I am super independent. I am also a recovering perfectionist. It is a super neat combo 😂 I like to do things in a certain way by myself. I have always liked to be the one that GIVES help, but RECEIVING help was a hot no thanks.🙅🏼♀️
The past 2 years have made me seriously humble myself. After having multiple pregnancy losses I have never been in such a low and dark place. It felt like I had been shoved down a flight of stairs, in the dark, and I was laying flat on my back super hurt. I was broken. I needed time to figure out how to get my feet under me again to stand up. I desperately needed to ask for help.
The physical pain was so intense I didn’t really move for a few days. I needed meals brought in for my family, and people brought by lunch. We needed help with my kids during trips to the er, surgery, to recover, and check-ups.
I have asked to talk with church leaders about things I was struggling with spiritually. I reached out to friends who had been through similar experiences for help and receive empathy. Sometimes they just let me cry and that is all I needed. I went to my doctor for help because I was struggling with sleeping, PTSD, and depression. I was super open with my husband on how I was feeling and what I needed from him.
Asking for help is NOT a weakness! That is a big life lesson that has really sunk in this year. Again, ASKING FOR HELP IS NOT WEAKNESS! Helping people is such a gift and a talent, but being able to ask for help is also an important talent to develop. It takes courage to ask for help.
When life is too dark, too hard, and you feel weak, the bravest thing you can do is ask for help. People want to help! They want the opportunity to bless and strengthen those around them.
I know that one of the reasons why we go through trials and hard moments in life is so we can help answer prayers and be God’s hands. Let people do that for you! God might be trying to answer your prayers through someone else.
I want to help! Reach out if you ever need to vent, talk, cry, etc. You are not ever, ever alone.
What do you think is the hardest thing about asking for help?
Flip the Script - National Infertility Awareness Week
This week is National Infertility Awareness Week. Because of my second ectopic pregnancy in January, it is still surreal that I am struggling with infertility, specifically secondary infertility. After having 2 healthy babies I never thought this would be my reality. I am so grateful for my kids, and I still mourn for the babies that we have lost.
1 in 8 couples are affected by infertility. Chances are that you or someone you know is struggling. So why don’t we talk about it more? Why are so many women and couples suffering alone silently? Why is there so much shame surrounding infertility? This week gives an opportunity to break down the stigma and barriers surrounding infertility.
Infertility is an emotional rollercoaster. It is full of heartbreak, shattered dreams, and lost expectations. Your sense of self-worth is shattered while anxiety, depression, grief, and loneliness set in.
“Owning our story and loving ourselves through that process is the bravest thing that we will ever do.” -Brené Brown
This week I am going to try and be vulnerable by owning my story. The last 2 years, and especially these past few months have been so difficult and dark. I have sobbed from the depths of my broken soul. But, I have also felt the power of letting light in and putting my broken pieces back together. My hope is that by sharing my story I will find more meaning and purpose in it and that we can all support each other.
I encourage you this week to share your story of infertility and read others. Support those around you who are struggling with infertility. Let’s #FlipTheScript of infertility and bring each other into the light. I will also be sharing facts about infertility, resources, brave stories from other women, and have a fun giveaway starting tomorrow. Tag your friends below that might benefit from this strong community. 💪🏻💕