teamwork to name a few. When I was a child, my mom tried to put into sports and ballet but I was a mommas girl and didn’t want to leave her side! She reminds me often that I would cry! Poor me, I probably had separation anxiety! YES that’s a thing! Children get separation anxiety and I truly believe I had that.

So seeing Maliah out there makes me truly happy! She enjoys it which makes me even happier and just to think the positive aspects playing sports will have in the long run!

One thing I truly enjoy is packing snacks for her team. Of course each parent signs upon for a weekend so that’s one thing I also look forward to. Let’s be real, these snacks they pack nowadays are all healthy! Where are all the GOOD STUFF at? Every weekend I see what parents would bring, so that way I get an idea what these kids eat. Sadly no regular chips, no regular candy and no regular juice. That definitely was a Debbie downer for me! But we made it work! Maliah enjoys the healthier snacks too and I can’t blame her! Those veggie chips are BOMB!

I feel like I am really living that Mom Life, now that I have two kids! And playing sports is a game changer! I actually wrote my thesis on the benefits of diversifying in sports as a child and picking YOUR sport when the child turned 8/9. The various motor skills, body fundamentals they can learn from different sports is beneficial to when your child picks his/her sport! So if you were thinking about putting your child in sports, this is your sign! They will truly appreciate you in the long run!

Now, let’s get to it! Here are 7 Tips to help you juggle Grad school and Mommy-hood

Follow