Detroit hustles harder—everyone knows that. If not, they better recognize! Sure, Detroit has had its fair share of hard knocks, but the struggle is only part of the story.
Every setback has made Detroit stronger. Each hardship empowers Detroit to work harder. Every obstacle is seen as a new opportunity, and there is no challenge Detroit can’t conquer. Even when the rest of the world turned its back on Detroit and deemed it a failure, the city was too busy rebuilding and reinventing itself to notice.
Detroit hustles harder is more than just a phrase, it’s an attitude. And, I see a lot of those same characteristics in young moms.
News flash! We’re a lot stronger than society thinks.
Unlike the poor, dejected picture society paints of the stereotypical uneducated, impoverished, government-dependent young mother predestined for a life of despair, young moms are actually some of the most successful, hardworking women I know. Take a moment to read some of these amazing young mom stories and you’ll quickly understand why.
Unlike other moms who planned their pregnancy, or conceived children after establishing their careers, the majority of young moms don’t have peace of mind when it comes to job security and financial stability upon entering parenthood. We’re starting from ground zero. But that’s okay. As Sharon Jaynes says, “Successful mothers are not the ones who have never struggled, they are the ones that never give up despite their struggles.”
The struggle is definitely real, but we’re stronger for it.
For those of you who have experienced the exhaustion that comes with being pregnant and caring for the needs of a newborn, you know how hard it can be to get out of bed and function on a daily basis while trying to handle morning sickness, overcome your lack of energy and muscle through the aches and pains, let alone handle the stress of everyday life.
On top of the typical challenges that come with being pregnant and raising a child, we’re faced with an even bigger set of challenges. While we’re getting acclimated to the hormonal changes of pregnancy and balancing life as a new mom, we’re busy going to school, building a career…and our bank account.
Let me tell you, that’s no easy task. But, it’s not impossible either.
I know, because I’ve been there.
At the age of 21, an unplanned pregnancy changed my life forever. Despite what the statistics said, I refused to let the label of being a “young mom” hold me back. I was willing to do whatever it took to succeed.
After graduating college (two days before I gave birth to my daughter), I went on to land my dream job and have since earned two promotions at one of Michigan’s leading integrated PR firms (all under the age of 25). True story!
We are #YoungMomStrong and this is the story of our journey!
If there’s one common theme I’ve noticed after connecting with young moms across the country, it’s that we persevere no matter what life throws our way. Our children are our why—they motivate us to do more than we thought was humanly possible. We go hard everyday (even when we have nothing left to give) so we can build a better life for our children and ourselves. We’re driven by our purpose and are determined to succeed.
Like the city of Detroit, we’re proving that with a little bit of grit, hard work and perseverance, anyone can emerge from the struggle of their current situation to build a brighter future.
To all the young moms reading this, I want you to know what feels like the end is often the beginning. Don’t ever use the excuse of having children at a young age as an excuse! Sometimes the wrong choices bring us to the right places. If you have faith in yourself and the endurance to persevere you can achieve anything you set your mind to. What have you got to lose?
Let’s break the cycle of discrimination young moms face!
As the voice of young moms in Metro Detroit, I’m here to prove that being a young mom doesn’t limit or define you. Let’s join forces and break the cycle of judgment and discrimination young mothers face! There’s no better place to start than right here in Detroit.
If you’re a young mom, I’d love to connect! What’s your story? Send me an email, head over to my blog, or stay in touch with me on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.
ROCK ON! Could not have said any better myself!
I have to say that young mothers…especially young single mothers are often the most resilient people you will meet. Never underestimate any mother.
Yes, let’s break the cycle of discrimination!
This is an excellent article. I love when people set goals and accomplish them. Balance is a hard thing to conquer.
Love this, I love your #youngmomstrong series, it’s great to see people taking what life has given them and not giving up. This reminds me of one of my favorite quotes/songs
“The pressure makes us stronger. The struggle makes us hunger. The hard lessons make the difference. And the difference makes it worth it”
I love this, while I wasn’t a “young mom” I certainly fall into some other stereotypes. I have two kids and I’m not married. No body cares that they are by the same person. Or that this person and I have been together for 11.5 years. Society says you should be married.
I say society SHOULD mind their biz, what works for me works for me. I’m not forcing my life on anyone else so they shouldn’t try and force their life on me.
Strong is strong period!
Love this. 🙂