escaping my stereotype, my step by step guide to how I pulled it together

I have imagined this post numerous times in my head and each and every time I never get around to posting it. Do I fear backlash? I can't possibly as I don't have a slew of avid followers. Do I fear admitting that I was once a stereotype? I mustn't for that devalues all that I am. I have now faced fact , I have no reason not to post this...so here you have it. I was once a teenage mother...

Pregnancy at 18 is not exactly ideal but it is a fact of life and life must go on. I was not given the opportunity in my pregnant state to be on an ever popular TV show so I was not showered with fame or riches, I was however showered with dirty looks and awkward stares (not quite as lovely as I am sure you can imagine). I still may receive those looks when with babylove but I am no longer daunted by them because I am now quite happily a functioning member of society on a mission to greatness. The following is how I have become who I am today:

Coming to terms with reality: This was not an easy feat and I don't dare pretend it was. I had to face the music and the criticism of those around me. I was in fact having a child and I knew it would not be easy. I headed into this challenge with open eyes and open heart, if nothing else I knew I needed to have my heart in this to get through alive.

Getting an education: I did not allow the stares and snickers to keep me from attending school. I attended an outreach high school program where I was one girl in a class of twenty adolescent boys, all so worried I would deliver my child in class they ran to my rescue every time I sneezed. I could never thank those boys enough for setting up my desk each when my pregnant belly got in the way! I walked across my high school stage with pride, and headed straight into college. Dental was my career choice, 9-5 with benefits and stable pay? oh what a life I would lead! Though my venture into the world of cuspids and root canals did not last long as stable employment is hard to come by, I followed my passion and in the blink of an eye (or it seemed that way at least) I was graduated Social worker.

Finding a job: Now this was not an easy task, I have had many jaunts into employment throughout my life but none as interesting as after I had babylove. I was for a period of time in the dental field and by period of time I mean six months! I followed this closely by a horrible and horrendous stint working in a call centre. I was told where to go so many times in a day I reckon I could find my way to hell with my eyes closed! Thankfully I have now happily landed somewhere I never saw myself before (oddly now I cant imagine myself anywhere else) a full time Women's Advocate in a regional shelter. Social work is my true calling, as is being the centre assistant at a local non profit organization for education. Two jobs? this girl is on a roll.

Establishing my parenting style: Ive thought of this many times and never could decide what I may be labelled as when it comes to parenting, after all you're talking to a girl who has all in the span of her child's life had tattoo's, piercings, fire engine red bangs, dread locks and the occasional 'mom bob'. I now label my parenting style as "loving". I am open minded and always on the hunt. I research when I'm intrigued, ask doctors when I am unsure and converse with other mothers for new hints and tips.

Living life one day at a time: This is seems simple enough but it realistically this may be the hardest thing of all, realizing that I cannot control the future, cannot change the past and can only live in present day. Bills will be paid, groceries will be bought, bumps and bruises will happen and love will be had.

Every day in my life is a new adventure to finding out who I am, no longer a "teenage mother" and well on my way to "Brigette"