In this episode of Turn the Lens Inward, I share my journey with dating during a really challenging season of life as a single mom supporting a child through mental health struggles.

I open up about the relationships I chose, the red flags I ignored, and how my lack of emotional availability impacted what I attracted. Even though I wanted connection, I wasn’t truly ready for it—and that showed.

Over time, I learned the importance of timing, self-worth, and trusting my intuition. I ultimately chose to stop dating and focus on healing, being present for my daughter, and reconnecting with myself.

This episode is a reminder that being alone isn’t something to fear—it can be where the most growth happens.

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Episode Highlights: dating while healing, single mom dating journey, emotional availability in relationships, self worth in dating, intuition in relationships, unhealthy relationship patterns, dating after divorce, healing before relationships, choosing yourself first, personal growth and relationships, parenting and dating balance, learning from toxic relationships, being present in relationships

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What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• Why emotional availability matters more than desire when dating

• How your energy and circumstances impact the relationships you attract

• The importance of listening to your intuition early on

• How low self-worth can lead to unhealthy relationship dynamics

• Why timing is everything when it comes to love

• The power of choosing yourself and embracing solitude

• How stepping away from dating can lead to deep personal healing

• What it means to truly be ready for a healthy relationship
  

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⭐If this episode resonated with you, I invite you to subscribe and continue this journey with me. In future episodes, I’ll share personal reflections, practical tools, and conversations with other parents who are walking a similar path.

You don’t have to do this alone. Let’s turn the lens inward, together.

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Resources & Links Mentioned

Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/lisa_taylor_ellet/

Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/lisa.taylor.ellet/

Website | https://www.glowingconfidence.com/

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Chapters

00:00 Introduction: Let’s Talk About Dating

01:30 Dating as a Single Mom in Crisis

03:30 Emotional Availability & Energy in Relationships

05:00 Life After Divorce & Entering the Dating World

07:00 Red Flags & Letting the Wrong Person In

10:30 Struggles with Intimacy

12:30 Escaping Through Relationships

14:00 The Wake-Up Call: Lack of Support

16:00 Choosing Your Child Over Relationships

18:00 Dating Someone in the Same Situation

20:00 The Lesson: You Can’t Give What You Don’t Have

21:30 Choosing to Stop Dating

22:30 Learning to Love Being Alone

23:30 Rebuilding Self-Worth & Healing

24:00 Feeling Ready Again