About Woman in Progress
A community and a database of empathetic, experienced service providers ready to help Melbourne single mums swap feeling overwhelmed for being in control.
5 Things a Woman in Progress tells herself (and the world) ...
About Rita Montalto
Founder, Woman in Progress Community
Life can go awry at any point.
That point arrived for me when my partner was diagnosed with Huntington's Disease (HD). HD switches off the neurons in your brain.
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Its speed and progress vary, but the outcome is the same. Permanent Vegetative State.
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John fought hard to help support his family. But finally, his condition deteriorated until he just wasn't him anymore. He needed to move into full-time care.
I found myself alone with two small kids and a mortgage
I was completely out of sorts. I lacked any kind of agency or control over anything.
To be honest, plenty of women do it harder than me. But I'm sharing my story to let you know that no matter your circumstances, you can take control of your life, but it all starts with you.
I found full-time work
My salary just about covers our bills, but it's a stretch.
Like a thousand other single mums, I had days when there was no money for petrol or topping up my travel card. Cue leaving home at 5 am to walk to my job in the city.
I could have borrowed money from friends or family. But I didn't want to burden people with my problems. In fact, I didn't want to speak to anyone about this.
In my mind, I got myself into this mess, and I needed to get myself out of it. I just had to deal with it!
I got fed up and angry (in a good way)
I was tired of watching people around me living what looked like the 'high life' or at least a life with petrol in their tanks. I worked hard; I'm a good human. It felt unfair and wrong.
I got angry in that healthy, motivating way that makes you think, 'Enough already,' I need to do something about how I'm living, and most importantly, I need to work on me.
I decided that my circumstances would not control me anymore. I would control them.
I started with my mindset. I lent my ears to a podcast called QOD every day. I read books on self-development, finance, and confidence.
I started running again
And this is my feel-good medication.
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I'm not yet at the point where I can afford a gym membership. So, I found workouts on YouTube. Don't imagine me as a picture of health with an incredible figure (believe me, I am not.)
Runs and living room workouts make me happy and give me comfort and confidence. I know that I am looking after myself on my terms.
NOTE: Please don't start an exercise routine or take medication without speaking to your doctor.
I began to push 'pause' and be kind to myself
Life is crazy busy - a 'situation normal' for single mums. But doing fierce self-care, in all its forms, is a core commitment for a Woman in Progress.
So besides being a regular runner and a sometimes squash player, two high-energy activities that bring my body and mind together, I'm mindful of taking quiet 'switch off' moments wherever I find them.
Finally, I'm a fan of a perfectly made G&T.
I found a financial advisor
They've helped me get my superannuation and life insurance in order.
If anything happens to me, my children will be OK. Getting that sorted took a load off my mind.
I'm more conscious about budgeting and knowing which monthly bills I'll pay.
If I have money left over, I buy shares. I have a great contact who will say 'Yes' or 'No' to the shares I'm considering. The amounts don't matter. Some months I can invest $100, sometimes a bit more. It all adds up, and that, ladies….. is progress, tiny incremental steps for which 'Future You' will be grateful.
I launched this community
“The most difficult thing is the decision to act. The rest is merely tenacity. You can do anything you decide to do. You can act to change and control your life, and the procedure, the process is its own reward.”
Amelia Earhart
Pioneer Aviator
Woman in Progress, an empowerment community.
It's a place to help you get power over money, work, and well-being. But only if you really want it.
Because control comes with hard work, determination, and persistence. But I promise the payoff is worth it because you are.