Don't stress, throw confetti

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Sounds simple right? Instead of being stressed, just throw confetti. If life was only that easy.

On Friday, I found myself having lunch alone. It's something I haven't done in awhile. I had a taste for some Greek food and so I made my way to a local restaurant. Inside sat a woman and her baby. She was happy and I found her quite entertaining as I watched her make funny faces to get the baby to laugh. The mother eventually started to walk around with the child, making her way to a seating area near me to chat briefly with the owner. The sound of baby talk suddenly filled the restaurant as the owner transformed into a little character of her own to capture the baby's attention. I tried to ignore them but I too became engaged and pulled in by the baby.

Infertility for some women is truly a struggle but I refuse to allow it take over my life. Sure I would have loved to be on the other end, turning into my usual silly self around the baby. In the past I fell into a brief depression where I tried to avoid women with children. Today, I throw kindness around like it's confetti. Why? Because love is kind. Besides the first step to being a mother whether you birth a child, adopt or nurture one in random settings like a restaurant is LOVE.

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One relationship fertile and infertile women often experience

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What does it feel like to miss you for just one month? I want to know. What does it feel like to not cater to the pain you bring me? You take everything from me including my energy whenever you're around. I'm never myself. Actually I'm moody and you bring out the worst in me. I just want you to leave me alone for one month. Is that too much to ask? Actually nine months, that's all I need.

We met when I was 16 years old. I was over my grandparents house and sitting on their sofa just as happy as I could be and glued to the television. Then you came along. Who knew that one visit would turn into more than two decades together. Twenty-one years later, you're still around and it looks like you're not going anywhere. I've tried to make you leave on more than one occasion as well as my husband but you're tough.  I must say I never imagined that it would be this hard to get rid of you.

I'll never forget the moment I thought you finally got the hint. It was the summer of 2012. I felt sexy and confident about myself. I was hopeful and no matter how many times you upset me I tried to be in a good place. A few times the thought of you made me feel a little uncomfortable but I remained positive and had my mind set that we weren't going to see each other. The thought brought me joy. I even started to daydream about what things would be like without you. I was afraid to tell my friends about us. It was too early to share the news. I was advised to wait two weeks but then you came back. It was Day 12 and I was just getting excited to begin a new chapter in my life. Unfortunately, I suddenly fell sick. I became extremely nauseous.

That's when you reminded me……I'm not pregnant and will never have control over my relationship with my menstrual cycle.

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Bringing the journey to motherhood to reality tv......

Many of us would be living a fairytale if our lives turned out the way we imagined. Instead of sleeping in on the weekends, I would probably have to cater to a toddler in the early mornings. The thought of a conversation with a little child just tickles me. Sure I would be an even busier woman but I would love every minute of it.

Sometimes dreams come true and sometimes we have to physically go out, open our wallets and turn our dreams into a reality. Today, many women are doing just that when it comes to having children. In fact, some aren't waiting for the ring. They're just going after the baby. Recent studies show the number of single women determined to experience motherhood has doubled in some countries.

One thing for certain, it takes strength. So how brave are you to broadcast your non-traditional journey to motherhood?

See the flyer below, share and tag Give Me a Ring and a Baby to help spread the word.

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Childless and on trial.....

Many women whether childless by choice or those struggling with infertility often feel pressure from others to have a baby just to feel normal. Some questions or comments are rude even if they don't come from ill-intentions.

According to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), 1 in 8 couples have trouble getting pregnant or sustaining a pregnancy. In fact, researchers say one-third of infertility is attributed to the female partner, one-third attributed to the male partner and one-third is caused by a combination of problems in both partners or, is unexplained.

It's natural to want to catch up with a friend, or spark up a conversation with a co-worker especially if they're married. We're told first comes love, then comes marriage, and later a baby carriage. But that's not always the case for couples.

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Infertility gave me a purpose

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Nearly five years later and still no baby. I hold up well most days. It's a life I had to get used to even though every once in awhile a pregnancy announcement takes me back to the period where I was desperate to have a baby.

Some couples really get creative with their pregnancy announcements. Then there's the couple that blurt out the joyful news. 

"I'm pregnant," I shouted in my head. Is that how I would deliver the news? At one time I used to daydream about how I would announce my pregnancy.  Those wishful moments kept me encouraged when I was trying to conceive.  Whatever the case, if I had the opportunity I would prefer to be creative with the announcement instead of blurting it out. 

Recently, that's exactly what happened to me. A friend during a phone conversation just randomly said, "I'm expecting another baby." I was caught off guard.  The soft outburst made me freeze, immediately causing my stomach to tighten and I quietly became filled with sadness. It was a feeling I haven't felt in awhile. Inwardly I screamed, "Why is this my life?"  

In a matter of seconds, I snapped back to reality and realized my friend was still on the phone. The silence may have confused her but I needed that moment before I replied, "That's great news. I'm so happy for you."  Three years earlier, my friend experienced fertility challenges. She eventually conceived naturally after a series of treatments. Now, she's pregnant with her second child. Again she conceived naturally after seeking fertility help. 

So many things were going through my mind during that phone call. I wanted to immediately end the conversation or at least scream to the top of my lungs to blow off steam.  I managed to stay on the phone though and smile but as soon as that call ended I went into deep thought. I began asking myself a series of questions. 

"Do you want children? Why do you want children? Are you seriously okay without having any children? What would your life be like right now if you achieved what you prayed for five years ago," are just a few of the questions that I've asked myself.  

Then it hit me. My infertility journey has changed me for the better. It has given me purpose and drive to encourage other women. In fact, I'm still learning too. The lesson is mostly about patience something that I truly lack at times. It's teaching me to think about other people and not myself which is often challenging for me. It's also teaching me that crying is normal and to be human around others. 

The truth is, my fertility challenges still takes me on an emotional roller coaster. The ride is ongoing but I wouldn't have it no other way. 

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