MentalHealthAwarenessMonth, the Step-Person I Chose To Be. Let’s speak to a reality that’s rarely addressed. When I married the love of my life, I also became…
A step-person.
I’m not saying stepmom, because that kind of word — mom — doesn’t apply here.
As a step-person, I see and hear everything around the blended family dynamics, even the emotional history that isn’t mine.
And yet… I have no word to say.
It’s ungrateful. And frustrating sometimes.
So for my own sanity, I’ve learnt to disengage.
I’ve found an approach (ask me if you’re curious) to help me find peace, boundaries, and clarity.
I have learnt to protect myself.
I have learnt to love and to give, but only from joy and overflow.
I’ve learnt to expect nothing.
And I’ve made it a priority for my husband to spend time alone with his daughters.
Just them, without me.
Because I know from my own life, what it means when that time disappears.
I had a stepmom for 25 years — one person who loved my father more than herself, and did everything to make him hers, only.
Then having alone time with my dad became as rare as thin air.
So I’ve made it a priority, from the very start,
for my husband and his daughters to have that space.
Whether they choose to value it or not, that’s up to them.
They have a choice.
I didn’t choose the history of this blended family.
But I did choose my husband.
And I would choose him again, every day.
My mental health as a step person includes having clear boundaries, accepting a situation I can’t control, and focusing on the essential: the love and the peace in my heart.
I am a fulfilled woman and wife, and I am grateful for all the learnings and the growth.
❓ How many of you here are step-people, quietly carrying the emotional weight, without ever speaking about your mental health?
Let’s bring light and compassion to a situation that touches so many.
SelfLeadership StepParents BlendedFamily Lifecoaching
Clearboundaries Mentalhealth MentalHealthAwarenessMonth
A step-person.
I’m not saying stepmom, because that kind of word — mom — doesn’t apply here.
As a step-person, I see and hear everything around the blended family dynamics, even the emotional history that isn’t mine.
And yet… I have no word to say.
It’s ungrateful. And frustrating sometimes.
So for my own sanity, I’ve learnt to disengage.
I’ve found an approach (ask me if you’re curious) to help me find peace, boundaries, and clarity.
I have learnt to protect myself.
I have learnt to love and to give, but only from joy and overflow.
I’ve learnt to expect nothing.
And I’ve made it a priority for my husband to spend time alone with his daughters.
Just them, without me.
Because I know from my own life, what it means when that time disappears.
I had a stepmom for 25 years — one person who loved my father more than herself, and did everything to make him hers, only.
Then having alone time with my dad became as rare as thin air.
So I’ve made it a priority, from the very start,
for my husband and his daughters to have that space.
Whether they choose to value it or not, that’s up to them.
They have a choice.
I didn’t choose the history of this blended family.
But I did choose my husband.
And I would choose him again, every day.
My mental health as a step person includes having clear boundaries, accepting a situation I can’t control, and focusing on the essential: the love and the peace in my heart.
I am a fulfilled woman and wife, and I am grateful for all the learnings and the growth.
❓ How many of you here are step-people, quietly carrying the emotional weight, without ever speaking about your mental health?
Let’s bring light and compassion to a situation that touches so many.
SelfLeadership StepParents BlendedFamily Lifecoaching
Clearboundaries Mentalhealth MentalHealthAwarenessMonth
