S2-E3: "Stressful Conversations Don't Have To Suck" with Ali Wilks

Stepfamilies have to contend with extra stressors, deeper and more complex layers that just do not apply to first-time families. Ali is well versed in the challenges that stepmoms and stepcouples face in 'blending' together. Ali Wilks MSc is a certified successful stepfamily strategist and couples coach. Driven by her own feelings of doubt and insecurity, she turned her passion to help into her purpose and created the Successful Stepmom Retreats and Successful Stepcouple Retreats. She is also the owner and developer of The Soulful Stepmom where she shares her soulful insights, embraces her otherworldly gifts, and teaches about her heart-earned lessons that came as a result of her stepmom struggles. She can be found on the usual social media platforms as well as Stepcoupling.com, Stepparent Magazine as their Wellness Editor, and on the groundbreaking Stepmomz App. On top of it all, Ali offers transformational coaching programs to stepmoms and stepcouples because she believes stepfamily stress can be turned into stepfamily success and stepcoupples can be an unstoppabble team.

As the bio mom of two smart and sassy daughters, the wife to her husband of 13 years, and the stepmom to three awesome adult stepkids and two adorable grandkids, she is well on her way to having the groove in her stepmom game. FINALLY.

She’s been featured in DivorceForce, Divorce Magazine, YourTango. StepMom Magazine, coParenter app and of course, Stepparent Magazine. She is a recent add to International Bestselling Authors on Amazon for her contribution to the Book BluTalks Series 2.

Ali brought some amazing wisdom and insights to our interview, so be sure to check it out!

"Start your day with 'How can I make your day better?'"

"Communication is one of the pivotal aspects of having a successful relationship."

"Have a plan for conflict. Know your triggers to avoid, and be willing to ask what others need so you can support them in the midst of conflict."

"Myth to bust: don't go to bed angry."

"You can be right, or you can stay connected."

"Gratitude is transformational."

Email: aliwilks@stepcoupling.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stepbystepmom

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/successfulstepcoupling

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Ali_Wilks

Links:

Stepcoupling by Susan Wisdom and Jennifer Green https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/192509/stepcoupling-by-susan-wisdom-lpc-and-jennifer-green/

Adversaries Into Allies by Bob Burg https://www.amazon.com/Adversaries-into-Allies-Ultimate-Influence/dp/1591848164

Stepparenting Magazine https://stepparentmagazine.com/

The Gottman Institute (information on relationships, especially conflict resolution): https://www.gottman.com/