I used to think I had to speak up to belong.
For the introverted stepmom who feels overlooked in loud rooms—this post is a reflection on the power of deep listening, self-worth, and quiet connection.
Read MoreWhere do I start? Do I share how scared and disgusted I felt about the coup d’état, the invasion on the Capitol, a place that I came to respect no matter who controls it, in the name of democracy?
Do I share that I’m setting some strong boundaries in order to protect my mental and physical health so that I can continue to do the work I love?
Let me just say, that I’m not against Republicans or all in for Democrats. I have plenty of friends on both sides and we can talk and be civil with each other. I’ve worked with clients who have different beliefs than I do. We are able to respectfully disagree with each other. The key word here is RESPECTFULLY! There's so much more to us than politics.
What I’m setting boundaries around is spreading hate speech, encouraging hate crimes, creating and stocking divisiveness. The United States has gone into other countries in the name of Democracy and here we are, letting a few terribly misled people invade the very institution that talks about Democracy.
I came to this country and became an American Citizen because I believe in what this country stands for – not for what I saw yesterday on Capitol Hill. By saying nothing, I’m accepting what I saw and I can’t do this. I talk about setting strong and healthy boundaries and I would feel like a total hypocrite and fraud if I didn’t say anything.
Yesterday, I started blocking – yes blocking and not just unfriending, people who believed yesterday's act of domestic terrorism was a great move, even encouraging and praising the culprits. This is a deal breaker for me. No need for warnings, no second chances. In my life, this is deal breaker – pure and simple.
I love my work. And if you’ve taken the time to know me and talk with me, you know how passionate I am about helping the Stepfamily Community. That will never change.
I can’t stand here and keep quiet about the domestic terrorism I saw. And if my message doesn’t resonate with you, I’m OK with the idea that we part ways, respectfully. That’s what setting healthy boundaries means - being OK with letting go what isn't healthy and safe for me and others that I love and care for.
Now that I’ve shared where I stand, I’m ready to discuss and explore ways we can heal and unite our relationships, one STEP at a time.
Tags
beliefs, boundaries, integrity, taking a stand, values
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For the introverted stepmom who feels overlooked in loud rooms—this post is a reflection on the power of deep listening, self-worth, and quiet connection.
Read MoreMother’s Day can be an emotional rollercoaster for stepmoms. I still remember my very first one—hoping for a simple card, a small acknowledgment that I mattered. Instead, I got nothing. No mention, no nod, no recognition. And what stung the most? Someone else was acknowledged.
I didn’t speak up. I held back my feelings. And by the end of the day, I broke down in tears. My son, only a child, felt my sadness and acted out. Looking back, I realize I had placed expectations on people who barely knew me. I hadn’t yet found my place in the family, let alone earned the space to be celebrated.
Now, years later, I understand that Mother’s Day doesn’t have to fit into one mold. In this blog, I share what I’ve learned about honoring your role, setting boundaries, and creating celebrations that reflect you—not what others expect.
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