Inspired by one woman’s journey from heartbreak to hope, and her mission to lift others along the way.

I met with Gail Showater last week to discuss the work she does to empower single mothers. She also shared her personal story, which was truly inspiring! (You have to read it to believe it. I’ve included a link to the podcast below.)

Gail’s story is one of heartbreak and resilience. She describes her divorce as having ‘nearly destroyed’ her. At the time, she was a young mom with three little children, aged 3, 4, and 5, when her life turned upside down. She said it came out of nowhere and completely devastated her.

When she shared this story with me, her voice softened: “I had three babies in three years. When it all fell apart, I didn’t know how to start again.”

Unfortunately, this story is all too common.  My experience was similar. In that moment, when you consider the immense strength it will take to build a new life for yourself and your family, the overwhelm is palpable.

But ultimately, Gail found her way through. And what was her secret? Her faith.

Somehow, in the middle of exhaustion and heartbreak, she was able to sit in stillness long enough to find the strength to take the next step.

iStock image of a young woman studying at home.

The First Leap: Returning to School Against All Odds

Gail boldly took her first step that led her to the University of Texas at Austin, three children in tow, determined to rebuild her life.

“I took the GRE, but my score wasn’t quite high enough,” she said. “Most people would’ve said, ‘Well, maybe this just isn’t meant to be.’ But I decided to show up anyway.”

She walked into the dean’s office, heart pounding, letter of recommendation in hand. The dean listened, stamped her papers, and said, “Welcome to UT.”

And just like that, a door opened.

This reflects what I think about often… We are constantly being guided. And sometimes just showing up and asking a question is all we need to do!.

When I asked Gail what lens she would recommend other women to look through to achieve their goals, and what works for her, she said it was the lens of inner confidence.

It’s looking in the mirror and believing in yourself.

The Miraculous Sequence of a Single Mother on a Mission

Her story unfolded like a divine choreography with one moment aligning perfectly with the next.

A childcare grant for “returning students” appeared, something she hadn’t even known existed.
A perfect daycare center welcomed her children, complete with a sunlit playground shaded by oak trees.

An affordable apartment opened up just days before her deposits were due.
And the shuttle bus stop? Half a block from her new home, dropping her off directly in front of the education building each morning.

“It was one little miracle after another,” she told me. “Each step I took in faith was met with grace.”

Another word that comes to mind is alignment.

You know that feeling when things seem to happen for us magically?  It’s extraordinary how Gail’s life unfolded, allowing her to move forward in the direction of her goals.

This reminds me of Gabby Bernstein’s The Universe Has Your Back. You just have to move forward in faith, trust, and believe that you are being protected and guided.

Have you experienced this before?

A Single Mother Who Turned Pain into Purpose

Years later, her story would come full circle. After earning her degree and remarrying, she began to notice a pattern among the women she met, especially those who were single mothers like she once was.

“The women who thrived,” she realized, “were the ones who’d found a way to finish their education. They could provide for their families. They had options.”

So she began helping others do the same.

What started as small community gatherings for single mothers eventually evolved into an organization that helps women complete their degrees and rebuild their lives—complete with mentoring, childcare support, and encouragement every step of the way.

She smiled as she recalled one graduation day:
“One of our moms walked across the stage, and her little boy stood up and yelled, ‘That’s my mama!’ as loud as he could. That’s when I knew—we’re not just helping one woman. We’re changing a generation.”

Gail’s Gentle Wisdom for Women Starting Over

When I asked what advice she gives to women in the early stages of rebuilding, her words were tender and grounded:

“Be gentle with yourself right now. Start small.  Then, as you start to dream again, do your research. Let your mind wander toward what might be possible. And before you move forward, take time to do an autopsy on your last relationship.”

Such wise words! How often do we power through to the next thing without giving ourselves a chance to understand what’s happened?

Gail’s advice is so helpful! We can slow down and allow the lessons to come through.

She Also Spoke About the Importance of Silence for Single Mothers

“Spend some time in solitude. God’s voice is often spoken in silence.”

Again, these words ring true. There is always time for us to listen inward. She spoke a lot about solitude. There is magic and power in it. Check out my podcast on that here.

Maybe this is one of the greatest gifts of being a single mom.

There’s a lot written about the difference between loneliness and solitude. Loneliness can be one of the most challenging emotions. And solitude can be deeply fulfilling. It’s lifting that veil and moving beyond the fear of being with yourself, or the habit of avoiding yourself, and letting yourself relax into the warmth and comfort of your own company.

If it’s possible to tap into solitude, I think that’s a life/game changer!

Listen to my podcast about loneliness versus solitude here.

I think that if you’re willing or courageous enough to sit in your own company, it’s possible to transform your pain and sadness into a deep understanding of what you truly want and where you dream of going.

These are not just survival tips. They are sacred steps in rebuilding confidence and self-trust.

Seeing Through the Lens of Faith

Listening to her, I was reminded that faith isn’t about waiting for proof. It’s about moving with trust. It’s the moment you say yes before knowing how everything will unfold.

I believe we must have an underlying faith that drives us to achieve what we truly deeply desire. We can somehow believe that things will all work out. And guess what? They often do!

How can you add more faith to your day-to-day life?

Wayne Dyer says, “You’ll believe it when you see it.”

From my own coaching lens, I see this as a key part of The New Lens Method™:
Faith becomes the bridge between who you were and who you are becoming.
When you take even the smallest aligned step, your inner and outer worlds begin to realign.
New possibilities appear. Support arrives. The path reveals itself, one step at a time.

My Thoughts and Reflections as a Long-Time Single Mother:

Another thing that Gail said throughout our conversation is that single mothers are sometimes viewed with judgment, and they need to be supported instead.

We need a reframe!

Maybe being a single mom is an extraordinary privilege, as it allows you to experience motherhood, which is the most fulfilling, challenging, and heart-bursting ride of a lifetime, while also having the freedom to grow and explore in unbounded ways.

You’re not tethered to a relationship, and you’re the most powerful person as a mother. So, although becoming a single mother isn’t something everyone plans for, if it happens to you, there are many ways to look at it.

It is an extraordinary journey, and in my case, it has forged a precious bond with my daughter. There is no mistake that if you find yourself there, you’re capable of not only surviving, but thriving.

So, taking Gail’s advice, take time to sit with yourself, care for yourself, and expand your world, whether that’s through education or self-improvement. This is worth your time and effort. And know that you are never alone.

There are so many resources in the world ready and willing to help you along your path. Just take the first step. You might be surprised at the yellow brick road right under your feet.

Learn more about Gail Cawley Showalter here.

You can also order her book here.

Learn about her charitable foundation, which supports education for single mothers, here.

Listen to the podcast here.

Coaching Corner for Single Mothers

If you’re in a season of rebuilding, after loss, change, or uncertainty, The New Lens Method™ is designed to help you rediscover your confidence, reconnect with your faith, and realign your vision with your highest self.
✨ Learn more about working with Tricia →