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Continue reading →: A Stepmom’s Grief Series: Stages 6 & 7 – Testing & AcceptanceGoing through the fifth stage of grief—Depression—can become so dark that eventually you feel the need to change something, anything, just to get out of it somehow. For me, that meant sitting in my despair night after night, usually after emotionally drinking a bottle of wine and/or emotionally eating, feeling…
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Continue reading →: A Stepmom’s Grief Series: Stages 5 – DepressionAfter progressing through initial stages of grief, many stepmoms may experience profound depression, described as a “Black Hole” that consumes energy and joy. Symptoms can be physical, emotional, cognitive, and behavioral, leading to a sense of lost identity. However, hope exists in acceptance and seeking help is vital for recovery.
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Continue reading →: A Stepmom’s Grief Series: Stages 3 & 4 – Anger and BargainingBecoming a stepmom can be overwhelming and painful, often triggering feelings of anger and denial. The author reflects on challenging emotions experienced during the grieving process tied to their new family dynamics. Despite struggles and shame, there is hope for healing and self-forgiveness through perseverance and self-compassion.
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Continue reading →: Stepmom Grief Series: Stage 1 & 2 – Shock & DenialThis reflection details the emotional journey of becoming a stepmom and second wife, highlighting the unexpected challenges faced during the transition. Despite initial joy and careful planning, the author experienced intense grief and confusion as realities diverged from expectations. Ultimately, the piece emphasizes hope for improvement through support and time.
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Continue reading →: Second Wife Series: When Exes BashMy divorce with my ex was difficult and contentious, no doubt. But no matter how angry I was, how deeply I was hurt, or how bitter I felt, I had one rule: never bash him on social media or in front of the kids. For more than 10 years, I’ve…
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Continue reading →: Second Wife Series: Jealousy is a BitchJealousy is irrational, I know—but every Second Wife feels it at some point. So why be jealous? I mean, I got the guy in the end, right? He chose me, he loves me, we go to bed together and cuddle every night, and he married me. Yet, that damn green-eyed…
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Continue reading →: Happy Stepfamily Day! (Or Not?)Can you believe National Stepfamily Day was established 27 years ago? I know, it can be hard to think about celebrating a holiday that honors stepfamilies when you’re just trying to get through the day without losing it. I’ve been there (and sometimes, I still have those days). For me,…
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Continue reading →: Exorcising My Writing DemonsThere is nothing to writing. All you do is sit down at a typewriter and bleed.~Ernest Hemingway Launching a blog with a post as to why I am blogging in the first place and an “About Me” page is one thing; but realizing that I have now committed to the…
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Continue reading →: I Can’t Escape Being a Millennial…So, Welcome to My BlogOnce upon a time there was a girl who recalls the good ol’ days of high school when it came to things like dial-up, AOL, yahoo, chat rooms, Facebook, and Ask Jeeves. It opened the world to us with just a few clicks. Skip many years later and we have…
Hello,
I’m Lynn!
Step parenting and blended families are rarely simple. I write about the complexity, the contradictions, and the clarity that sometimes shows up later than we’d like.
If you appreciate honesty over platitudes, you’ll feel at home here.
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Stepmom Epiphanies 