Life isn’t going to look like I wanted it to. I’m not able to have the child that I wanted, but who knows what’s next? And it’s clear I can’t go on like I am. Maybe it’s time to find new possibilities.

Here's the truth: your inherent worth and value are not tied to having children or your childlessness. In this article, we will explore the steps you can take to embrace your childless identity, discover your passions, and build a rich life with purpose and fulfillment. There is so much more to your story than childlessness.

Being childless wasn't in my plan; if you are here, it wasn't in your plan either. Yet, despite our plans, here we are. Now what?

It is necessary to look at the losses, cultivate a relationship with grief, AND find a way to have a fulfilling, purposeful life without the children you wanted.

How do you create a fulfilling, purposeful life?

With tender yet fierce self-compassion.

Tender to offer ourselves the kindness and understanding that we need and desire. Fierce to help mobilize us and act in the world to alleviate suffering, ours and others.

Being childless often means feeling left out of the usual holiday traditions. This year I am determined to create my own traditions and reclaim the holidays.

The perceived absence of choice adds to the already powerful feelings of being left out and misunderstood. I understand that entirely AND know that it doesn't have to be that way.