A moment comes when the realization hits that this is what it is, yet we don’t want to deal with that reality. We’re feeling all these feelings that are uncomfortable; the pain, the grief, the loneliness. We sit with it all and then, at some point, we wonder “what do I do with this?” and “how do I find meaning?” You can understand the grief AND want to move on while carrying it. This isn’t about squashing the grief - that’s not possible. It’s about moving onward on a new path, creating a ful ...
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Tell Them to Put the Pity Away and Try Support Instead
13:59
13:59
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13:59If you’ve ever felt the sting of someone’s pity—this episode is for you. In Episode 59, Dr. Gail Miller gets real about the kind of pity that too often finds its way to women who are childless not by choice. Drawing from her own story, she unpacks why pity—no matter how well-intentioned—can deepen feelings of grief, shame, and isolation. In this ep…
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If you’ve ever felt judged for a life you didn’t choose—this episode is for you. In Episode 58, Dr. Gail Miller opens with a quote that hits home: “Don’t let anyone who hasn’t been in your shoes tell you how to tie your laces.” From there, she dives into a powerful conversation about empathy, boundaries, and self-trust for women who are childless n…
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If you've ever felt invisible or judged for not having children—this episode is for you. In this episode, Gail Miller explores how to rebuild your sense of identity and self-worth when life hasn’t followed the path you imagined. In this heartfelt conversation, Gail speaks directly to the unique challenges women face when navigating involuntary chil…
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Finding Your Way Through the Heartache of Mother's Day
25:29
25:29
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25:29If you dread Mother’s Day and feel like the world forgets your grief—this episode is for you. Dr. Gail Miller, physician, life coach, and speaker, holds space for the tender emotions that surface during this time of year for women who are childless not by choice. With honesty and warmth, Gail shares her own story and offers gentle guidance for navi…
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"I Didn't Take Action”: Unpacking the Complexity of Childless By Circumstance
20:37
20:37
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20:37If you’ve ever silently carried the weight of “I didn’t do enough” on your path to motherhood—this episode is for you. Dr. Gail Miller explores the complex emotions behind being childless not by choice. In this heartfelt conversation, she sheds light on the quiet grief many women carry—especially those whose path to childlessness was shaped by timi…
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Unapologetically You: Celebrating Life's Unique Achievements
19:52
19:52
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19:52If you’ve ever felt overlooked because your accomplishments don’t fit the traditional mold—listen in. Dr. Gail Miller, physician, life coach, and speaker, invites us to reconsider what it means to celebrate ourselves—especially as women who are childless not by choice. In a world that often measures success by marriage and motherhood, Gail offers a…
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Unwanted Opportunity for Renewal; What if You’re Not Ready?
18:48
18:48
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18:48If you’ve ever wondered how to begin again when life hasn’t gone the way you imagined—this episode is for you. Dr. Gail Miller, physician, life coach, and speaker, explores what renewal really looks like for women without children. Drawing from her own experience and the stories she’s heard along the way, Gail dives deep into the emotional terrain …
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Childless and Coping: When Soothing Hurts More Than It Heals with Maureen Benkovich
35:07
35:07
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35:07If you've ever felt like you're carrying unseen grief—this episode is for you. You'll hear the raw, powerful story of Maureen Benkovich, a former pharmaceutical sales rep turned life coach, who knows what it’s like to quietly grieve the life you imagined—and try to numb that pain with alcohol. In this episode, you’ll learn: What gray area drinking …
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Holidays Again? Navigating Societal Pressures Being Childless Not By Choice
18:28
18:28
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18:28Spring holidays can bring unexpected emotional challenges for those who are childless not by choice. In this episode, host Gail Miller explores the unique triggers that can arise during this time and offers practical ways to navigate them with resilience and grace. This conversation is an invitation to rethink traditions, cultivate peace, and creat…
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When I Accept Myself Then I Can Work to Heal
16:30
16:30
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16:30In this milestone 50th episode, join host Gail Miller as she explores the transformative yet challenging journey of self-acceptance for women who are childless not by choice. She dives into how self-acceptance is the key to living fully and authentically. From confronting self-blame and shame to embracing joy in everyday moments, Gail shares insigh…
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Holding Two Truths, Life is Amazing…and Crappy
16:11
16:11
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16:11Understanding that life’s beauty and sorrow can coexist is vital for women who are childless not by choice. In this episode of Childless and Moving Onward, host Gail Miller delves into the art of balancing two truths: grief and joy. Gail dives into practical strategies like maintaining a 'both-and' journal and transforming painful triggers into pos…
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Challenging Your Beliefs About Being Childless and Recognizing Your Worth
21:08
21:08
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21:08Many childless women carry deep-seated beliefs that hold them back from truly thriving. In this episode, host Gail Miller the deeply ingrained limiting beliefs that often go unchallenged. She shares insights on how to reframe your childless journey, break free from societal expectations, and embrace a more empowering perspective. Through personal r…
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Healing Happens in Your Own Unique Spiral Pattern
19:16
19:16
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19:16Healing as a childless woman is not a straight path—it’s a journey filled with twists, setbacks, and moments of growth. In this episode of Childless and Moving Onward, host Gail Miller—a physician, life coach, and speaker—delves into the emotional complexities of healing. Gail offers compassionate guidance on processing emotions, understanding heal…
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Curious Conversations: Alternatives to ‘Do You Have Kids?’
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20:28
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20:28In this episode, host Gail Miller dives into the complexities of involuntary childlessness and the often-unspoken weight of the question, “Do you have kids?” She offers thoughtful alternatives that encourage more inclusive and meaningful conversations while shedding light on the challenges faced by those who are childless not by choice. Gail shares…
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Childless Journey: Pain is the Equalizer Because Pain is Pain
18:52
18:52
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18:52The deep, multi-layered pain of women who are childless not by choice is often overlooked by society. In this episode of Childless and Moving Onward, host Gail Miller explores the profound emotional complexities of this journey. Gail offers compassionate insights on validating your pain, giving yourself permission to grieve, and embracing self-comp…
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A Woman’s Worth is More Than Through the Narrow Lens of Marriage and Motherhood
20:06
20:06
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20:06Society tends to measure a woman’s worth by her roles as a wife and mother and in this episode of Childless and Moving Onward, host Gail Miller confronts this deep-rooted belief. Gail examines the influences that reinforce these damaging stereotypes. Gail unpacks the forces that shape these expectations and offers empowering strategies to redefine …
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Whether you are childless because of infertility, a medical diagnosis, personal or financial circumstances or any other reason, your story matters. In this episode, Gail Miller explains why sharing your unique story can be beneficial to yourself and to others. Gail dives into why it can be particularly challenging to open up about childlessness, wh…
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Your Discomfort is not my Responsibility to Bear
17:44
17:44
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17:44Have you ever noticed discomfort in others when you share that you're a childless woman? Do you find yourself trying to ease them, even at your own expense? In this episode, Gail opens up about a deeply personal experience and provides actionable strategies for navigating these challenging moments with confidence and grace. Gail explores the societ…
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Unplanned but Unstoppable: Embracing Personal Growth Without Children
16:04
16:04
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16:04Explore the importance of personal growth and how it can help with acceptance of childlessness journeys. Gail, a physician, life coach, and speaker, delves into how personal growth—encompassing emotional, mental, and spiritual evolution—can help individuals reshape their lives, find new meaning, and experience joy even in unexpected circumstances. …
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Redefining Success and Worthiness in a Childless Life
18:50
18:50
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18:50Discover how to redefine success and worthiness as a childless woman. Host Gail Miller discusses how society tends to tie success to motherhood, but she reminds us that success is how we define it. Gail gives actionable steps to help redefine goals, embrace non-traditional roles, and find purpose and fulfillment beyond parenthood. Tune in to discov…
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Shattering Stigmas: The Journey of Childless Women by Circumstance
19:46
19:46
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19:46Society often views childless women as “abnormal” or even “selfish”, a judgement that is deeply rooted in pronatalism - the belief that motherhood is a woman’s primary purpose in life. Today, host Gail Miller explores these stereotypes and other microaggressions that childless women face frequently. She addresses how redefining self-worth and findi…
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Embracing Life Without Children: Finding Fulfillment and Self-Acceptance
17:18
17:18
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17:18Ready to embrace life as a childless woman? Gail Miller, life coach, physician and speaker discusses the importance of finding self-acceptance and fulfillment throughout your unique journey. In this episode you will learn practical strategies for cultivating self-acceptance and finding purpose beyond motherhood. It is time to embrace your journey a…
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No Resolution New Year, New Rules: Childless Not by Choice Edition
16:28
16:28
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16:28Discover why traditional resolutions often feel overwhelming and are generally ineffective. Host Gail Miller shares alternatives to setting traditional New Year resolutions, like embracing a word for the year and leaning into self-compassion and reflection. This episode is a heartfelt invitation to reimagine the New Year as a time for self-discover…
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Holiday Harmony: Setting Boundaries When You’re Childless Not by Choice
23:24
23:24
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23:24In this episode, discover how to prioritize yourself, communicate with clarity, and plan ahead to protect your emotional well-being. Join host Gail Miller as she dives into the art of setting healthy boundaries during the holidays—a season that can be especially tricky for women who are childless not by choice. From managing emotional triggers to r…
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Rewriting the Holiday Narrative: Navigating the Winter Holidays Through a Childless Journey
24:36
24:36
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24:36When you are childless not by choice, the holiday season can be an especially challenging time. While this may be a time you sometimes dread, host Gail Miller emphasizes the importance of redefining holiday traditions so that it can be a time that we can find joy in. Gail shares practical tips like creating an emotional toolkit, hosting a chosen fa…
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Navigating Grief During the Holidays When You’re Childless Not by Choice
22:09
22:09
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22:09The holiday season can be an especially triggering and difficult time for childless not by choice women. In this episode, host Gail Miller explores various strategies to navigate these complex times. She reminds us that all feelings are valid and acknowledging those feelings is a first step in navigating this difficult time of year. Setting boundar…
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Grappling to Find Gratitude When the Nest Will Never be Filled
26:04
26:04
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26:04This time of year is all about finding gratitude in life. That can be especially challenging when you are a woman who is childless not by choice. Host Gail Miller explores the complexities of cultivating gratitude amidst the pain. The journey of cultivating gratitude is not about toxic positivity but about recognizing the small positives in life. G…
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In today’s episode, host Gail Miller explores the challenges faced by women who are childless not by choice during the Thanksgiving season. She discusses how family gatherings can amplify feelings of loss and exclusion, while offering practical strategies for managing emotional triggers, setting boundaries, and seeking solace. Gail encourages liste…
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Hush the 'At Leasts': the Battle of Childlessness and Unwanted Advice
17:57
17:57
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17:57Exploring the harmful impact of 'at least' statements on women who are childless not by choice. In this episode, Host Gail Miller explains how these well-meaning but misguided attempts at comfort dismiss and trivialize people's pain. Tune in to learn better ways to validate and support those experiencing pain without minimizing their feelings. Gail…
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Recycling and the Legacy Dilemma: When Your Future's Not in the Bin!
17:19
17:19
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17:19Discover how everyday tasks like recycling can trigger deeper feelings of futility and pain when contemplating a future without biological children. Host Gail Miller explores the "legacy void" and reminds childless women that they are not alone in their experiences. Gain practical insights on creating a meaningful legacy through volunteering, mento…
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Childless, Not Less: Standing Strong Against Invalidation of Your Pain
21:54
21:54
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21:54Join host Gail Miller, a childless by circumstance not by choice woman, as she addresses the painful belittlement and invalidation of childlessness. She discusses how painful dismissive comments can be and the deep impact of emotional isolation. Discover practical strategies like boundary-setting and finding support systems. Remember, your feelings…
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The Comparison Trap: Why Your Path to Being Childless Not By Choice is Perfectly Yours
23:00
23:00
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23:00Today, we are discussing the effects that comparing personal suffering to others can have on us. I want to validate that all pain is valid and personal, and advocate for a shift towards empathy and self-compassion. Tune in for practical advice on finding fulfillment and forming supportive networks, from redefining success to channeling maternal ins…
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Childless and Fearless: Navigating a World of Baby Bumps
18:18
18:18
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18:18Today, we are addressing the sensitive topic of pregnancy announcements and their emotional impact on childless women. We'll explore the complex emotions these moments can evoke, while acknowledging feelings of envy and hurt. In these situations, I encourage you to shift your perspective and celebrate all kinds of achievements, not just those relat…
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Childless, Not Voiceless: Drowning Out the Noise
23:45
23:45
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23:45Today, we are addressing different societal perceptions and pressures faced by women who are childless not by choice. Spurred by a recent political comment, we explore feelings of worth and self-compassion, urging women to redefine their value beyond motherhood. Offering strategies to combat societal pressures, I encourage you to embrace your own u…
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Pumpkin Spice and Is Everything Really Nice When You’re Childless?
20:11
20:11
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20:11The fall season is upon us, and with this season comes a lot of exciting and fun events and traditions. It can also be the perfect storm for women who are childless not by choice, as we can be bombarded with reminders of what we are missing out on. Today, we explore how to navigate the fall season as a woman who is childless by circumstance, not by…
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When we hear the phrase “starting a family”, most people are referring to having children. Which is why in this episode we explore the true meaning of family for women who are childless not by choice and why we need to expand our view of how we define family. Relationships with friends, loved ones, and even pets can constitute a family. We get to h…
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Unplugged: Navigating Life When You're Not Connected Digitally
23:42
23:42
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23:42Unexpected breaks from the internet can feel isolating and unsettling. Social media and online forums, while they have their negatives, they can also be a lifeline where we can find others who understand this unique grief we face. Today, I am discussing how a recent unexpected digital detox highlighted the importance of online connections, yet also…
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Finding Meaning & Purpose Through the Struggles with Elizabeth Tiglao-Guss
38:49
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38:49Today we welcome Elizabeth Tiglao-Guss, host of the By Chance Podcast, sacred conversations with women who don’t have kids by chance and not by choice. Elizabeth is a social entrepreneur, personal coach and founder of Link of Hearts, a lifestyle brand raising awareness for mental health. Together we discuss Elizabeth's journey through infertility a…
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Healing Hearts: Embracing Creativity in the Journey of Childlessness
43:13
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43:13In this episode of Childless and Moving Onward, I am joined by Niki Allinson, a creator, coach and childless woman. In our discussion, Niki shares her personal journey with endometriosis, infertility, and ultimately, acceptance of childlessness. She describes how creativity, particularly doodling, has kept her strong through childless grief and rem…
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Unwritten Legacies: Leaving a Lasting Legacy When You are Childless Not by Choice
16:23
16:23
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16:23When people hear the word "legacy," they often think of passing down things to children. However, legacy extends far beyond that. It’s found in the lives you impact, the passions you pursue, and the work you do. Today, I want to discuss how we can redefine legacy beyond traditional norms. I'll share a few ways to redefine your legacy, such as throu…
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Who am I if I am Not a Mom? Navigating a New Identity When You are Childless Not by Choice
21:41
21:41
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21:41Coming to terms with the fact that you won't become a mother can be difficult and may leave you feeling like you've lost a part of your identity. You may not recognize yourself anymore. Today we are diving into the complex and difficult journey of rediscovering yourself and creating a fulfilling life for yourself. In this episode, I'll share practi…
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Many of us have felt the isolating sense of invisibility as women who are childless not by choice. Conversations often revolve around children, making us feel excluded and out of place. Today, I’m sharing some personal experiences and insights around that feeling of invisibility. I’ll discuss various strategies to combat isolation, such as acknowle…
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Unchosen Paths: Challenging the Societal Stigma of Childless Women
19:42
19:42
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19:42Women who are childless not by choice often face endless stereotypes and judgments. A recent example of this was when a politician made hurtful remarks regarding childless women. The negative and hurtful reactions to this comment highlighted the ongoing challenges these women face. In this episode, my main goal is to start conversations with women …
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Paths Unplanned: Understanding Childless by Circumstance
20:22
20:22
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20:22People use various terms to describe childlessness because no single term resonates with everyone. In this episode, we explore the term "childless by circumstance" and the many different situations that can lead to this beyond infertility. It's essential to recognize that pain is valid, no matter the cause of childlessness. It is critical to acknow…
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Navigating the Storm: Managing Triggers in a Childless-Not-By-Choice Journey
30:08
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30:08We hear about triggers all the time, but what are they really and how can we effectively manage our responses to them? In this episode, we explore effective strategies for dealing with unavoidable emotional triggers. We also discuss what are some common triggers that women who are childless not by choice face. One important way to manage triggers i…
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Different Spaces: Navigating Childlessness When You and Your Partner Feel Differently
44:15
44:15
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44:15Today, we are honored to welcome Dr. Alexandra Stockwell, a dear friend of mine and a Physician turned relationship and intimacy coach. After spending twelve years in medicine helping others heal their bodies, Alexandra chose to study the science and art of emotional and sensual connection to help her patients heal their relationships. In our conve…
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Self-love can be a challenging concept for women today, particularly for those who are childless not by choice. Societal pressure to become parents can make it difficult to recognize one's self-worth. However, it's crucial to understand that your worth isn't defined by whether or not you are a parent. In this discussion, I explore three fundamental…
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Embracing the Unwanted: Redefining Acceptance in a Childless Life
17:13
17:13
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17:13Today’s discussion centers on the concept of acceptance for women who are childless not by choice. I share my personal journey of redefining acceptance, explaining that it doesn’t mean giving up, but rather acknowledging your reality with self-compassion and honesty. Through acceptance, you can discover new meaning and dreams beyond motherhood. Thi…
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Just like with many aspects of life, having too much of a good thing can be detrimental. This applies to positivity as well, often referred to as toxic positivity. Today we are exploring this concept and its impact on women who are childless not by choice. Excessively positive statements can minimize grief, create isolation, and hinder emotional he…
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Healthcare Visits - A Little Thoughtfulness Would Go a Long Way
26:46
26:46
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26:46Many of us feel uneasy or anxious about visiting the doctor, but this discomfort is often worsened by the insensitivity and lack of awareness about involuntary childlessness. Today, we will be discussing some personal experiences and observations of how women without children encounter insensitivity and misconceptions from healthcare providers. Unf…
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