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 MoreThis is the last day, of the first month, of the new year. Incredible how fast time goes by. I feel like I've not done much, yet I know that is not true. A lot has changed in the last 30 days, more than I ever imagined. My goal is to document those changes as they come.
Why am I doing this? I've recently been inspired by a few people who've shared their stories in hopes of inspiring and motivating others. That is what I'm all about - Hope, Inspiration, and Motivation.
Too often, we hear negativity all around us; in the news, on social media, at the office, at home. Wouldn't it be nice for a change to read more inspiring stories that can help move you from struggling to surviving and then from Surviving to THRIVING?
This is a year of change for myself and my family. And as we go through these changes, I'm hoping to help and inspire you, to see the value that comes from embracing the changes we all inevitably go through. I'm not planning on oversharing, as I don't believe this is the proper place for it, but I do want to share part of the marvelous journey that is unfolding for my family and me.
I'm all about building connections. I love talking about effective communication, dealing with conflict, and building stronger and healthier relationships. Does that mean I have it all together? Absolutely not. But I can tell you that I've come a long way since I first became a stepmom, 30 plus years ago. I want to share ideas that I've used in my relationships, making us all better, stronger, and healthier as individuals and as a family.
If you have felt inspired by my posts, go ahead and share them. Let me know what has helped you and in what way. You never know who might have needed those words of wisdom.
Talk with you soon.
Tags
building relationships, communication, conflict, dealing with conflict, Holidays, relationships, resolutions, struggling
The original content you just enjoyed is copyright protected by The Stepmom Coach—aka Claudette Chenevert—who proudly offers information, tips, products and other resources for building better relationships “one STEP at a time” via 1:1 coaching, self-guided coursework and more. Suitability is to be determined by individual users based on their own concerns and circumstances, as The Stepmom Coach does not endorse and is not liable for opinions expressed by third parties (i.e., advertisers, affiliates, audience members, clients).
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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