November is here. That means, everywhere we look, there are signs of the holidays. While the trees, decorations, lights, music, Santa sightings, and more are meant to make us smile, we childless know that these things often trigger sadness… Because of this, it has been my goal since starting Not So Mommy… to help us navigate the holiday season. And this year, during Childless Holidays 2019, finding peace is my hope for us all…
Before we jump in with the 2019 “Finding Peace…” series, however, let’s look back at 2017 and 2018…
A look back: Childless Holidays 2017
I want we childless to do more than survive, so the 2017 Childless Holidays Series was about finding joy by changing perspective and redefining… By doing this, my hope was that we could begin to thrive…
Click the image below to find links to the 2017 Childless Holidays Series…
A look back: Childless Holidays 2018
Speaking of hope, that was the theme for 2018. Before you roll your eyes at that loaded, four-letter word, I’m not talking about the false hope that many spout. I redefined HOPE, creating a new way for we childless to view this word, this feeling…
Click the image below to explore this redefined HOPE…
And now… Childless Holidays 2019
And now, for this year’s Childless Holidays Series, Finding Peace…
Blog Schedule
Just as I used HOPE as an acronym, I am going to redefine PEACE, by exploring each letter. The editorial calendar for this holiday season will be as follows:
- 11 November (today) – Childless Holidays 2019: Series Introduction
- 18 November – The “P” in Peace…
- 25 November – Our Stories: A Warrior shares her truth…
- 2 December – The first “E” in Peace…
- 9 December – The “A” in Peace…
- 16 December – The “C” and second “E” in Peace…
- 23 December – Childless Holidays 2019: Series Round-up
- 30 December – Our Stories: A Line in the Sand…
Social Media Posts
I know social media can be a minefield of triggers. So, I will be on social media daily, offering inspirational quotes, adorable photos of Maddie, and links to blogs. You can find Not So Mommy… on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest.
Remember! Use the “hide” and “snooze” buttons often in an effort to keep your social media a safe place this holiday season. (Or take a break from it completely, if you need to.)
Monthly Newsletters
Even if you take a break from social media, you don’t have to worry about missing blogs. I will send out the Not So Mommy… monthly newsletter on Saturday, 30 November and Saturday, 21 December. These newsletters include blog links, as well as a message from me, inspirational quotes, news about what’s happening within our CNBC tribe, and more. If you don’t receive the Not So Mommy… monthly newsletter, just click here to sign up.
Just an email away…
While blogs, social media, and newsletters can be helpful, sometimes you just need to talk to someone. If you ever need a listening ear, please feel free to email me. Though I don’t always respond on the same day, I promise that I will reply to your message. I don’t ever want anyone to feel alone on this journey…
More Resources…
Because I don’t want anyone to feel alone, I have compiled a list of 70+ infertility/childless resources, including blogs, websites, closed Facebook groups, books, and more. You can find links to these additional resources by clicking here.
Let’s find joy, hope, and peace…
I’m looking forward to offering joy, hope, and peace over the coming weeks, fabulous ones. Thank you for following along this holiday season.
I just can’t find joy, Brandi…
If you are thinking, “I just can’t find joy, Brandi…” Well, that’s okay. Life can be tough. We need to allow ourselves to work through our grief, to feel our pain and sadness. If joy, hope, and peace seem out of reach, be gentle with yourself. Seek out the resources you need to survive…
For strategies about how to survive childless holidays, click the image below…
If anything I wrote resonates with you, please tell us about it in the comments.
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Skip the stores. Do your holiday shopping right here at Not So Mommy…! Just click the image below…
Click the image to shop…
Featured Photo: Created by me, using Canva
2 comments
You are amazing help to me. I burst out in tears reading this. It is such a help to have someone who actually understands what I am feeling. I feel lost in the sadness, grief and triggers all around me. Your blogs and quotes are such a big comfort. Bless you!
Bianca, I am so sorry that you are struggling with such grief. Despite the circumstances, I am grateful that you are a part of this community, though. It is so humbling that my blogs are helping ease your sadness. As I never want anyone to feel alone on this journey, you’ve helped me know that my story is serving a purpose. I hope this series helps you find peace, even if only a little. Sending you so many hugs…