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A moment comes when the realization hits that this is what it is, yet we don’t want to deal with that reality. We’re feeling all these feelings that are uncomfortable; the pain, the grief, the loneliness. We sit with it all and then, at some point, we wonder “what do I do with this?” and “how do I find meaning?” You can understand the grief AND want to move on while carrying it. This isn’t about squashing the grief - that’s not possible. It’s about moving onward on a new path, creating a ful ...
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Unwritten Legacies: Leaving a Lasting Legacy When You are Childless Not by Choice
16:23
16:23
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When people hear the word "legacy," they often think of passing down things to children. However, legacy extends far beyond that. It’s found in the lives you impact, the passions you pursue, and the work you do. Today, I want to discuss how we can redefine legacy beyond traditional norms. I'll share a few ways to redefine your legacy, such as throu…
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Who am I if I am Not a Mom? Navigating a New Identity When You are Childless Not by Choice
21:41
21:41
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Coming to terms with the fact that you won't become a mother can be difficult and may leave you feeling like you've lost a part of your identity. You may not recognize yourself anymore. Today we are diving into the complex and difficult journey of rediscovering yourself and creating a fulfilling life for yourself. In this episode, I'll share practi…
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Many of us have felt the isolating sense of invisibility as women who are childless not by choice. Conversations often revolve around children, making us feel excluded and out of place. Today, I’m sharing some personal experiences and insights around that feeling of invisibility. I’ll discuss various strategies to combat isolation, such as acknowle…
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Unchosen Paths: Challenging the Societal Stigma of Childless Women
19:42
19:42
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Women who are childless not by choice often face endless stereotypes and judgments. A recent example of this was when a politician made hurtful remarks regarding childless women. The negative and hurtful reactions to this comment highlighted the ongoing challenges these women face. In this episode, my main goal is to start conversations with women …
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Paths Unplanned: Understanding Childless by Circumstance
20:22
20:22
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People use various terms to describe childlessness because no single term resonates with everyone. In this episode, we explore the term "childless by circumstance" and the many different situations that can lead to this beyond infertility. It's essential to recognize that pain is valid, no matter the cause of childlessness. It is critical to acknow…
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Navigating the Storm: Managing Triggers in a Childless-Not-By-Choice Journey
30:08
30:08
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We hear about triggers all the time, but what are they really and how can we effectively manage our responses to them? In this episode, we explore effective strategies for dealing with unavoidable emotional triggers. We also discuss what are some common triggers that women who are childless not by choice face. One important way to manage triggers i…
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Different Spaces: Navigating Childlessness When You and Your Partner Feel Differently
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44:15
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Today, we are honored to welcome Dr. Alexandra Stockwell, a dear friend of mine and a Physician turned relationship and intimacy coach. After spending twelve years in medicine helping others heal their bodies, Alexandra chose to study the science and art of emotional and sensual connection to help her patients heal their relationships. In our conve…
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Self-love can be a challenging concept for women today, particularly for those who are childless not by choice. Societal pressure to become parents can make it difficult to recognize one's self-worth. However, it's crucial to understand that your worth isn't defined by whether or not you are a parent. In this discussion, I explore three fundamental…
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Embracing the Unwanted: Redefining Acceptance in a Childless Life
17:13
17:13
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Today’s discussion centers on the concept of acceptance for women who are childless not by choice. I share my personal journey of redefining acceptance, explaining that it doesn’t mean giving up, but rather acknowledging your reality with self-compassion and honesty. Through acceptance, you can discover new meaning and dreams beyond motherhood. Thi…
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Just like with many aspects of life, having too much of a good thing can be detrimental. This applies to positivity as well, often referred to as toxic positivity. Today we are exploring this concept and its impact on women who are childless not by choice. Excessively positive statements can minimize grief, create isolation, and hinder emotional he…
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Healthcare Visits - A Little Thoughtfulness Would Go a Long Way
26:46
26:46
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Many of us feel uneasy or anxious about visiting the doctor, but this discomfort is often worsened by the insensitivity and lack of awareness about involuntary childlessness. Today, we will be discussing some personal experiences and observations of how women without children encounter insensitivity and misconceptions from healthcare providers. Unf…
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Does This Mean You’re Not Part of the Woman’s Club?
23:39
23:39
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In this episode of Childless and Moving Onward, I delve into the social exclusion faced by childless women, sharing my own personal experiences. Childless women frequently find themselves treated as outsiders in both social and professional settings, leading to feelings of isolation and judgment. The pervasive societal belief that motherhood is int…
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The Things People Say: I Want to Say F-You
28:07
28:07
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Today we are discussing the tendency people have to ask intrusive and personal questions about women’s fertility status. Such questions can cause people significant pain and awkwardness. Often, people asking these questions are completely oblivious to the discomfort they are causing. Questions like this cross personal boundaries in so many ways. Th…
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Navigating life without children has its own unique challenges, including facing stereotypes and negative assumptions from society. One such misconception, which I came across on social media, is the belief that women without children are less capable than those with children. However, empathy, problem-solving, and other positive attributes are not…
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Unheard Grief: Understanding the Pain of Involuntary Childlessness
23:32
23:32
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Today I am addressing the often misunderstood concept of disenfranchised grief associated with involuntary childlessness. This type of grief occurs when a loss isn’t openly acknowledged or socially validated. I will explore how the lack of societal recognition and support makes this grief particularly unique and challenging. By exploring the specif…
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Echoes of Silence: Navigating the Loneliness
28:07
28:07
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Women who are childless by circumstance and not by choice face unique challenges on a daily basis, but especially around Mother’s Day. This holiday can accentuate the pain and isolation felt by women in these scenarios. So today I am sharing some of my personal experiences, reflections, and observations of how and why being childless not by choice …
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Welcome to the Childless and Moving Onward Podcast. I am Gail Miller, a life coach and physician. I am also a woman who is childless not by choice, but by circumstance. Join me in this first episode as I share my story of coping with childlessness. The podcast is designed for women who are childless not by choice, those who know someone in this sit…
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Today we are diving into the complex topic of being childless not by choice. I will outline key differences between being childless by choice and childless by circumstance. We will explore the complexity behind the factors leading to childlessness, including societal pressure, relationship dynamics, health issues, and financial constraints. In this…
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Being told to "just get over it" can be incredibly painful and minimizes our grief and pain. Unfortunately, this phrase is frequently directed towards women experiencing involuntary childlessness. Statements like this not only fail to provide support but also invalidate one's feelings and impede the healing process. In this episode, I discuss sever…
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As a woman experiencing involuntary childlessness, I have encountered numerous negative reactions due to my situation. In this episode, I am addressing the common misconceptions, insensitive reactions, and societal pressures experienced by women in similar circumstances. I’ll dive into why these hurtful comments and reactions are so common. When fa…
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A moment comes when the realization hits that this is what it is, yet we don’t want to deal with that reality. We’re feeling all these feelings that are uncomfortable; the pain, the grief, the loneliness. We sit with it all and then, at some point, we wonder “what do I do with this?” and “how do I find meaning?” You can understand the grief AND wan…
…
continue reading
