Fat Tuesday & Self-Sacrifice | How to Boost Infertility Support

  

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Support for Infertility Can Start Today

Today is Fat Tuesday.  Most likely no one ever told you that support for infertility can start today.  Traditionally Fat Tuesday is a day used to clear the house of certain foods--usually by eating them and over-indulging--before Ash Wednesday, after which comes Lent. Lent is a 40 day period of self-sacrifice.  Sounds pretty Christian because it is.  And we're not all Christian, I know. 

Self-Sacrifice & Fertility Help

I'm not Christian.  Maybe you're not either.  Neither of those things mean that we can't take something from the idea of self-sacrifice.  If you're in fertility treatment, chances are you are well acquainted with self-sacrifice already because you are passionate about fertility help in all forms.  You've probably given up alcohol, recreational drugs, caffeine, unhealthy foods and more.

Here's what I'm considering: I'm considering giving up something for the next 40 days that is near and dear to my heart.  I have no idea what it is yet.  Luckily, there are things in my life that would be up for consideration.  Maybe my favorite tea?  Too trivial?  Maybe sweets?  Already did that.  Maybe give up swearing?  Ah, now, we're getting someplace. That might just be it.

Kick-Start Infertility Support

There is a twist that I would like to give to this idea of self-sacrifice: I give up two things.  One, something that I indulge in that is not so healthy for me--like caffeine, sugar, swearing, or alcohol.  The other thing I'd like to give up for 40 days is something along these lines: beating myself up; pushing myself too hard; not getting enough sleep; skimping on time that I take care of myself; putting myself in situations that I know are not healthy for me; taking on more work or reponsibilities; feeling shame or embarassment about having a medical condition through no fault of my own.  These are things anyone can do to kick-start their own infertility support.

What part of infertility and the typical response to your struggle can you give up?  Maybe shame?  Embarassment?  Self-blame?  Feelings that you don't deserve to be a parent?  So, for Lent this year, I'm going to give up swearing.  Yes, I am.  And I'm going to give up beating myself up.  Maybe after 40 days, I'll consider if I really want to go back to either of those things.