Hey Lovelies,
This IVF cycle has been very interesting. I intentionally booked myself off of substitute teaching this month so that I was available whenever the clinic needed me, but I also thought it would give me time to focus on some of the cool things that are on my plate. Such as:
New business ventures— Two separate ventures I’m embarking on with two amazing ladies. SO excited, and will be very busy. But since they aren’t far past the planning stage I can’t speak too much about all that. But suffice it to say there is much to be thought out and decided and put in motion. Lots to do.
Blog—Obviously, there is work I need to keep doing as a blogger, aside from writing posts, I’m also trying to drum up more guest posts and speaking gigs, etcetera, etcetera.
Novel—I am on chapter four of my historical fiction project. If you’ve been following my progress you’ll note I’ve been there in chapter four a good while. I’m gonna get to chapter five, eventually, I promise! There has been much reworking going on.
All of these things were on my mind as I started this cycle. Perfect! I’ll have time to devote to them more head on… Aaaaand then NOTHING got done. I’m at the end of my first week of stimulation and I cannot focus on anything else! I sit around thinking about what might be happening in my body, how all those gorgeous follies might be doing, how much longer will I do the shots, how many eggs will mature… I could go on forever. I’m also really wiped out. Physically as well as emotionally. It’s a side effect of the meds because my body’s working extra hard to grow the amount of eggs that it normally would in a year– ALL AT ONCE. No wonder I’m pooped. I’m pooped just TALKING about how pooped I am!
I figure this is a finite time in my life and I should be focused on the process. I need to be ok with feeling lazy when all of the above does not get done. This can be hard for me. I’m a go-getter, all steam, flash and pizazz; but it’s important that I give this IVF cycle my full attention. And if other things cease to mean shit for a while, well that’s how it goes.
Love,
Unpregnant Chicken
I encountered a very similar thing while cycling. If a deadline wasn’t forced on me, I found my attention was focused on treatments. It’s hard not to.
I’m sure you’ll get advice about imposing deadlines and how to hold yourself accountable (I suck at it, so I won’t even go there). What I will say is also be willing to forgive yourself. Sometimes the best of plans don’t happen. And that is okay.
Cristy,
Yeah, I am still meeting deadlines, but they are pretty loose and fluid right now. LOL I was hoping I’d be feeling driven… Ah well, maybe during the TWW. Lord knows I’ll need something to occupy my time then!
XOXXO, Unpregnant Chicken
Even if you know intellectually it’s OK to take it easy, those feelings of “I should be getting more done” creep in! especially when one has taken time off. Your projects all sound very exciting, but it’s totally understandable that the cycle is taking priority! although it might be a good idea to work on some other things just to distract yourself from it.
Turtle,
Yeah I think I will be grateful for all the projects in the TWW. Cause then there is nothing to do but wait!
XOXXO, Unpregnant Chicken
Oh man, I totally get it. If only I could put “great at daydreaming” on a resume. I am working full time and am still so distracted. Goodness knows how I’ll deal with it when we are in the middle of IVF.
I am thinking so many good thoughts for you on Wednesday!
Moira,
Thanks! I appreciate all the good vibes!
XOXXO, Unpregnant Chicken
Missed reading about you last week. Am glad things are moving in the positive direction. Stay focused. Stay happy. Sending you positive and happy thoughts.
Bespectacled,
Yeah I had too much to say for a Micro last week, I write every Monday and Thursday but sometimes it doesn’t wind up on Stirrups. Always welcome to head over here just to see me!
XOXXO, Unpregnant Chicken
What I always told myself was that it’s not a race. All of it: the work, the opportunities, etc. Sometimes you need to focus on what is in front of you and deep breathe. And then get through it and back to the work, etc.
Mel,
Too right!
XOXXO, Unpregnant Chicken
You just gotta stay in the present, be gentle with yourself, get a pedicure, facial or whatever makes you feel good.
Oh yes, I agree with this suggestion. And naps. I prescribe lots of naps!
Mali,
Funny because I originally ended this with “oh look, its time for another nap.” but changed it at the last moment. Haha.
XOXXO, Unpregnant Chicken
DeathStar,
My motto this week has been ” I am in charge of me and I can only control what happens today.” Lol because otherwise I get way ahead of myself.
XOXXO, Unpregnant Chicken
Whew, that’s a lot on your plate! Exciting things though, and it’s not a bad idea to have things going on to keep your mind of the minutia of your IVF cycle. You will know when you need to put the other things on a back burner. Best of luck to you!
Jess,
Yup I live a busy life.
XOXXO, Unpregnant Chicken
Thanks so much for sharing your journey. I was really stressed out during stimulation. I hated the injections and even felt like I was putting poison into my body. 3 things helped me get through it (other than support from my partner and family): fertility hypnosis specifically for IVF, acupuncture, and reiki. I was very sceptical about the third one, but it actually helped me feel at ease with the treatment and actually welcome it.
All the best!
Claire,
Awesome. I also freak about meds in my body but did ok. Just finished egg retrieval and waiting to see how many survived!
XOXXO, Unpregnant Chicken