There are often clear cut steps to becoming successful at a particular goal, however, when that goal is for a step family to blend and find love and harmony, the steps are about as clear cut as a London fog. That could be because we are looking through our own lens of expectations.

You can probably tell by the title that I go back quite a way. I remember listening to a song with this title before I had any idea what a “Cheatin’ Heart” really is. However, when I grew up, I learned quickly what it is.

My title may seem like a silly questions, but think about it. So often I’ve wondered how much we really impact our children by what we say to them. Especially what we say about them. Think about that a little more as I go on to explain what inspired this article.

I looked at the calendar and realized tomorrow is Valentine’s Day. In the midst of unpacking from our move, preparing for another surgery, and feeling gloomy as I saw from my window that the snow was turning to an icy mix, I took time to actually pause from my moment of self-pity.

I may have previously written that I don’t like excuses. I don’t like receiving them, because when given it usually means the giver wants me to be understanding about something they promised to do, but found they could not. I am even less forgiving of myself.

This book by author Sandra Ingerman is a must read for those who have allowed themselves to be affected by negative thinking. Not only their own, but also the negative thinking of people around them.