Tips to Navigate the Holiday
It's that beautiful time of the year again, not just for the delicious food, gratitude, and festive family gatherings but also for the moments when many of us put on a brave face, concealing the struggles we might be facing. As we navigate through the season, it becomes essential to transform and adapt to the complexities of fertility treatments.
The journey involves numerous medical appointments, decoding new acronyms, and facing the reality of a less-than-romantic relationship with the ultrasound machine. Amidst these challenges, it becomes crucial to redefine our outlook on this path we tread and reshape external perceptions.
In my own experience, I've learned the significance of expressing genuine feelings to safeguard my peace in the long run. Discarding the facade that merely aims to make others comfortable at the expense of our own happiness is a valuable lesson in prioritizing ourselves.
I encourage you to do the same. Instead of practicing how to make others comfortable with your fertility journey, consider these ten tips to prepare yourself for the upcoming holiday gatherings with family and friends.
1. Embrace Open Communication: Be honest about your feelings and struggles. Please share your thoughts with those close to you, helping them understand your perspective. Start by openly and honestly conversing with your partner about handling family gatherings and ensuring mutual support.
2. Set Boundaries: Setting boundaries is not only okay but highly recommended. Clearly define your boundaries and communicate them to everyone in your life. Let others know which topics are off-limits and what discussions you are comfortable engaging in.
3. Prepare Responses: Anticipate triggering questions or comments and be ready with polite but firm responses. Prepare calm and assertive replies to navigate those situations gracefully. For example, you could say, "We're going through a difficult time, and I'd rather not talk about it right now, but I appreciate your concern."
4. Focus on Self-Care: Prioritize self-care during the holidays. Whether taking a moment alone or engaging in activities that bring you joy, make time for yourself. Whether reading a book, walking, or meditating, prioritize what you need.
5. Build a Support System: Surround yourself with supportive friends and family who understand your journey. Lean on them for encouragement and strength. Consider inviting a supportive friend to your family gathering and let them know you need their support.
6. Educate Others: If comfortable, share information about infertility to increase awareness and understanding among your loved ones. Education can dispel misconceptions, but it's crucial to do so from a place of peace, not when you're hurting.
7. Express Gratitude: Focus on what you are grateful for—your work or personal achievements, supportive people in your life, or other positive aspects. Gratitude can help shift your mindset.
8. Have an Exit Plan: Plan a graceful exit strategy for overwhelming situations. Knowing you have a way out can provide a sense of control. Create a code word between you and your spouse for a discreet exit.
9. Consider the Alternatives: If a large family gathering is too overwhelming, consider hosting a more intimate gathering with friends or decline. It's perfectly fine to prioritize your well-being and spend the holidays with your partner as you see fit.
10. Join a Support Group: Seek out a local or online support group for infertility and pregnancy loss. These communities can provide valuable resources and a safe space to share feelings.
“Remember, your journey is unique, and every step forward is worth recognizing.” -Sandra Elidor
This holiday season, let authenticity guide your interactions. By being true to yourself and implementing these tips, you can easily navigate family gatherings and maintain your emotional well-being.
This blog was brought to you by Sandra Elidor, the Founder of Filling Empty Wombs Inc., a nonprofit 501c3 supporting the infertility and pregnancy loss community. Based in South Florida, Sandra provides face-to-face meetups and online peer-led support groups. For more information, please visit www.fillingemptywombs.org or email fillingemptywombs@gmail.com.
Filling Empty Wombs Support group meets via Zoom every 1st and 3rd Monday of every month. This support group is in connection with one of the National Infertility Association's “RESOLVE.”
To join or learn more about the support group, click here. https://resolve.org/support-groups/filling-empty-wombs-support-group/
To learn more about Sandra Elidor and Filling Empty Wombs, follow them on social media: @sandraelidor and @fillingemptywombs
