I witnessed something amazing the other day. I walked into a salon for a pedicure and there sat five women visiting back and forth, leaning over their own toes to chat with the friend two chairs down. Their noise filled the entire salon. I couldn’t help but ask, “You gals look like you’re having a blast. What’s the occasion?” One girl blurted out, “Oh, we’re single moms giving ourselves a little bit of our own attention.” And almost in unison they all responded, “FOR A CHANGE!” And off they went engaging in the next conversation. I thought, “Oh, the value of self-care.” Maybe that’s why I was in there… not to mention my toes were yelling for a summer makeover.
What does self-care look like for you? You might be saying, “What’s that?” Or “Who has time for that? I’m working two jobs and raising four kids!” I get that! I know as a single mom you’re swamped 24/7! But if someone told you taking an out-of-town drive for a day and a half would rewire your energy, give you fresh enthusiasm, and clear your muddled single mom brain and greatly benefit your kids, would you do it?
Friend, I believe God brings people and organizations into our paths to strengthen us in our life journey. At Arise Ministries, we exist to empower single moms to not only create healthy homes but to create healthy mamas. I remember one day as a single mom sitting on my back porch crying, wishing someone knew the stress and aloneness I was feeling. I just needed someone to come alongside and rejuvenate that weary soul of mine. Maybe that memory is the catalyst that birthed not only Arise Ministries but our annual single mom THRIVE conference.
Due to COVID in 2020, we were not able to have the THRIVE gathering in person. However, publicizing the conference virtually taught us something. With over 4,000 moms joining us, our eyes were opened to the vast array of single moms out there that were hungry for entertainment, encouragement, and insight into how to parent well. Therefore, this summer we’re doing something very exciting for the first time! THRIVE will be both “in person” in Oklahoma City and “virtually” for moms in other parts of the country and world who want to up their game in the single mom arena.
Mom – listen up. Self-care is one of the greatest things you can give yourself! It’s actually not self-indulgent. If you want to nurture your own kids, you need to nurture yourself first. You can’t model well from an empty bucket. So I invite you to set time aside and either come in person or plan to attend virtually on June 11-12 for this day and a half event. Yes, bring a friend or better yet, host a watch party at your place. It’s time for laughter, comradery, door prizes and encouragement from God’s Word. Bottom line is this. Fill your tank because you deserve it. Give yourself the gift of THRIVE and rediscover the truth that’s always been there – YOU’RE AWESOME!
So don’t miss it. Just don’t miss it. Yes! Get out your pencil and put yourself at the top of your “to do” list and register now. You’re worth it. We’re waiting for you!
Get all the details and register at arisesinglemoms.com/thrive.
About Pam Kanaly
Aloha! I’m Pam Kanaly, President and co-founder of Arise Ministries. But actually, I think Arise found me wanting to bless single moms years ago. Ministry was never on my mind as a kid. All I wanted to be was a hula dancer. So Mother enrolled me in the tiny tots’ class. Guess God knew I’d have two grandbabies born in Hawaii. I love the great outdoors. You might even find me spending time with my husband grizzly bear watching or camping. In fact, it was on a turkey hunt that God gave me the name Arise Ministries in 2002. I suppose it’s a good thing that I majored in Grammar in college since I love to write words of encouragement to single moms.