When I began Not So Mommy… in 2017, I knew I wanted to allow others the opportunity to share their stories. Over the past four years, fabulous ones have been bravely vulnerable, giving their perspectives about finding joy despite…, about being childless not by choice, about being a childless pet parent… This year, in 2021, six fabulous ones trusted me and this community enough to share their hearts. Let’s take another look at their inspiring words from Our Stories 2021 . . .
Our Stories 2021 . . .
The Scribbler…
The first story shared in 2021–Anne’s Story–was the inspiration behind my post, “Childless Warriors, Let’s scribble outside the lines in 2021…” (You can read it here.)
I couldn’t decide whether to share Anne’s Story as a CNBC Story or a Finding Joy Despite… Story. It encompassed so much and could fit in either category. So, for the first time ever, I decided to share a story as both. I mean, if we were going to scribble outside the lines, then why did we need to put Anne’s Story into one specific category?!
Anne shared a lot of powerful words, but here are some of my favorites…
You can read Anne’s complete story here.
Lost Much, Gained More…
In March, Emily shared her story. Once again, I couldn’t decide which stories category to place it in. So again, I decided to share a story as both.
Emily poignantly speaks of grief, telling all she lost…
You can read Emily’s complete story here.
Our CNBC Stories
Two fabulous ones–Amber and Gay–shared their CNBC Stories, explaining how they are Creating a New plan Bravely & Courageously.
Amber’s Story…
Amber shares about infertility, failed adoption, childlessness, and more…
You can read Amber’s complete story here.
Gay’s Story…
Gay shared a perspective about motherhood that completely overwhelmed me…
You can read Gay’s complete story here.
Our Pet Parent Life Stories
The newest addition to the Our Stories section of Not So Mommy… is “Our Pet Parent Life.” Two fabulous dog moms (plus me) shared their stories in 2021.
Pagal’s Mom…
Pagal’s PAWsome Dog Mom “[chose] to voluntarily love and care for [a fur baby] who has special needs.”
You can read Pagal’s Mom’s Story here.
Chewie & Lucy’s Mom…
Chewie and Lucy’s Dog Mom had so much to share about her pet parent life that I published this story in two parts!
Part 1…
In Part 1, we learn all about Chewie and Lucy…
You can read Part 1 of Chewie & Lucy’s Mom’s Story here.
Part 2…
In Part 2, we learn how Chewie and Lucy helped their Dog Mom redefine, plus what she wants others to understand about the childless pet parent life…
You can read Part 2 of Chewie & Lucy’s Mom’s Story here.
Maddie’s Mom…
Of course, I had to share my pet parent life story! Because being Maddie’s Dog Mom has played a HUGE role in my redefining momhood and finding joy despite…
You can read My Pet Parent Life Story here.
Some Final Thoughts about Our Stories…
Though I realize this section of the blog resonates deeply with many, I have decided that it is time to wrap-up “Our Stories.” Encouraging others to share, editing their words into a suitable format for the blog… Well, it is quite labor intensive.
My husband is working towards new business ventures in the coming year. So, I need to be available to help.
I love you, fabulous ones. I am consistently reminding you all, however, that it is okay to put your non-traditional family, your needs, your self-care first. That’s it’s okay to say, “No.” It’s okay to re-evaluate, re-adjust, redefine…
So, I’m giving myself permission to change the blog a bit.
If you’d like to share your story, please do so by New Year’s Eve.
Learn more here and/or contact me.
If anything written resonates, please tell us about it in the comments.
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Featured Photo: Created by me, using Canva
