New Class for Stepmothers Teaches Journaling Techniques

OAKTON, VA—Unity of Fairfax will host a new 8-week class for stepmothers called “By Our Own Stars: Navigating the Stepmother’s Journey” beginning Wednesday, July 12. This class will teach stepmothers how to use their journals for self-discovery, empowerment, and renewal. The instructor, Lisa Colburn, teaches journaling and creative writing in Loudoun and Fairfax counties, and has been a stepmom for 14 years.

The class meets from 7 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday nights, July 12 - September 6 at Unity of Fairfax, 2854 Hunter Mill Road in Oakton. All stepmothers are invited, whether they are new to the role or 20 years along. Participants will be taught how to use their journal as a tool to help them delve into the singular complexities and challenges of their role in the family system. Topics for exploration will include expectations, insider/outsider dynamics, communication, conflict, and self-care, with the added goal of fostering a spirit of community among participants.

Lisa Colburn credits her lifelong journaling practice with being able to manage the peaks and valleys of her own experience with stepmothering. “I became a stepmom to two teenage girls when I was in my forties, and there have been some rocky times along the way, especially early on. By having a safe place on the page to vent, to reflect, and to work through the issues that have come up for me, I have been able to inhabit my role in a deeper, more philosophical way. I believe that I am healthier and stronger for it, and so is my family.”

She adds, “Having my journal to rely on has made all the difference in my life, and I want to share this tool with other stepmoms. We need to take good care of ourselves, and this is a great way to do it. If we approach stepmothering with intention and awareness, which journaling allows us to do, we can turn it into a vehicle for our personal growth and transformation.”

The class is being offered on a donation/love offering basis, and preregistration is required on Eventbrite: https://byourownstars.eventbrite.com. The number of participants is capped at 15 to allow for ease of sharing and community building. No experience with keeping a journal is required.

To learn more about Lisa Colburn, visit her website at marketstreetwriters.com. To learn more about Unity of Fairfax, visit unityoffairfax.org.