Tending the Fire - On Legends & Love
I shared about our second IVF on Instagram a few weeks ago. The photo was of an empty bulletin board surrounded by the dozens of needles that were self-administered during the IVF process.
“This was supposed to be a pregnancy announcement,” the post read.
“The board would announce our due date with a sonogram pic to the side, enveloped by each of these IVF needles that were administered with love. Because they were. Each vial, each pinch, each bruise, came with an abundance of love for the life they helped to create.“
Reflecting on this post, the line about the love surprised me as I wrote it.
“Each vial, each pinch, each bruise, came with an abundance of love for the life they helped create”
Is that true? I asked myself. I hadn’t acknowledged those words aloud before.
The (in)fertility journey is f*cking hard. It’s devastating.
I’m not interested in gaslighting myself by sugarcoating, toxic-positivity-ing, or silver-lining over the difficulty.
Each of our journeys are sacred, you know that right? Sometimes I need reminding, maybe you do too? I helped facilitate a book club for The Alchemist, a book that explores our life’s journey, and I said to the group, in my best Sean Connery impression: “the Legend of Shannah Crane Dimmick.” We chuckled at my impression, but something also shifted. Thinking about our lives as a Legend is powerful.
After six years in this chapter, I’ve come to realize that the Infertility Journey is here as one of my greatest teachers, a guide for my Legend.
The journey is guiding me to learn lessons around boundaries, self-trust, and compassion. To feel is to be alive, and well, this chapter has brought a helluva lot of feelings. Woven into each of them is love.
The longing has roots in love. And so, too, does the grief. We don’t grieve things we didn’t care about. The grief often comes forward as sadness, perhaps other times as anger, hypervigilance, or numbness. So now, a question I’m exploring is: even though they might be uncomfortable and unpleasant to feel, can I be with and honor each emotion on this turbulent journey knowing that it's all born from love?
This question feels fitting as we wade through a month that celebrates love.
If you feel called to explore, these questions and more are in the Invitation section below.
For now, I’ll close by saying thank you. Our time and attention is a precious resource and, dare I say, it feels like an act of love that you would share yours here; love for me, and more importantly, for yourself– to take a moment and check in, to acknowledge and give space for your needs. Cheers to you, friend.
With love from my journey to yours,
Shannah 🤍
Founder & Coach of Nurtured
Your turn! Let’s check in. Are any of the following questions calling to you? Maybe you write down responses, or maybe it’s time for a lil’ dance party, or painting, or whatever modality might help you drop in.
Remember, this doesn’t have to be a huge time commitment to be meaningful. If it feels good, put on a song, pick one question from the list, and noodle until the song ends.
What within me needs tending to today?
One action I will take today that meets my needs is: ______________
What life situations- that is, teachers or guides (albeit sometimes unpleasant)- might be here to help me deepen my connection with myself, my Legend?
What are some things I’ve learned from said guides?
Where do I feel love in my life?
I show myself love by: _____________
Big bravo for taking a moment to explore, check in, & tend your own fire 🔥
If you would like to have your responses witnessed, I would be delighted to receive them! Email me anytime at shannah@gonurtured.com
If you’re hearing a whisper to go deeper, to continue this exploration with a partner along your side, know that I’m here. I’m currently open for 1:1 clients and would love nothing more than to witness your experiences and help you carve your path.
If you’re new here, let’s book a consultation and chat.