One of the amazing things about blogging throughout an infertility journey is that it opens the door to other women who have been in your shoes. Other women who understand and can sympathize when it feels like no one in your real life could possibly “get it”. The internet really has opened up a world of options in terms of finding support, and I often find myself wondering how women coped with infertility even just 20 years ago without those same connections available.
But far too often I also hear about women within this world talking about being “in the closet” regarding their infertility in real life. It’s scary to think about opening up to those closest to us about this journey. Scary to think about getting them involved in the ups and downs, and also scary to imagine that they might be so clueless about the whole ordeal that they would inundate you with questions and comments that you really don’t want to deal with.
The truth is, that last part is definitely possible. For every 5 people in your life who turn out to be incredibly supportive, there will likely be one who will drive you absolutely insane with their reaction to your news.
I’m still not sure that person should be the one who keeps you in the closet though. Afraid of sharing this huge part of your life with those closest to you. I know I personally don’t know what I would have done in the last year without the warmth and strength of those who loved me most, even when they didn’t know what to say.
But something else wonderful happens when you take those first tentative steps out of the infertility closet – people you never knew had fertility issues before suddenly start stepping out of their closets as well. And before you know it, you find you have a network of women who “get it” right there in your real life. Women who you had never before suspected walked this path.
That’s what my newest post at Fertility Authority is about this week; the unexpected benefits to stepping out of the infertility closet and sharing your story with the people in your life. It can be scary at first, but there is something to be said for allowing those close to you the opportunity to be there for you.
And even for allowing yourself the opportunity to unload that burden.
Now, if you’re still looking to remain in that closet for a little while longer, one great place to get support you need is over at the community. There are women over there talking and sharing who have been on their own infertility journeys. Some managed to find their way to the other side with babies in their arms, and others are still struggling. But one thing is for sure – if it is support and answers you are looking for, these women would love nothing more than to be there for you.
We're going to take a 2 week hiatus from the Live Infertility Chat though. With me traveling and preparing for surgery, it was just going to be cutting it too close to try to plan around the chats. So while I am sure I will be online and interacting, there won’t be any planned live chat for the next two Sundays. I hope you all understand and will be ready and willing to jump back into action on Sunday, February 13th.
In the meantime, if you have any infertility related questions at all (or any questions about life in general) don’t hesitate to post your queries over at the community. Everyone over there would still love to hear from you!
Wishing you all a wonderful Wednesday, and maybe even an opportunity or two to take a step out of that closet!
ADSPACE
