If you’ve found yourself starting 2026 feeling exhausted, stretched thin, or even wondering how you’re going to make it through another year as a single mum, you’re not alone, my friend. Surviving takes a lot of strength. But here’s the truth: surviving doesn’t have to be your final destination. If you feel like you’ve been surviving for way too long, and just gripping on by the tips of your fingernails (which is how it’s always going to be at times), maybe this year can be the year you start to shift from just “getting by” to actually thriving.
Thriving doesn’t mean everything is perfect. It means you’re building a life where you feel more grounded, more confident, and more in control – even when challenges show up (hello ex!). Here’s your roadmap to move from survival mode to thriving in 2026.
Step 1: Accept Where You Are
Survival mode isn’t failure; it’s where we usually have to stay for a while. Single mum life is not an easy gig. Accepting that and being gentle with ourselves is key (and usually missed). Instead, we usually want to resist the situation and are extremely hard on ourselves. But thriving starts with compassion for yourself, not criticism. Acknowledge how far you’ve come and give yourself credit, lady! One day, you’ll look back on these days and be in awe of yourself. Trust me!
Step 2: Get Clear on What You Need Right Now
In survival mode, everything feels urgent. We feel rushed and even panicked at times. Thriving begins when you identify your real needs: rest, financial stability, community support, or clarity about co-parenting. Write them down – clarity creates focus.
Step 3: Build Simple, Repeatable Routines
Thriving doesn’t come from doing more. It comes from doing the small, sustainable things that give you energy. Think: a consistent bedtime for your kids, a weekly money check-in, a non-negotiable coffee with a friend, new bedtime routines, meal planning, daily to-do lists… If you’re a new single mum, you’ll quickly learn that being organised is not optional; it’s essential for us to live a less stressful day-to-day.
Step 4: Prioritise Your Emotional Well-being
Stress and resentment will keep you stuck in survival mode. Thriving isn’t a quick fix. It’s small daily things that added together make a huge difference (which is exactly what I teach inside Thrive Tribe). Thriving means making space for practices that help you regulate your emotions, such as journaling, mindfulness, nervous system regulation, coaching, or therapy. These aren’t luxuries; they’re survival tools!
Step 5: Reimagine Your Future
Thriving means lifting your eyes from the day-to-day grind and looking forward. What do you want your life to feel like at the end of 2026? Write down your vision and goals, even if they feel unrealistic. They’re your compass, and they’re going to give you some forward momentum in the direction you want to go. They’ll also help you to take the focus off things you can’t control – such as the actions of your ex.
Step 6: Take the Next Brave Step
You don’t have to leap straight from surviving to thriving overnight. Pick one step you can take this month that gets you closer to the life you want. Maybe setting a boundary with your ex, or booking that coaching session you’ve been putting off.
Your 2026 roadmap isn’t about being perfect; it’s about progress. Surviving proves your strength. Thriving is about reclaiming your joy, your energy, and your future. And it starts with one small, brave choice at a time.
P.S. DID YOU KNOW?
Thrive Tribe – the global membership experience for single mothers – will be opening again very soon! Join the waitlist here.
PLUS You can book one-on-one coaching with Julia Hasche from wherever you are in the world!
- Do you need clarity on whether you should leave your partner or not?
- Have you just parted ways with your partner, and feeling lost?
- Have you been single for a little while now and need assistance with getting your life back on track and feeling empowered?
Click HERE to read about coaching and to hear from some others who have gone through coaching programs with Julia, and book in here for your 30-minute complimentary Clarity Call.
The purpose of the Clarity Call is:
- For me to get to know you and understand an overview of your current situation and where you are at.
- For us to establish what you need assistance with to move forward.
- To see if we are both comfortable working together.
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