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IVF Failed You - The "So Now What?" Podcast


I am a Fertility Survivor.  The kind you enter into treatments hoping you will never be... childless.  After several rounds of IUI and IVF, at some of the leading Fertility Centers, I was told I was no longer a candidate for fertility treatment.  It left me asking myself...

So now what?

For the years that followed, I tried to put myself back together and tell myself I would be OK, but I wasn't.  I was shattered - I felt alone and failed by the whole process and especially, my body.  I yearned for others that felt the pain I felt and someone that could help me navigate a life without a child. 

I didn't find it, so I decide to create it.  

Fast forward to today. I am still childless, but my beliefs about my life have changed.  I decided that I can create meaning and purpose in my life even though I am not a mother.  I've learned to love myself and the body I felt failed me as a woman.

If you've been on this journey, hop on and join me as we create something we were not offered.  Let's create a sisterhood for the bravest women I know.  We brush ourselves off and don't let terms like: Failed, Unexplained, Miscarriage, Not-viable or Advanced Maternal Age define us anymore.  

 

Jan 4, 2024

On today's podcast episode is a heartfelt discussion on setting resolutions, especially after navigating the complexities of infertility. It's a topic close to my heart, and I want to share my perspective on how we can approach the new year with authenticity and self-compassion.

But before we dive in, let me update you on my journey. I recently wrapped up a successful year in my corporate sales job and eagerly await the news on my President's Club nomination. Winning this award holds immense significance for me, representing not just professional success but a personal triumph after facing the challenges of infertility.

For those who've walked a similar path, you understand how infertility can impact career choices and personal goals. It's a unique journey filled with unexpected twists and turns. Winning President's Club is more than a title; it's a symbol of resilience, recommitment, and the belief that life after infertility can be fulfilling and purposeful.

On a related note, I'm excited to announce the upcoming round of the Thrive After Infertility Mastermind in February. This program is designed for those seeking to create a life they love without children. If you've been feeling stuck or weighed down by the challenges of infertility, consider joining this transformative community. Visit lanamanikowski.com/thrive or reach out on Instagram @Lana.Manikowski for more information.

Now, let's delve into the heart of today's conversation—setting resolutions after infertility. The pressure to conform to society's expectations can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to New Year's resolutions. Many may feel compelled to announce jaw-dropping goals, but I advocate for a different approach.

After facing infertility, the journey to motherhood may have taken unexpected turns, leaving us questioning our purpose and direction. I've been there, and I understand the struggle. When it comes to resolutions, I encourage you to focus on what feels authentic to you in this moment, not who you were during fertility treatments or before.

Infertility can leave us feeling lost in our careers and hesitant to pursue new goals. For me, winning President's Club is not just about the title; it's about rediscovering my strength and committing to a path that aligns with who I am today.

As you contemplate your resolutions, consider starting small and focusing on achievable milestones. It's not about impressing others but about honoring your unique journey and celebrating the wins, no matter how small. The key is to approach your goals in a way that feels nourishing, aligned, and, most importantly, true to your present self.

Infertility may have altered the course of your life, but it doesn't define your future. Embrace the opportunity to set resolutions that resonate with the person you are now. Small, meaningful steps can lead to significant transformations, and it's never too late to create a life that feels authentic and fulfilling.

So, as we step into this new year, let's navigate our resolutions with compassion, focusing on what feels right for us on this post-infertility journey. Remember, you're not alone, and your journey is uniquely yours. Wishing you strength, resilience, and the courage to embrace the possibilities that lie ahead.