The September Momma of the Month, Alanah L. Melton has learned that things in life work out exactly the way they’re supposed to.
Tell me about yourself.
My name is Alanah Latrice Melton. I am 37 years old. I was born and raised in Birmingham, Alabama. I have lived here most of my life—with the exception of the four years spent away in school (Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia).
I have served in the City of Birmingham Mayor’s Office Division of Youth Services for the past 15 years, currently as the operations administrator. Over the past two years, I have launched my own company, Soirée Event Planning Team. This allows me an opportunity to help others make their dreams come true—from event planning to development and cooperate fundraising. I absolute love it.
What do you want your son to learn from your life?
Wow, there is so much I would want him to learn from life…I’m not sure where to start. First, I think I would want to learn not to worry. I’ve learned the life tends to work out “exactly like it’s supposed to.” We get so worked up, bogged down by things that don’t really matter in the big scheme of things. I would hope my son learns to just breathe, focus, and take life as it comes. I hope he lives in the moments and enjoys his life to the fullest.
I would hope that he learns the importance of forming solid relationships and that life is a series of second chances. I honestly believe that making the right connections, combined with having “bouncebackability” when life knocks you down is a formula for success.
Lastly, I hope he learns at an early age, what it took me a long time to truly comprehend. At the end of the day the most important things we could ever do is love Jesus and His people…well! All of the other things I mentioned become so easy to do when we focus on our faith and serving others. Life has taught me when you do those things with a sincere heart and without selfish intentions, you do not mind reaping what you have sown.
What are the best and worst things about living in Birmingham?
Comfort is both the best and worst thing about Birmingham for me. I love my city! It feels like home, like I’m supposed to be here. That’s why when I travel I’m always in a rush to return, to get back home. I’m comfortable here, like a favorite t-shirt and worn jeans or like a hearty meal. The down side, however, to becoming comfortable is that familiarity tends to breed contempt—-we become stagnant, and we do not grow. My son has really forced me to stretch. He has taught me to really appreciate the support that comes with being at home around friends and family. But he also keeps me on my toes, so I’m forced to expand my horizon and move beyond my “comfort zone.”
If you could change one thing about Birmingham, what would it be and why?
I don’t think I would change a thing. I see Birmingham like I see my own life—things are exactly the way the should be. Birmingham is growing steadily. Most of my family is here. I love to work, play, and eat here. All is well. It’s not perfect—nothing is—but at this point in my life it is perfect for me.
What is your proudest mom moment?
There have been so many. My most recent one came about two weeks ago. I was on a prayer call at 5 a.m. with some friends. I called myself sneaking off to a quiet place—I did not turn on any lights, and I never spoke above a whisper as to not wake my son. When the call was over, I’m heading down the hall, and there was my son waiting patiently. He simply said, “Mommy, I gotta learn to pray like that one day.” He went back to bed, and I just stood there for a while…speechless.
What is your proudest personal moment?
Losing over 100 pounds. It’s funny because when I tell my age I often say I’m 37 but I feel 27 (so not quite 30 but almost). Losing the weight significantly changed my quality of life. I’m now open to trying things I never would have tried a few years ago. Now if I could only find the motivation to lose about 60 more….
What advice do you have for single mommas juggling a career with raising kids?
At the risk of over-simplifying I’d say, “Just do it.” Focus on being a mom and doing it well. Being a mom is a calling, and being single is not a curse. For many single moms, it is just a season. Our jobs, just like every mom, is to unselfishly love, nurture, and support these tiny little humans with whom God has entrusted us. To lead them and guide them into becoming productive, well-rounded, whole human beings. I am just naive enough to believe that “When we do right, right follows.” So lace up your boot straps, keep the faith, and stay the course. Things will work out…exactly how they are supposed to.
What’s next for Alanah L. Melton?
Travel. My son and I have recently been bitten by the travel bug. Fortunately, he makes an awesome travel companion, so earning some frequent flyer miles is definitely in the cards in the near future.
