Sometimes, I think the hardest part of being in a blended family is the lack of control over so many things. With my own children, I know what’s going on at school. I know when their doctor’s appointments are. I know their general well being. That’s not necessarily the case as a noncustodial stepmother.

Lately, my husband and I are struggling – my husband’s son is having a hard time and we’re having a hard time finding our place to help do what is best for him. It’s a feeling that is somewhat akin to spinning your wheels on an icy road: you feel like you’re doing a lot of work, but not getting very far.

My reaction to stress is to immerse myself in the things that need to be done – my to-do list quadruples and suddenly includes things like: Clean the dryer lint trap. Twice. Once I burst through that stage, I seek retail therapy.

Today, I bought The Awe-manac: A Daily Dose of Wonder by Jill Badonsky and have spent quite a bit of time since curled up with my new book, soaking in its fun facts, zen-like quotes, and activities to inspire journal writing. There’s a page dedicated to each day, as well as random factoids about each day and month (Did you know January was National Oatmeal Month?).

I’m inspired by the activities meant to spur the creative side of my brain (which will allow me to turn down the other side of my brain – at least for a few minutes), and the quotes are making me smile. The next book on my wishlist is The Happy Book.