Thanksgiving- I am Grateful for You

  

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I give thanks

for you

to you

with you

I find those places within myself

that fill and overflow with light and hope

My heart brings attention to those places that feel dark

sad

and

filled with dread

I open myself to gratitude

for the moment I have right here

I turn my face towards the blessings that I experience every moment

Waking, breathing, moving, thinking, hearing, seeing

Loving

Being Loved

My senses remind me that I am alive

I am grateful to have today to live

I am grateful that you are here with me

I am thinking of you

Holding space for you

Keeping my inner ear open to your pain

and your joy 

Remember that you are not alone

I am here for you

And that 

We are unrepeatable beings

There has never been a living being precisely like you before, nor will there ever be again

We are here for a purpose and a reason

When we open our hearts, we discover our inner teachers

We find our purpose and we live into it

I give thanks for you

And I remember:

You are beautiful

You are gracious

You are strong

You are smart

You are capable

You are healthy

You are whole and complete

We give thanks together, for this day, to breathe, to live, to love

The Gifts You Can Receive While In Fertility Treatment

  

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We--those of us who have undergone fertility treatment--know what you have to give up. 

It's a long list.

It starts with giving up your dreams of how you conceive, how to tell your family, the joy of seeing the little stick turn the right color and/or shape.

It proceeds from there to giving up your privacy, coffee, liquor and more.

Today, this blog is about the treats that you get from infertility and being in fertility treatment.

Ready?

You get to be sober from not drinking alcohol--seeing the gorgeous, glorious greens of this spring with wide, open eyes; feeling the gentle caress of the breeze and the sweet, subtle smell of phlox and lilacs--with nothing between you and the experience in front of you. 

You get to be calmer from not having caffeine jitters. You get to experience what it feels like to be tired when you are tired and wide awake when you are wide awake with less artificial stimulants. Sleeping will become easier as you settle into the more natural rythmms of your body.

Experience the greens, reds, oranges, and yellows of your food as you make healthier food choices. It's strawberry season! What a glorious red, what an unbelievable taste. It makes processed sugar just plain silly.

There's the opportunity of getting to know your partner, friends, family and even your work colleagues in a more intimate, genuine way, as you share what you're comfortable with about your fertility experience. You will be surprised at who is comforting, who offers tender and helpful advice and who can listen quietly and lovingly.

Use this experience, that you did not choose and did not want, to learn about your boundries. Find out what the term privacy means to you and how to enforce it in ways that keep your heart and mind open to compassionate support. Learn more about yourself than you ever thought you would, as you see yourself navigate sadness, disappointment and hope and elation.

It's Friday. It's gorgeous out. Stunning. The greens of spring this year make the shades of fall look tired. Look up, look out, and bring it back in. It will light you up from the inside out. 

Infertility Heroes and Other Ramblings

  

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I'm focusing on gratitude today. 

Balance yesterday. Gratitude today.

I'm grateful to look out my window, beyond the broken treem from our last major storm, and enjoy the misty light that is the world in this moment. Grateful to hear the shower on, listening to my husband murmur to the cat that he so adores.

I'm grateful for my fabulous job at RMACT. Oh, yes, so incredibly grateful. I do work that I love and feel passionate about and I get to work with a team of people that I adore. No exaggeration. Robin, Greg, Tally, Alicia, you guys especially. I work with doctors that I respect and admire. Dr's Leondires, Richlin, Hurwitz, and Murdock. And it just spreads out from there. Our clinical staff, our lab staff, our finance staff, our MA's, our administrative staff. Very full of gratitude for all of you this morning. 

Check out Dr. Richlin on channel 12, he rocked the interview, because he was genuine and compassionate.

I feel very grateful for Fertile Yoga and the women who show up. They talk, laugh, question, make great suggestions.

You are my heroes! 

Remember the mantra we listened to last night during Fertile Yoga~

I am beautiful,

I am blissful,

I am bountiful,

I am

You are.

My heroes.

Yes, indeed. Full of gratitude this morning.

RMACT Infertility Patients-Thoughts of Thanksgiving and Gratitude

  

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The day before Thanksgiving.  

Preparations are in full swing. Travel arrangements are also being commenced, whether driving, flying or picking people up.

Cooking has started and last minute shopping for ingredients is obvious when you walk into any grocery store.

Expectations are high. We are to be thankful, grateful, happy, content.

Uh huh. Except for when we're not.

Tomorrow's blog will be on thanksgiving and gratitude, I promise.

Today's blog is about infertility and gratitude and thanksgiving.

So many of us experiencing infertility do feel gratitude about so many things. I know this because I get to speak to so many of you. 

Here's what I've heard lately, from you, about gratitude and thanksgiving, in your voices:

1. "I'm grateful for the strength and foundation of my marriage"
2. "I'm grateful for the support and help my friends have given me"
3. "Every single day, I find things that bring me joy"
4. "I'm so thankful for my job, which is so fulfilling"
5. "The support that I feel from my family holds me up"
6. "How interesting to see where support comes from, unexpected people who understand what I'm going through"
7. "I love noticing the things that make other people smile"
8. "Music brings me joy, even on the worst days"
9. "Knowing that my husband is there for me, means everything"
10. "I know that a child will enter my life, one way or another"
11. "My faith sustains me"
12. "I'm so grateful for the medical care and attention that I get from my doctors and medical staff"
13. "Infertility has deepened many relationships for me, including the one with myself. Who knew I had the strength to go through fertility treatment, with shots, and medication and more?

Infertility- What I am Most Grateful For Today

  

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Gratitude is the heart's memory- French proverb 

I would rather be able to appreciate things I can not have than to have things I am not able to appreciate- Elbert Hubbard

Two quotes about being grateful for today. I couldn't pick just one so I'm giving you both. In honor of it being Friday.That way you can pick the one that resonates for you.

While I've always know the phrase TGIF, until today, I have never appreciated it quite so much.

Because today, I'm so unbelievably grateful it's Friday.

I'm grateful for my infertility, today and last night. If it weren't for my experiences with infertility, I would not have had the honor and privilage of sharing Fertile Yoga with the very special and dynamic women who came to class tonight. I would not have the life I have right now, if it weren't for infertility.

I'm over the top grateful my husband is home and will be for the weekend. I'm grateful for his strength, grace, sense of humor and his presence. I'm grateful that he came home last night, exhausted, physically sore and still had it in him to fix the fuse box and go back outside in the rain for the dental floss.

I'm grateful for the people that I have in my life. I'm grateful to be as healthy as I am.

I'm grateful to do work that I believe in and that means so much to me.

I'm grateful for the ability to love the way that I do. With my full heart. Irregardless of whether I should, I do.

I'm grateful for my wonderful colleagues that always offer help and a smile. That truly work as a team, helping and supporting each other as well as all the men and women who are struggling to conceive. I have mentioned it before, but it's overdue, RMACT is a family that I feel grateful and blessed to have in my life at this time.

I'm grateful for my mother and my sisters, who drive me simply crazy, keep me anchored and grounded and are alive to do so.

I'm grateful that right this minute, I do not hear any rain!

I am grateful for those friends in my life who are there in real ways. Who I can tell the truth to, who I can answer honestly. I'm grateful that they see all of me, the good, the bad and the reallly awful and love me anyway.

I'm grateful for those in my heart, in my past, because I do remember. And I do believe that gratitude is the heart's memory. I appreciate those no longer actively in my life. And I miss some of them tremendously.

My heart remembers.

And I am grateful for the love. For I am truly loved.

What are you grateful for?

Without Infertility, Would I Be Here, Now? A Different Path to Fertility

  

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If I had a child at 26, when I first started trying to conceive, things would have been different. Without infertility, what would have been?

I would be divorced. I am quite sure that my marriage, so young, would not have survived the stress of raising a child.

I would not be living in the gorgeous, green, vibrant, perfectly suited home that I am living in now. Not this one, anyway.

I would not know Julianne, Julie, Pam, my "close every restaurant, talk about everything under the sun" friends.

I would not be part of a food co op that has quietly been in existence for over 18 years, creating less waste in our environment.

I would not have the neighbor/friend/yogi from down the street, Lisa. The one you could call in the middle of the night and not think twice if it was an emergency.

There are other children in my life, that I would not know. Other dear friends, Kath, especially and all of the family I know through her, that would not have been experienced.

I would not be able to meditate in the morning, reveling in the birds calling and the outrageous green of the spring.

My second home, YogaSpace would not be such an integral part of who I am, nor the students who I have come to consider family.

I would not be working with RMACT, with people that I respect and like, doing work that I am proud of every day of my life.

I would not have had the experience of my sisters and Mother standing by me every step of the way, no matter what.

I know that my life would have been full in other ways.

But it would not have been this life.

Which I cherish and am so grateful for.

Would I have chosen infertility?

No.

I understand that it has helped shape my character, my choices and my life.

For that, I am grateful.

Reproductive Medicine Associates of Connecticut Wishes You a Happy Thanksgiving!

  

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Happy Thanksgiving to our patients and patients everywhere from the staff of Reproductive Medicine Associates of Connecticut!!!!

Happy Thanksgiving to all of our wonderful patients! Let us all be thankful for all the wonderful things that we have and hopeful for all the wonderful things that our future will bring.

Diana D.

Thanksgiving is a time for family.  We are all part of a family with hopes and dreams.  As we walk together with friends and family we must be thankful for what we have with a hopeful eye to the future.  To all of our patients (extended family) I wish you the best this day and hope you do reach your dreams in the future.   Or (touch the sky in the future)

Dr. L

I am thankful for life, family and friends. 

Kimone N.

I am thankful for family, friends, and magnificent co-workers.

Natesha L.

I am very thankful for a wonderful 2010; a seamless wedding, wonderful in-laws, great job, and amazingly supportive friends and family.

Teresa Z.

I am thankful for the opportunity to be able to slow down a little and share a wonderful meal with busy family and friends.

Tina C.

On Thanksgiving we have to savour the people we are around and celebrating with. Be in the here an now and enjoy the moment of the holiday. We all deserve to have fun on Thanksgiving. Be Mindful, which means to focus and enjoy the little things - smell of the turkey, or the baking of a pie, or your company.

Dr. R

I am thankful for my family and both our grandchildren  and especially for our rmact ivf grandson!

Janice P.

I’m grateful for my wonderful father and boyfriend, without them I’d be nowhere in life. I am also grateful for this new job I was blessed with. Amazing co-workers, patients. Couldn’t get any better than this!

Terilyn M.

I am thankful for working in such a great place with such amazing people to be able to help our  patients achieve wonderful families.

Dr. H.

I am so thankful for the love, support and encouragement of my family and friends (and, on a lighter note, I am also thankful for Glee (my favorite!) and my IPAD).  Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Robin M.

I am so very grateful for another amazing year of wonderful memories from families, friends and of course our patients at RMACT.

Carrie V.

I am very Thankful for 2 girls that started of as co-workers and have become family to me. I am also thankful for having amazing kids and a husband.

Lettycia C.

I am thankful for friends, family and good health.

Rachel V.

I'm thankful for my families, both at home & work.   And for our patients getting pregnant and knowing that we have a small part in their success & happiness.  Happy Thanksgiving,

Dawn K.

I am thankful for the health of my children.

Jocelyn C.

I am thankful for having the opportunity to care for patients that are trying to expand their family.I am thankful for my family.I am thankful that my sister is cancer free after 5 years. I have so much more to be thankful for, the list goes on and on

Brigitte A.

I am very thankful for a very supportive husband, family and friends.  As I too desire to become a mom and this is the time when it becomes a little sadden for me personally since I have brother who has 2 babies, Devon who is 14mths, and Chase who is now 12weeks.  The reason I’m so thankful is for the simple fact my family tries to incorporate me into their little lives.  I love all of my nieces and nephews as my own, but I look very forward to the day when I give birth to a healthy baby in whom my husband and I can just simple adore.  I just don’t give up hope…

Mona H.  

I’m grateful for: HOUSE on Mondays; GLEE on Tuesdays; HUMAN TARGET on Wednesdays; FRINGE on Thursdays; and Simon works on Fridays…

Laurie P.  

I am thankful for my wonderful family, friends, and co workers who have supported me and have always been there. I am thankful for hellos and smiles I’m able to share with everyone each day! Happy Thanksgiving!

Soochi V.

I am thankful for my family and health.

Linda C.

I am very grateful to work with such a caring, dedicated team of people at RMA.  I am also grateful that my own struggle with nfertility paved the way for me to have such a rewarding career. Lastly, I am so grateful to the couples who let me share their fertility journey, and who never cease to amaze me with their strength and perseverance to become parents.

Lisa T.

With the many obstacles that may have happened in my life, I am grateful to overcome challenges and succeed by choosing to be happy and joyful for the moment.

Petra S.

This time of year makes me think of all that I am thankful for which of course includes my family & health, but I am also so grateful for the kindness of strangers and generousity of their hearts time and again.

Alicia M.

I am thankful for my Patients.  As I share my knowledge, I end every visit with a greater understanding and professional growth- from my patient discussions. Also, my mother was a great role model.  She showed me how optimizing her health through healthy eating, spiritual growth, and  physical fitness  helped  her  face her daily  life  mental and physical challenges.  I am thankful for the opportunity of working with a wonderful RMA team of doctors and staff who support my nutrition / wellness passion and offer excellent, comprehensive reproductive healthcare.

Carolyn G.

I am thankful for my wonderful family,good health and for my JOB! Happy Thanksgiving to all!!

Dori W.

I am grateful to have such great people to work with!

Kristin A.

To all the RMACT patients I am thankful for the opportunity to know so many of you and be a part of you journey. Wishing you peace on this Thanksgiving and success in the year ahead!
Amy M

I'm thankful for my patients, who teach me something new about hope every day.

Nora B.

Thanksgiving, Gratitude and Infertility

  

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This week is all about thanksgiving. Gratitude. Thoughts of what we have in our lives, right in this moment, even with infertility in the front of our minds. Each day’s blog will be dedicated to gratitude and thanksgiving, in all its different forms.

There are days where the things that I am grateful for huge, epic in their vastness. Things like health and love and kindness. Friends and family. A home, not just a house.

Then there are days like last week, (thank you to everyone for your love and concern!) that the little things in life pop up to be grateful for because the bigger things seem to far away. Love those little things. That the day is 4 degrees warmer and so the air feels gentle when I walk outside. The patch of sun hitting the floor, making it glow. Phone call from a friend that I haven’t heard from in a while. The estimate on the car repairs being far lower than expected. My favorite tea being there. A full water bottle in the car. Hot water for a shower. Two dollar movie theatres (Edmondtown Hall in Newtown, CT, what a steal!) Not having heard a single Christmas song on the radio before Thanksgiving. Yet. Clean sheets on the bed. A working dishwasher after two and a half years. My mother being alive and well. My sisters being alive and well. The best dog in the world. Fabulous friends. Partner and husband of over 31 years.

Interesting how the little things that I am grateful for lead me back to the bigger things that I am grateful for. And so it goes the other way around. The more that I feel grateful, the more that I feel grateful. Big things lead to appreciating the little things, and the little things lead to appreciation a bout the bigger things.

A few more things that I am grateful for: Fertile Yoga students (you rock!); the people that I work with; being able to inhale and exhale; finding a reason to smile every single day.

Thursdays’ blog is your blog. Your opportunity to say what you are grateful for. Including not having to see people or that Thanksgiving is only one day and then it’s over or that you are getting through the day by hiding at home.

Please help me write it this Thursday. We’ll share Thanksgiving together.

Imaginary Friends All Grown Up- Balancing Infertility and Gratitude

  

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Imaginary friends. How come they disappear by the time you are eight or so? I don’t know about you, but sometimes I could really use an imaginary friend. Someone who shows up to play when everyone else is too tired, too busy, or uninterested. Someone who knows when to be quiet, when to cheer you up, and when to simply hold your hand. When I was first diagnosed with infertility, I could dearly have used that friend from childhood.

Maybe a diary would do it? A journal, for us grown ups. A place to send your inner most thoughts and craziest ideas. You get to write anything you want and it hurts no one’s feelings. You don’t get fired for writing about your terrible boss or business partner. You don’t get divorced for stating that your husband/partner/significant other really did do that, yes, again, for the 49,000 time. A place to complain about your in-laws, parents, friends, and colleagues who really found it necessary to ask you when you were going to have a child. As if you hadn't noticed there wasn't a child there. Or who asked if you were going to give your child a brother or sister.

Yes, indeed, I think a journal would be a lovely stand in for an imaginary friend. For all the above reasons. In fact, I have one. It’s a great place to vent. My journal has a companion. Pink suede, with a pencil sharpener attached and colored pencils on the inside, given to me by a sister of the heart. Whether I write in my other journal daily or not, I always write in this journal. Every night.

My gratitude journal. Oh yeah. Because even in my worst moments, I know that I have things to be grateful for. Sometimes they are so so so little. And silly. The shadow on the wall, for a brief moment. The trees still green. Having just one more bag of my favorite tea. You know. Little. Sometimes the things we find to be grateful for are the little things.

So right back to balance. Expressing the wide range of feelings that we have. Letting all of those feelings have a place, not calling them negative or making us ashamed of being angry, sad, frustrated, jealous.

For me, it’s a perfect balance. A place to vent. A place to say thank you.