Professional Dwarf-ism

I’ve read about the financial, mental and emotional tolls of IVF. The burden it puts on marriage, relationships- it’s all consuming force that becomes the new normal. What I haven’t heard about is the professional dwarf-ism that occurs when cycle after cycle you wait with baited breath for “good news” that makes sticking with a sucky job- for lack of a better word- makes it all worth it.

I’m at a point in my career and company that if I were not actively trying to have a child, I would be looking for a new job with more challenges and areas for growth. My current organization served its purpose professionally and now it is time to move on.

Ha! Moving on to what? While professional growth has always been a priority for me, it’s time for my professional life to serve as a means to an end.

Having been with my organization for over 5+ years I have secured a reputation for my quality of work and work ethic. Getting into the office late after a doctors appointment isn’t questioned or cause concern. I’ve acquired a vast amount vacation and sick days that allows me to be generous with my self and the time off needed when days get hard and procedures need to be done. And as much as I may gripe, I have an insurance plan that is quite IVF friendly.

Given all those variables, my professional growth is on hold. Churning thru the days dealing with mundane bs and the prospects of no growth just so that I can– have a family.

All The Things

One does to occupy time.

Time. It becomes eerily daunting during an IVF cycle. There is so much waiting. Patience becomes the norm.

I figured the waiting would be hard so in the midst of my already busy life I read 3 books, started a puzzle and sorted thru my knitting supplies. At some point I had to turn the TV off because I felt the loss of brain cells.

From transfer to the awaited doctors call of positive or negative… time moves slowly. Nothing quells thoughts. Sleep is fleeting and napping was key.

Revived

It’s taken almost an entire year from when I initiated this blog to finally identify it’s niche. So here I am ready to actually write, moderate and learn.
This past year has been one of the most blessed and yet trying. We finished up our 1st year of marriage, embarked on our second; purchased our first home, did some renovations…and began IVF.

So there it is…that journey. It seems prevalent and yet secretive. It is humbling and exhausting. Emotionally, Mentally and Physically taxing. So many suggestions and nothing concrete or guaranteed. Hope upon Hope.

And in the end, all that’s wanted is a heartbeat…

11.24.18

Christmas Trees and the Holiday Spirit.

img_4158This time of year becomes magical. I embrace everything holiday- from songs to decor to movies. I own snowflake booties to wear in the house and recently got a holiday hat.

I am a product of Catholic School. Throughout elementary and middle school there was an annual Christmas play and I always eagerly participated. The last few years of middle school I was the play’s narrator, that is almost as important as being Baby Jesus!

The Christmas spirit has remained with me all these years. Today I decorated my tiny tree and wrapped a few presents. It was almost as relaxing as meditating.

This time of year lends itself to being happy and festive if you allow yourself to embrace all the feels.

11.20.18

img_9864-2.jpgI would like to be less reactive. While googling an image for today’s post I came across many memes and quotes that suggested that the opposite of reactive is proactive…That is true in many cases except when dealing with relationships.  I can not consistently anticipate the abnormal actions of others and thereby proactively have a plan as to how to deal with them.
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62 Days of Reflection

2491329-alone-frozen-tree-with-reflection-white-winter

I am embarking on the most celebratory yet stressful time of the year. As of Nov. 15th, it will be 2 months of family, friends, food and celebrations. Thanksgiving sets the stage for the holiday season; Christmas is by far my favorite time of the year (minus the cold) and New Year’s is always festive. Sprinkle in work deadlines, academic obligations, a few birthdays (including mine on Jan. 7th), shopping expeditions, holiday office parties and friend gatherings, the joyous holiday season can quickly go from celebratory to overwhelming.

Therefore, my 62 Days of Reflection begins today.

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Perfectly Progressing…

progress not perfectionAs I try to build this blog, I’m forced to reconcile my need for perfection with that of execution. I have spent an endless amount of time creating the perfect layout, color scheme, font size, editorial calendar and even began a new Instagram to “advertise” this up and coming blog. I have put in work in all areas except writing and yet the very reason I am in this space is due to my love of writing.
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Diwali: Defining my Spirituality

While the basis of Diwali is Lord Rama returning to the lands after 14 years of exile during which he defeated the demon King, Ravana; for me it is a celebration of my culture and heritage. An acknowledgement of my forefathers.
diya
The light of the diya is calming. The tranquility it evokes re-centers me. It is the one festival that allows me to reflect and meditate on all the things I am thankful for. This time of year I start to reassess my goals and put into perspective the meaning of them.

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