Markika, Empowering Solo Moms Everywhere

Calling All Solo Moms! Founder of Empowering Solo Moms Everywhere, Dr. Marika Lindholm

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Practice self-care through mindfulness. Love yourself, forgive yourself, say “no” to the things your gut is telling you not to do. Each time you practice self-care and self-love, you feel better, you will be a better person, and things will over flow [so you can help others].

Our next guest is Dr. Marika Lindholm. Marika has her PhD in Sociology and is the founder of Empowering Solo Moms Everywhere. ESME, as described on their website is: “a social platform dedicated to Solo Moms who face the challenge of solo parenting in a society that provides little help or guidance. Mothers on their own, whether by choice or circumstance, parent approximately 22 million American children. Moving beyond stereotypes, ESME offers Solo Moms inspiration, resources, allies, opportunities for creative expression, and some laughs along the way. ESME empowers a broad demographic of women who, despite differences in age, race, culture, and the route to single motherhood, are bound together in a conscious coalition that is strong, proud and dedicated to their children.” The page has been mentioned in many media outlets including NBC News, The Chicago Tribune, and many others.

In this conversation, we first learn a little bit about Swedish culture and it’s comparisons to the United States (as Marika’s family is from Sweden). We then delve into how Marika developed ESME, her journey developing the website and community, and some of the inspiring examples and transformations that have come from developing the page. We finish with general questions including who inspires Marika, a book that was very impactful for her (When Breath Becomes Air), and a tip she would like to leave with the listeners.

Highlights from the interview

Why ESME: Marika has a PhD in Sociology. After facing a great deal of struggle, being a solo mother and dealing with a medical illness, she realized she lacked the support she needed. She applied her knowledge in research and focus groups to develop Empowering Solo Moms Everywhere (ESME). ESME is a space where solo mothers can connect to a community and find useful information to empower their lives.

A Tip for the listeners: Practice self-care through mindfulness.Love yourself, forgive yourself, say “no” to the things your gut is telling you not to do. Each time you practice self-care and self-love, you feel better, you will be a better person, and things will overflow [so you can help others].

Why The Happy Doc Loves Marika and ESME: Marika has developed a community that helps provide connection and community for solo mothers everywhere. Marika took her own struggle and through her experience, she created something to help the masses. Not only is the page a great space for resources and education, but it literally connects moms together not only digitally but in person. Marika is an inspiration for the masses.

Calling all solo mom health professionals!

Are you a solo mom who also practices as a health professional? We would love to hear from you! Please send us a message to The Happy Doc Facebook page, twitter, or e-mail thehappydoc1@gmail.com with your questions for Marika. What are your struggles, what do you wish you had more information on? Please let us know! Interested in connecting with ESME? Please check out Esme.com and click on the “Join our single mom community” link.

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