Valentine’s Day has come and gone, and whether you loved it, hated it, or mainly cared about discounted chocolate, it offers a reminder of that oh so important life lesson: we can’t wait for someone else to do something special to make us happy.
The same is true on the fertility journey. You simply cannot afford to put joy on hold until you have that miracle baby in your arms. Easier said than done.
Fertility journeys are uniquely challenging. They can be financially, physically, and emotionally exhausting. They challenge life expectations and relationships. They have a way of testing your resilience and dimming your inner light. I know this not only as a doctor and witness, but as someone who has lived it.
So how do we stay grounded and hopeful? We come back to self-love, always. We prioritize self-care and choices that are congruent with love and respect for ourselves.
It looks like tending to your fertile terrain: nourishing food, joyful movement, rest, boundaries, supportive relationships, and being mindful of the things you allow into your body and the thoughts you allow in your mind. Learning to prioritize yourself doesn’t start with a newborn, believe me! That muscle needs flexing now.
Can people conceive from a place of frustration, resentment, comparison, fear and burnout? Certainly, it happens. But I want something different for my patients. Because babies are best received from a foundation of joy, connection, presence and love. And isn’t this what we want to model for our children?
Begin with a simple daily check-in:
How do I feel today?
How do I want to feel?
What can I do for myself today to move in that direction?
Notice your thoughts throughout the day. Practice gratitude for your body, for the support you do have, for the ways this journey has shaped your resilience and your relationships. Your body is listening…
“Thank you, feet, for walking me”
“Thank you, soup, for nourishing my body”
“Thank you, friend, for your listening ear”
This is the energetic terrain that welcomes life.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed and disconnected by your fertility journey, you don’t have to navigate it alone. Whether you live in the Roaring Fork Valley or are seeking virtual care, I invite you to schedule a free 15-minute consultation with me to talk through where you are and how I can support you. Call us at 970-963-6500 for more information or for help with scheduling.
Warmly,
Dr. Casey