It’s that time of year again and you can probably feel the tension and stress building. Maybe the idea of hiding somewhere until January sounds attractive but unfortunately that’s not possible. Like an out of control train, Christmas is coming and you can’t stop it. So it’s helpful to prepare yourself as much as you can. I’m not sure how I feel about Christmas these days. I’m as at peace with not having children as I’ll ever be and not having my parents is tougher to deal with. There are a number of reasons, I guess mainly to do with missing their presence on the day. There are opportunities And there are opportunities too. Opportunities to do things a little bit differently, to start our own, new traditions. Last year, for the first time it was just the two of us over Christmas, so it was quieter, and we took the opportunity to get out into the countryside. This year we’ll have Roger’s mum staying for Christmas and then will be spending time with some of our childless friends. I love the way what we do is changing and evolving; we’re keeping those things we love and making our own mark on the holiday. I also know there will be times when I feel overwhelmed or triggered by something or perhaps I want to escape. In the past I would have gone with the flow, but knowing and caring for myself better now, I’ll put myself first and do what’s … Read moreChristmas survival guide
What keeps you on course
It’s all getting a bit hectic in the Pyne household as my dream of holding my book in my hand comes close to being a reality. One moment I find … Read moreWhat keeps you on course
The secret to finding peace
“Here it comes again, my daily weep. I don’t want to cry again. My chest feels so heavy with that all pervading sadness. I’ve worked SO hard over the last … Read moreThe secret to finding peace
Being infertile feels like crap.
Being infertile feels like crap. I wish I could say it more eloquently, but I really can’t. I felt like a total loser. Now I would never feel that way about … Read moreBeing infertile feels like crap.
Courage or comfort, what’s your choice?
I don’t know about you, but my year has already been a bit of a rollercoaster. In my last blog I wrote how I planned to slow down in January, … Read moreCourage or comfort, what’s your choice?
Why not to start new things in January and what do to instead
If you’re excited by all the enthusiastic emails flooding into your inbox telling you that, now it’s January you MUST set goals or intentions; give up this or start that, … Read moreWhy not to start new things in January and what do to instead
Christmas Survival Guide
It’s that time of year again and you can probably feel the tension and stress building. Maybe the idea of hiding somewhere until January sounds attractive but unfortunately that’s not … Read moreChristmas Survival Guide
Finding joy from grief
When was the last time you felt complete, unadulterated joy? Not sure? Let me guess, you’ve also been running away from grief. As Tracey Cleantis said when I interviewed her … Read moreFinding joy from grief
Feeling misunderstood (guest post by Tessa Broad)
I think one of the hardest things about being childless in a pronatalist society is feeling misunderstood and at times, feeling less than. I’m not sure I realized it at … Read moreFeeling misunderstood (guest post by Tessa Broad)
Feeling my way through grief
You’re walking down the High Street when completely out of the blue something catches your eye and immediately you feel the grip of grief tightening. It’s like a volcano in … Read moreFeeling my way through grief
The power of finding support
This post is my contribution to WorldChildlessWeek, here are my thoughts on finding support. Let me guess, you’re struggling to come to terms with not being a mother. You’ve found … Read moreThe power of finding support
What’s made you who you are today?
Here’s a question for you. What events in your life have made you who you are today? And whilst you’re thinking, here’s some help; Take blank sheet of paper; draw … Read moreWhat’s made you who you are today?
From sprained ankle to heart in three steps
I hear and feel the crack in my ankle as I crash to the ground. ‘Are you Okay?’ Roger asks. ‘NO’ I get up slowly up and hobble gingerly to … Read moreFrom sprained ankle to heart in three steps
Reflections on Grief and Feeling by Sarah Chamberlin @Infertility Honesty
My first brush with the pain of loss I’ll never forget my first real brush with the pain of loss. It was after our fourth IUI failed when my tectonic … Read moreReflections on Grief and Feeling by Sarah Chamberlin @Infertility Honesty
Finding gifts in the impossible story.
As you know I’m in the middle of writing a book about stories and my new e-book (called Change the Story, Change Your Life) is all about how the stories … Read moreFinding gifts in the impossible story.
Three ways to ignore grief (and what to do instead)
I’m going to dive straight in with some bad news: You’re grieving. I’m sorry, but you are. I’m guessing that you’ve got that sinking feeling and a ‘no.. ‘ … Read moreThree ways to ignore grief (and what to do instead)
