Over five years ago, when I plunged head first into the deep and unknown sea of single motherhood, I had no one to talk to. I know no one who were in the same boat at the time. Everything was foreign. Scary and sadly lacking support.
Then as life unfolds, I began to make friends with these ‘unseen’ forces of women who not only managed to survive divorce but thriving! It all started when I first got invited to attend the launching of single mom book back in 2012.
I met Mia, Atik and Budiana…
Fast forward to 2014, I mentioned the idea of creating a support group to Mia and Atik and Single Moms Indonesia was born on September 8, 2014. Within one year our little support group has grown to 65 members strong. Some member resides outside of Jakarta.
We have regular gatherings now. Friendships grow deeply and blossoms outside the world wide web. These women share their stories, their journeys, their battles and their victories openly in a safe environment where they will not be judge. Living in a country that still have negativity towards single moms it is comforting to know that there is a place where we do not fear of being judged, of being labeled. Most importantly to know that we are not alone…
These women came into the group from all walks of life. Yet they put all differences aside and lend each other virtual shoulders to lean on, to cry on and the bond grows thicker. We cheered for each other, allowing each other to cry if needs be but most off all, the most beautiful aspects of SMI is how these ladies go out of their ways to remind each other of what a wonderful perfectly created human being we truly are no matter how much adversities we must face.
Some of our members are still in very early stages of separations, pregnancy and even court proceedings. Thus, having a safe place where their privacy is highly guarded is something we pledged. And there are those who has ‘graduated’ and has come a long way in their journey of being a single mother, more matured and wisely sharing their own tips and encouraging words for those who are in early stages.
It took me over a week to be able to sit down and calmly write about SMI without getting too emotional.
Yes, our little group is only a year old. There are plenty of rooms for us to grow, to expand. We have a lot of things planned for.
To witness the growth of this group, to be part of the flourishing of souls…I couldn’t be more grateful. I am inspired daily! Truly, I am humbled to be amongst these women. Through their journey, I am learning too. Through their victories, I got an abundance of blissful feelings.
A year ago today, Single Moms Indonesia was created. Out of sheer longing to have a support group for Indonesian women. A group where the negative stigma is not found. Where single mothers by choice will not be judge. We wanted a safe haven.
We only just begun…
Happy 1st Anniversary Single Moms Indonesia
Women should support each other. Hope your group will grow as a place for single moms to move on comfortably for better future.
Happy first anniversary SMI. All the best:-)
glad that you are surrounded by the good hands..
I think its awesome to find something to connect over and I’m sure in Indonesia it can be difficult for the divorced mother. Having a support system I’m sure makes all the difference and it sounds like an awesome community of ladies has developed around it.
Maureen. I don’t even have kids yet, but that is an amazing initiative! I’m so glad that you have managed to find and helped to provide a support network for single mums. Happy anniversary and I truly hope that your group will be a long-lived.
Emotional is good. It just means your heart is in it. 🙂
That is so great that you created your own Mommy group! It’s so much better to have someone to talk to who truly understands what you’re going through.
it is always great to have a support team. i think its great that you created a mommy group.
Have a support network is so important!!