I didn't plan being a single mom but you have to deal with the cards you are dealt the best way you can - Tichina Arnold
Today, I am sharing the biggest challenge that I've been through for the past eight years and how to handle the responsibilities of being a single mom at the age of 22. This story dedicated to all single mom who are still hiding from real world. Beyond that, the hardest part have been the emotional battles and realizations that had to face.
At the first quarter of the year 2009 when my 4th year college of the Bachelor Degree of Civil Engineering, I had unexpected pregnancy. In the first place, I am not ready physically, financially and emotionally state. Too much expectations from the loved one pushed me to not tell anyone. Honestly I am desperate already that'swhy I did something which was against of a pregnant woman. I am person with full of dreams but what if the dreams you are aiming turns into fantasy. I decided to kept it until my womb was noticed by my sister. I received the acceptance and respect from my family except to my number supporter, my father. He hated me until he was mild heart attack in the middle of 2009. I was blame by so many and I really felt guilty to what I did.
Well, everything turns right when everybody give support and unconditionally love with me and my baby. Today, my father are in good conditions yet he can't walk straight like a normal person can do because of his left side body were numb. My daughter enrolled in a private school as a Grade 3 students. My top priority right now is my baby and my family to how I support them financially. I can't imagine myself on how I will survive that whirlwind in my life without my families and friends. For me it is a tough journey but need to be strong in every steps of the way. Please read the common problems encounter as a single mom.
Raising alone is very difficult
Being a mother is hard and it wasn't a subject I ever studied. Rubs Was
Then there is sinking guilt of raising my daughter without her father and exhausting of having to do it all. Being a single mom is pretty much as tough as its cracked up to be but, that doesn't mean I dont love it.
me and my daughter
When my daughter asks about his father
A very tough questions ( tougher than mathematics), I smiled at her and say positive things. Automatically told her the truth and reminded her that God is also his father since the beginning. I know this conversation will evolvef as the child grows older and more curious. This questions is normal as our child grow so plan ahead of time on how will you respond.
How to handle the criticism in the surroundings
The moment the baby born things dont get any better. There are forms to fill out, comments and judge mental from other people. Even the relatives see you as a broke woman because of single parenthood. How to cope this negativity? Being a positive person and the people unending support help me to ignore those painful words. Acceptance is the key in moving forward the things you didn't expect to happen. In God's time the people will fully understand the situation that I been through.
Dating and finding right guy
When you make decisions be considerate of your child feelings. Being a single mom it is hard to find true love. Why? Based on my experience and other stories told, men prefer to date single one because single mom are complicated. Is it right? Well, I still believe that everyone deserve to be happy and especially to all Single Mom. I can't wait for my happy endings and I know it's gonna happen soon. Who knows i can find here the right in 
Seeing all success stories and many more unfold before my eyes is proof that single parenthood is not only manageable, but an incredible gift that allow to shape the child into a powerful human brings. No matter what, you are always stronger than you think you are. You will be amazed at what you can do. Always on mind that Mom are almost superheroes because there are few things that others cannot do.
Thank you for your time reading my article of being a proud single mother.
I am grateful for all the support of my first travel blog https://steemit.com/steemph/@jonnahmatias1016/travel-blog-1-exploring-crocolandia-farm-in-cebu-philippines
To 
To my newly found friends 
My first post in 2018. Happy New Year.
love lots,
jonnahmatias2016
