RJ Freeman/Mama Becs - Part II

PART II:

“I’m what I call ‘the unchosen person,’” I often tell people with a bit of a smile. “So, I decided to choose myself. Nobody else may ever choose me, but that’s okay. You just have to make that decision for yourself. It’s not even personal - it’s just something that happens.” That’s been a big part of my journey - learning to embrace who I am without waiting for permission or validation.

I tutor academic writing, and if I had to choose a writing task, I’d rather do that. People sometimes expect me to be creative, but I’m not in that space. Academic writing is transactional, it’s about being correct, not being chosen. That’s comforting to me. Creativity feels riskier, like you’re waiting for someone to say you’re good enough... and with me, they never do.

When it comes to pets, I call myself “bi-petual.” I’ve loved both cats and dogs, but these days, it’s cats for me. My dad recently got one, and they’re easier to manage. There are good and bad days in my  situation, and while I can walk dogs, I can't do so consistently enough to give a dog what they need.

Why the name RJ? I go by RJ Freeman on Facebook. I just wanted a little privacy. I didn’t want people knowing everything I was up to. But Rebecca is fine, Becs is fine, and Mama Becs is what most people call me now.

One thing I’m passionate about is raising awareness for single, childless people. Society underestimates us. There’s a fantastic page called the No Kin Collective that’s all our rights, and how to thrive as a single person. It reminds us that we’re not alone and that we have value.

 There are several internationally recognised singles' days, including November 11th and February 15th. Pick at least one of them and tape it to your fridge! These represent a time to celebrate ourselves and remind the world that single people are strong, capable, and worthy of recognition.

I hope that by choosing myself, I can inspire others to do the same. We’re all part of this community, and we all have something to give.

🌟 Thanks for reading! Follow along for more stories from our incredible Palmerston North community.📌 Check out the No Kin Collective here: No Kin Collective