Sheryl Simms

I've come to the conclusion that living your best life is the only way to go, especially when you find yourself, once again, without the full time responsibility of childrearing. Let's face it, it's the only life we know and once we're here, the crime is NOT to try to do things that make us happy.

I've been a single parent since my son was two. He has been my life. I have lived a totally selfless existence throughout his life, sacrificing career and social life. I enjoyed every minute of being a full on soccer mum and have absolutely no complaints. So much so that the moment he went away to university, it hit me hard. I suddenly realised that I now had only myself to focus on (at least until he came back for the holidays).

My time is my own. Yes, I still work as a teacher, but it's no longer a question of rushing home to cook dinner. Evenings and weekends are mine to do as I wish without any other obligations (well there is the odd bit of planning and marking). The challenge is, what do I fill the time previously taken up by motherhood?

First I have to find myself, once more. It's time to be totally selfish. It has taken a while but after a year of relative freedom to navel gaze and ponder my existence, I'm rediscovering a whole new way of living, and loving life.,