For those that read Not So Mommy… regularly, it may be hard to believe that I was not always a positive, glass half full, look at the bright side kind of person. There was a time when I was so sad, so alone, so fearful of a life without children that my grief had consumed me. I did not (and still do not) want anyone to ever feel that isolation, the utter hopelessness of feeling completely alone, believing that no one else could possibly understand.
So, despite the fact that I knew very little about blogging, I began Not So Mommy… a little over four months ago, sharing our journey—past and present. My hope was to help someone–even just one–discover that there is life after infertility, plan B can turn out more than okay, and you can actually be happy and childless not by choice.
One way I strive to achieve this goal is by sharing a Good Things post every Monday. In 2017, seventeen Good Things and four Good Things Stories were shared. In this Good Things Round-up 2017, let’s look back at just a handful…
Focusing on the Positive – First Good Things Blog on Not So Mommy…
Focusing on the Positive
The very first Good Things post explains how “good things” came about, helping me begin to find my joy again…
For 10 of my 17 years as a high school Spanish teacher, I was battling infertility. As you can imagine, going through a fertility struggle is stressful. As you can also imagine, being a high school teacher is also stressful. Put the two together and there were days when I just couldn’t find anything to smile about. [Read the full blog post…]
“The Bright Side of Infertility” Good Things Blog on Not So Mommy…
The Bright Side of Infertility
This is one of my favorite Good Things posts from 2017, and it the favorite of the Not So Mommy… Community. It has reached over 1,400 people on Facebook and has gotten much positive feedback. Surprisingly, I was hesitant to publish this post. I’m so glad that I did not let fear stop me from speaking truth!
My hubby and I have always spoiled our nieces. My sister-in-love used to say, “Just wait! I’ll get you back!” Well, haha! Jokes on you. We’re infertile!
At a family gathering, I mentioned something about sleeping in and one of my cousins with littles groaned, “I wish I could sleep in!” To this I quipped, “Yeah, there are some advantages to being infertile.” Luckily, everyone laughed, as I did intend it to be a joke, but…. [Read the full blog post…]
Good Things: Puppies, Dogs, and Fur Babies Good Things Blog on Not So Mommy
Puppies, Dogs, Fur Babies
Being a Dog Mom has brought me so much joy. In this Good Things, I introduce you to my first fur baby, Valentine. I’ll warn you to have the tissue ready, though! I cry every time I read this post…
Puppies, dogs, fur babies—they make my heart happy. I can’t help but smile when I see a dog. Last week, on my way into aerial yoga, I saw a lady with a carrier over her shoulder and noticed an adorable furry face looking out at me. And I smiled. When I’m walking downtown and notice a puppy, I just can’t stop myself from grinning. And I absolutely love watching other pet parents drop off and pick up their fur babies when I take Maddie to day camp.
I think dogs are one of God’s greatest gifts to us. I know that my fur babies have helped me more than I ever realized they would… [Read the full blog post…]
Good Things Special Edition: Kennedy’s Angel Gowns on Good Things Blog on Not So Mommy…
Kennedy’s Angel Gowns
Difficulties can either break us or build us. This Special Edition Good Things shares how tragedy became beauty…
I’m not sure if most people remember the exact date they started trying to have a baby with their hubby, but I do. It was 10 November 2003. I know this because it was exactly one month before our 3rd wedding anniversary. I was 26 and would graduate with my Master’s the following month. We owned our own home and had the perfect room for a nursery. It was the right time for us to grow our family, and we were so excited!
Fast forward to now… 10 November 2017. One month until our 17th wedding anniversary, and we are living a childless life. [Read the full blog post…]
Good Things Stories on Not So Mommy… Blog
Your Good Things Story
The last Monday of every month, I share a Good Things Story from a fellow survivor. So, now, it’s your turn to share a Good Thing…
I always loved hearing my students’ good things stories, so I thought why not let the Not So Mommy…™ Community share theirs?! I’d love to hear what good thing helped you focus on the positive and overcome a difficulty in your life—no matter how big or small that hardship was. By telling our good things stories, we can inspire others and realize that we are not alone in our struggles. [Read the full blog post…]
This Good Things Round-up 2017 is a small portion of the positive blogs posted this year. Check out the rest of the blog to find more inspiration and…
Make sure to check out the blog every Monday for Good Things!
Featured Photo Credit: Ylanite Koppens on StockSnap.io
