Remember when you first met and fell in love with your husband? Did you float along as light as a feather, staring into each others eyes with optimism and longing, facing the unknown with passion and abundant enthusiasm?
And then (for some) did step-life happen bringing with it the weight of what it is to be a stepmother in what can sometimes be a family that has harbored unresolved conflicts, active grief, and outright rejection.
The book ‘Stepmonster’ was derived from dozens of studies in the sociological and psychological literature on step-family adjustment concluding that stepmothers have the toughest adjustment trajectory; experience high levels of anxiety; and are prone to burn-out, depletion, and even clinical depression at rates higher than mothers or stepfathers.
The book advises that;
‘Every stepmother needs three things to be and live her fullest potential. First, she needs to live inside her own skin and not vacate the premises when the trauma comes. Second, she needs to use good posture to her every advantage. And, third, she needs to remain steady with an ability to wait’.
What are your experiences and what would you advise a new step mom entering into a potentially dis-harmonic step-family?
I am interested and I am listening.
Click here for more information about stepmonster
Click here to Tell Oprah you want to see a show about stepmothers and stepchildren.
Dawn Pugh Therapy expert.
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Over the weekend Gary and I watched a film called “JUNO” (2007)
Basically 2 young 16 year old’s make out and the inevitable happens – girl becomes pregnant.
“Described as a comedy an offbeat young woman is faced with an unplanned pregnancy and makes an unusual decision regarding the adoption of her unborn child”.
The name ‘Juno’ is also indicative of a Roman goddess, the equivalent of the Greek Hera, queen of the gods and of love and marriage.
‘Juno’ is also the protecting and guardian spirit of all females.
If you are pregnant and not sure what choices you can make then I hope this article will be of help to you;
Journeys of the Heart will help you look at all your options. The staff will assist you without pressure or judgments.
You don’t need to visit their offices to talk- You can email info@journeysoftheheart.net or, call our toll free phone number now and a friendly voice will answer at the other end, ready to talk with you. Call free (800) 876-0575 any time, night or day, any day of the week.
Or click here;
Find out what legalities are in place when ‘Advertising your unborn child for adoption’.
And remember only you know what’s right for you and your baby.
On the other hand; if you are the ones considering adopting a child then there are thousands of children adopted every year and thousands more are waiting to be adopted.
How do birth mothers and adoptive parents get together?
Well…Usually it’s through an adoption agency, whom will handle practically all aspects of the adoption. Sometimes it can be via an independent or “private” adoption, although private adoption (as in the film) can become difficult, so it is advised that you enrol some professional help.
Click here for 10 steps to domestic adoption.
I do hope this information has been helpful to you.
Dawn Pugh Expert therapist.
3 Tips to improve Social Wellness;
July is social wellness month. Social wellness emphasizes harmony and interdependence with others, while increasing the awareness of the impact one has on their community. [click to continue…]
Horsing around with our emotions.
It is reported that horses are “Mirrors of emotions – Mirrors of souls” They have an innate ability to read their environments. Apparently when we connect with horses we connect with nature and ourselves. [click to continue…]
The Hormone of ‘Love’
Throughout history musicians, artists, poets and playwrights have been the ones who have explored, expressed and enabled some explanation towards humanity’s understanding of love. [click to continue…]
Digging dirt is good for the Soul.
Apparently 40% of Americans find being in a garden filled with plants makes them feel calm and more relaxed.
Therapeutic gardening is fast becoming a popular method of recovery, for both physical and mental problems. This kind of therapy is reported to reduce stress, stimulate the senses, and help create bonds with nature and other people.
This can be a particularly valuable attribute for today’s stressful lives and environments.
Both Gary and myself spend as much time as we can in our gardens, just to sit and appreciate nature in it’s finest is a much needed grounding aspect that compliments our lives.
Dawn Pugh therapy expert.
‘Is technology changing how we interact and relate to others?’
Social media, social networking, Twitter, YouTube, or Facebook are all tools that not only affect the way we connect to each other as people but also how we share information and communicate.
Does technology makes relationships less personal?
Is it possible to build trust or get to know people who you rarely or never see? [click to continue…]
What do you think about the new Positive Psychology?
Is it a passing trend that is based on research and interventions which are about what makes us healthy and happy rather than what’s actually wrong with us? [click to continue…]
