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 MoreAs we step into 2025, there’s something magical about the energy of a new year. It feels like a fresh slate, full of possibilities and opportunities to realign with what truly matters. Every January, I sit down with my journal and pour out my thoughts—what Bernard and I hope to achieve, where we’d like to go, and how we envision our lives unfolding.
What about you? What are your hopes for this year? What will you do differently from 2024? And how do you plan to turn those dreams into reality?
The ritual of goal-setting is familiar to many of us. We write down aspirations, make resolutions, and visualize the changes we want to see. But let’s be honest—life doesn’t always go according to plan. Sometimes, projects linger unfinished, and goals take longer to achieve than we anticipate.
Take our front walkway and drainage project, for example. It sat unfinished for three years. Bernard’s health challenges delayed progress, and finding someone willing to complete a half-finished job proved tricky. Then, one day, during a coffee run to Starbucks, we noticed a sign: “Handyman – Will do any job.” That small sign shifted everything. We found the right person, and within weeks, our long-standing project was complete.
Moments like these remind me that progress often comes from unexpected places. It’s not always about meticulous planning but about being open to opportunities as they arise.
One of our long-standing dreams—20 years in the making—was to RV across the US and Canada. This year, that dream is becoming reality. By the end of 2025, we hope to have visited all 48 continental states. It didn’t happen overnight. We started with short trips, planned routes during weekends, and slowly built up to longer adventures. Each step, no matter how small, brought us closer to realizing that vision.
When I first met Bernard 35 years ago, I envisioned big family gatherings filled with laughter, stories, and connection. But stepfamily life is rarely linear. We tried to emulate models of nuclear families, which didn’t fit our dynamic. Over time, we adjusted. Instead of striving for perfection, we aimed for one or two meaningful family gatherings a year. And those small wins added up. Now, we look forward to family moments with joy and ease, appreciating the journey that brought us here.
Success doesn’t always come in grand gestures. Sometimes, it’s the quiet, consistent effort that lays the foundation for a fulfilling life. Celebrating small victories—whether finishing a lingering project or enjoying a peaceful family dinner—keeps us moving forward.
So, what do you envision for 2025? What are the dreams tugging at your heart? I’d love to hear about your goals, whether they’re personal, professional, or somewhere in between. Feel free to leave a comment or send me a message. Sharing our dreams can be the first step in bringing them to life.
If you need a little guidance clarifying your goals or mapping out the steps, I’d love to help. I’m opening a few spots on my calendar for complimentary goal-setting sessions. Let’s work together to make 2025 a year of growth, connection, and joy—one STEP at a time.
Remember, even if your goals take longer than expected, they are still worth pursuing. The small steps you take today will lead to the big changes you dream of tomorrow. Don’t underestimate the power of persistence and belief in yourself.
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achieving dreams, dreams for 2025, family goals, goal setting 2025, life goals 2025, new year resolutions, personal growth 2025, small wins for success, stepfamily goals, Stepmom Coach blog, stepmom support, vision planning
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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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