One of the biggest struggles when dealing with infertility is the fact that it seemingly becomes a full-time job. There is so much planning to do on top of the regular doctor visits, tests, monitoring, etc. When you throw the emotional setbacks on top of that, infertility can take over one’s whole life.
Eventually it looks like this:
Suddenly, you’re this teeny tiny little person struggling to manage infertility, and everything else seems totally inconsequential in its shadow. Auuuuggghhhh!!! Who wants to live like that?
Instead, how about aiming for this:
See how IF is top of the pile?
It’s super important, but it’s not the most important thing in your life. You’re still all of these other things.
That said, if you feel like you literally have zero time left in your day to have some fun, try taking a look at what you do in any given day. Chances are, there are some extra hours floating around in there that you could set aside for some good times (eh-hem…do you really need to Google that same topic 100 times?).
Even if it’s a 30 minute romp in the yard with the dog, it’s something.
Sometimes my awesome clients have wonderful suggestions for how they put IF in its place. Check out this little gem recently told to me by A: She said every day she and her husband plan what they call their “carrots.” You know the whole image of putting a carrot on a string and dangling it in front of a donkey to make it walk? That kind of carrot.
Whether it’s a walk, dinner out, a favorite show, a movie, or whatever, A and her husband always have a little carrot to look forward to. These are the things that make the blood tests, monitoring, shots, pregnancy announcements, and baby shower invites more bearable.
They’re the things that keep them putting one foot in front of the other.
Guess what? You still have a life to live. Infertility has no right to take that away from you, unless you willingly give it.
And magic happens when you choose to live it: Suddenly, the emotional edge of infertility is taken down a notch (which affects your fertility….go get The Mindful Fertility Workshop for more info on this while it’s still free). UPDATE: The Mindful Fertility Workshop is no longer free. 🙁 The new, updated version will be in the Fertility Shop soon!
My carrot the other day: I picked up my mail and found a favorite magazine beaming up at me. I had all of my tasks planned for that day into the evening, and my carrot was sitting my butt down on the couch with a cup of hot tea and reading that magaine from cover to cover.
Oh boy did I savor it.
That’s all it takes to begin to live your life and shrink IF. What’s your carrot for today?
Until next time, be well,
P.S. I am super close to removing the Mindful Fertility Workshop from public access to a paid product. Get it while it’s still free HERE!
[EDIT: I’m sorry this course is no longer free, but will be offered soon for a very reasonable price]
