Why Artist And MMA Expert Neeru Soni Never Let Divorce Define Her

Neeru Soni became a mother at 20, and while it was a precious phase, her life turned upside down when she became a single mother five years later. Did she let this defy her? No. Instead, she surged ahead and carved a path that speaks volumes about her courage and enthusiasm for life.

In conversation with SheThePeople, Neeru Soni talks about her life as a single mother, how she turned challenges into opportunities, mastering different trades, and why not giving up was the best option she chose to live life by.

Neeru Soni Story

‘How will I do this?’ This question kept whirling in my mind at the age of 25 when I became a single mother of a 5-year-old son. As a single mother, praying eyes became my routine. Writhing with fear and anxiety, I was completely lost in life, with no educational degree, zero self-confidence, and absolutely no sense of direction. But one thing I knew for sure, there is no hopeless situation.

I come from a Rajasthani traditional family where girls are married quite early, and so was I. Being a topper at school and an all-rounder had little to do with my age to get married. I was married at 19.

At 20, I gave birth to my son. Things were going normally, and it was a time of learning motherhood and unconditional love at a very young age.

After a few years, when my son turned 5, we decided to separate, and I became a single mother at 25. I travelled back to my parents, and they took care of everything, every responsibility of mine and my son.

My family was my biggest support system when I came back at 25 with my son. I spent the complete 5 years (25-30 yrs old) at home with my son because he was my highest priority. Soon, I opted to finish my bachelor's at a correspondence college!

When my son turned 10 years old and I was 30, I decided to start my professional journey and went to NIFT for a master's degree so that I could secure a job for myself and have financial stability. Times were challenging, I remember how every day I would drop him off at school on my way to my college to study. And this is how our bond became even stronger. I started learning classical music, and meditation became my solace.

At 35, after completing my degree, I finally became financially independent. Throughout my struggles, my son has been my biggest blessing. We have grown up with each other.

I decided that I would not allow my life circumstances or any other person to define who I am. Yes, this journey was tough, so tough at times that I wanted to give up, but I kept going for myself!

Today, he is all grown up and an independent 20-year-old boy, and we are equally proud of each other in this journey called life!”

Narrated by Neeru Soni. Written and edited by Misha, Team SheThePeople

Suggestion reading: How A Second Chance To Love Empowered Domestic Violence Survivor Indu Gopal