Choosing myself. A journey of a single mom, immigrant, and artist

Burnout is a term that has become all too familiar in today's fast-paced world. But for some of us, burnout isn't just a word; it's a daily reality. This is my story, a journey filled with challenges, moments of doubt, and the ever-present drive to keep moving forward. Through it all, I've learned one vital lesson: I choose me.

Though I'm married and my husband and I are doing our best to maintain our relationship and family, I currently consider myself a single mom. My husband is still in Ukraine. We text every day and try to call every other day, but the significant time difference and frequent power outages make it quite challenging. I hold onto hope that he will come to Canada soon and we’ll have our "happily ever after," but the timeline is uncertain. We have been living like this for two years already… It saddens me deeply when I think about it, so I prefer not to and focus on the present, while visualizing a brighter future.

Being a single mom is a full-time job on its own. Add to that the pressures of navigating life in a new country, and it's easy to see how burnout can quickly set in. My days start early and end late, filled with tasks that never seem to stop. There's breakfast to be made, school runs, work, house chores, and squeeze in some time for my art. By the time I sit down to relax, I'm exhausted, both physically and mentally.

Art has always been my passion. It's what I turn to when I need to express myself, when words fail me. It's my escape, my therapy. But turning this passion into a side business has added another layer of complexity to my already hectic life. I often find myself questioning if it's all worth it, if I can really make this work.

In the midst of all this chaos, I realized something important: I wasn't taking care of myself. I was so focused on being the perfect mom, the perfect worker, and the perfect artist that I forgot about me. I was running on empty, and it was taking a toll on my health and happiness. That's when I decided it was time to make a change.

I chose me.

Choosing myself meant acknowledging my limits and understanding that it's okay to stop and rethink my path. I had to ask myself if what I was doing aligned with my wishes and goals. Was I pursuing my art because I loved it, or was I doing it out of a sense of obligation? Was my current approach sustainable, or was I heading for a breakdown?

It's okay to stop. It's okay to take a step back and reevaluate where you're going. In fact, it's essential. When you're constantly moving, it's easy to lose sight of your destination. Stopping allows you to catch your breath, reassess your goals, and make necessary adjustments. It doesn't mean you're giving up; it means you're making sure you're on the right path.

For me, this meant setting boundaries and prioritizing my time. I made time for self-care, whether it was a few minutes of meditation, a walk in the park, yoga practice or simply sitting quietly with a cup of coffee.

These small moments of peace help me recharge and refocus.

One of the hardest parts of being an immigrant is the feeling of isolation. You're in a new place, away from familiar faces and support systems. But I've learned that there is strength in community. Connecting with my neighbours, other moms in the neighbourhood, and especially artists has been a lifeline. We share our struggles, offer advice, and provide a shoulder to lean on. Knowing that I'm not alone in this journey has given me the strength to keep going.

Art has always been my sanctuary, and it continues to be my guiding light. Even on the toughest days, when everything seems to be falling apart, creating something beautiful gives me a sense of purpose and accomplishment. It's a reminder of why I started this journey in the first place.

Turning my art into a business has its challenges, but it's also incredibly rewarding. Every piece I create and sell is a testament to my perseverance and passion. It's proof that despite the obstacles, I'm still moving forward. And every time someone appreciates my work, it validates my efforts and fuels my determination.

This journey is far from easy, but it's mine. Every twist and turn, every setback, and every victory are part of my story. I've learned to embrace the journey, with all its ups and downs. I've learned to be kinder to myself, to celebrate my achievements, no matter how small, and to keep pushing forward while allowing myself to stop and recharge when needed.

Choosing myself hasn't been a one-time decision; it's a daily practice. It's about constantly checking in with myself, ensuring that what I'm doing aligns with my wishes and goals. It's about giving myself permission to rest, to change direction, and to prioritize my well-being.

As I continue this journey, I hold on to hope. Hope that my art will continue to grow, that I'll find balance, and that I'll inspire others to choose themselves too. It's not about having all the answers or being perfect. It's about being true to yourself, following your passions, and not being afraid to make changes when needed.

To all the single moms, immigrants, and artists out there, I want you to know that you're not alone. Your struggles are real, but so is your strength. It's okay to stop, to rethink, and to choose a path that truly aligns with your heart. Remember, you are enough, and you deserve to choose you.