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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.  

 

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Embracing Fulfillment Beyond Motherhood

Jan 16, 2024

 Embracing Fulfillment Beyond Motherhood

Hey there, wonderful listeners! Last week's episode was a blast, sharing all the exciting things happening behind the scenes:

The response to my announcements has been incredible, and I can't thank you enough for your encouragement!  Many of you are curious about the timing of the book. I'm aiming to complete the writing by August 2024. If all goes according to plan, I hope to have it on the shelves by the end of 2024 – a perfect Christmas gift for yourself or a loved one.

I'll be reaching out to you for support in bringing the book to your local community. If you're interested in hosting a book reading, signing party, or helping me find a location for a launch event in your area, let me know. Your help will be invaluable in reaching those who may need the message.

Now, let's chat about something that's been on my mind – our bodies. Do you ever catch yourself comparing what your body can do to others? It's a common struggle, especially for those navigating infertility. We often feel like our bodies should fulfill certain expectations, and when they don't, disappointment creeps in.

I recently joined Solidcore, a workout that resonates with my body as I navigate the changes that come with aging. This got me thinking about how we perceive our bodies and the unnecessary comparisons we make.

Comparison truly is the thief of joy. As a woman who is childless after infertility, you may compare your life to those with children and tell yourself you are lacking.  You may compare your body and be disappointed that it didn’t create a child. Society encourages it, but you can shift your mindset. Instead of feeling less-than when comparing yourself to others, let's explore what you truly want and focus on that. Abraham Hicks teaches us to think about what we don't want in a way that guides us to what we do want.

For those facing infertility, it's easy to see your body as a disappointment. But let's turn that around. Identify what you don't want – perhaps loneliness or a sense of purposelessness. Then, focus on what you do want – connection? Fulfillment? Joy?

Motherhood isn't your only path to a fulfilling life. I've found my life without it to be unexpectedly rewarding. We often limit ourselves by lumping everything into the concept of motherhood. There are countless ways to find fulfillment beyond external factors.

The key is realizing that relying solely on external things for fulfillment leads to a sense of incompleteness. Discovering the beauty within you, tapping into your own resources, is liberating. It's never too late to learn these tools, and if you want to dive deeper, consider joining the Thrive After Infertility Mastermind.

Remember, it's never too late to discover your meaning. Sending love, and I can't wait to talk to you soon!