Welcome back to another episode! I'm thrilled you're joining me on this journey through life, where sometimes navigating can be challenging. Today, I want to open your mind to a new perspective on purpose.

Navigating Conversations About Childlessness: I've just launched a valuable resource for those struggling with discussing childlessness. If you've faced unwanted opinions or advice, visit Instagram (@Lana.Manikowski) or email me at HI@LanaManikowski.com to access this resource.

Rethinking Purpose: Let's dive into the concept of purpose. We're often told it's this elusive, singular thing we must find. But frankly, I call BS on that idea. Society often links purpose with motherhood, leaving many of us who are unexpectedly childless feeling adrift.

My Unique Perspective on Purpose: Through my work and personal journey, I've come to redefine purpose. It's not a single mission statement but a fluid, personal connection to oneself. Purpose isn't about selecting one grand thing; it's about living deliberately and authentically.

Thrive After Infertility Mastermind: Launching October 1st, Thrive After Infertility offers a supportive community to explore and define your unique path forward. It's not just about finding purpose; it's about embracing a life you love, despite its unexpected turns.

Creating Purpose in Everyday Moments: Purpose isn't confined to one monumental achievement. It's found in everyday actions—how we connect with others, contribute at work, or nurture relationships. Living purposefully is about finding joy and connection in the present moment.

Inspiration from Unexpected Sources: Reflecting on my music teacher's funeral, I saw firsthand how one person can embody different purposes for different people. Her impact on my life wasn't about motherhood but about nurturing confidence through music education.

Joining Thrive After Infertility: If you're resonating with this journey of self-discovery and purpose beyond motherhood, consider joining our 12-week program. It's designed to empower you to build a life you're proud of, free from the burden of societal expectations.

My Commitment to You: I became a certified life coach to support women navigating life after infertility. Thrive isn't about replicating my life; it's about helping you craft a life that resonates with your values and aspirations.

Embrace Your Unique Journey: Remember, your purpose isn't limited by one experience or identity. By reconnecting with yourself and living authentically, you'll discover a life filled with meaning and impact.

Closing Thoughts: As we wrap up, I want to remind you—it's never too late to uncover your purpose and embrace your unique journey. Wishing you a beautiful week ahead, filled with self-discovery and meaningful connections.

Join me next week as we continue this empowering conversation. Remember, your journey matters, and your purpose is waiting to be discovered.

I look forward to our next chat!

Welcome back to another episode of The "So Now What?" Podcast. I'm Lana Manikowski, and I'm thrilled you're joining me today. As we dive into the heart of summer here in the US, with July 4th Independence Day celebrations just around the corner, it feels fitting to talk about a different kind of independence—personal independence, especially for those of us navigating life after infertility.

Reclaiming Independence Post-Infertility

After enduring years of fertility treatments, the constant start and stop, and the endless cycle of uncertainty, finding independence can feel daunting. This week, I want to explore ways you can reclaim your sense of independence and make decisions that empower you.

Exciting New Resource Coming Soon!

I'm thrilled to announce a new resource designed specifically for women who have faced relentless questions about their motherhood status. This free resource will help you navigate those difficult conversations with confidence. If you're interested, reach out to me on Instagram at @lana.manikowski and send me a DM. I'll add you to the waitlist and ensure you get early access!

My Personal Journey to Independence

This week is particularly special for me as I transition out of Corporate America. After working since I was 14 and always relying on an employer's paycheck, I'm stepping into a new chapter. On July 8th, I'll be dedicating myself full-time to my coaching practice, leaving behind a successful corporate career.

Since 2021, alongside my demanding corporate job, I've been nurturing my life coaching practice. Completing my life coach and grief certifications has equipped me with the tools to support women like you and me—women who are unexpectedly childless and striving to find fulfillment.

Believing in Yourself

Often, we think we need someone else's approval or a perfect plan to pursue our dreams. But I'm here to challenge that belief. You have the power to make decisions for yourself and create the life you've dreamed of. Even without a clear roadmap, you can take steps towards your goals.

Action Steps to Embrace Independence

1. Identify Your Dreams: Think about what you've been wanting to pursue—whether it's a new hobby, education, or career change.

2. Trust Your Instincts: Believe in your innate ability to make decisions and create change.

3. Start Small: Begin by writing down your ideas and evaluating them. You don't need external validation—your inner voice is powerful enough.

A New Chapter

As I close this chapter of my corporate life, I reflect on the purpose it provided during my infertility journey. My career gave me meaning and allowed me to thrive during a challenging time. Now, I'm proud to embrace this new independence and dedicate myself fully to helping women create lives they love.

Connect with Me

I hope this episode inspires you to embrace your independence. Remember, it's never too late to discover your meaning.

Follow me on Instagram at @lana.manikowski or on YouTube at lana.manikowski and reach out if you want to be part of this journey.

Subscribe & Review

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review. Your feedback helps me reach more women who can benefit from these conversations.

Stay Tuned

Join me next week for more insights and encouragement on living a fulfilling life after infertility.

Feeling Like a Failure After IVF Fails

Introduction: Welcome back to another heartfelt episode of Thrive After Infertility. I'm Lana, and this week, we are rolling up our sleeves and diving deep into what it means to feel like a failure, especially after the challenging journey of IVF and fertility treatments. This episode is for all the incredible women out there who have struggled with these feelings and are ready to redefine their stories.

Key Points Covered:

1. Understanding the Fear of Failure:

   • The fear of failure often starts at a young age, influenced by family and cultural norms.

   • Many of us have been taught to hide our struggles and present a picture-perfect life.

2. Navigating Infertility and IVF:

   • Personal reflections on the pressure to do everything "right" during fertility treatments.

   • The emotional toll of feeling like you're not good enough as a fertility patient.

3. Changing the Narrative:

   • The impact of being labeled as a "failed" IVF patient and how that affects self-perception.

   • The empowering shift from viewing oneself as a failure to seeing IVF treatments as the ones that failed.

4. Personal Growth and Life Coaching:

   • How becoming a Certified Life Coach helped me change my perspective on failure.

   • The importance of deciding how to relate to the word "failure" and choosing a narrative that empowers you.

5. Introducing the Thrive After Infertility Mastermind:

   • Exciting news about the upcoming Thrive 2.0 program, designed to help women find fulfillment and thrive after infertility.

   • Details on how to join and the benefits of being part of this transformative community.

Special Announcement: I'm thrilled to announce a new resource for those of you on my mailing list, all about handling the things people say and how to respond to them in empowering ways. This unique resource is created especially for you, so be sure to follow me on social media and sign up to get access.

Closing Thoughts: Remember, you are not a failure. You are a beautiful, courageous soul who has shown immense strength and resilience. Let's redefine what it means to thrive and embrace a life full of meaning and fulfillment, even without the children we dreamed of.

Thank you for joining me this week. I love you all, and remember, it's never too late to discover your true meaning.