Pictures are so interesting. They say that a picture says a thousand words, but it doesn’t say all the words and it can be so deceiving. The older I get, the more it is engrained into my mind through experience that no one lives a perfect life and we all have challenges. This photo of me in my blue dress, for instance, shows me in my kitchen posing for a picture. My friend, who is a photographer, had called me an hour prior and had told me to hurry and get ready because she was coming over to take some photos for me since she was in town. We did a little photoshoot in my home and I figured I would use the photos for my blog. This picture appears to show a picture perfect life. What those “thousand words” don’t show is my bloated tummy from just having my egg retrieval for in vitro two days prior. They don’t show the shots, the tears, the sadness. Many of you might recall the picture that I posted of Tyler and I on our Valentine’s date where we went to a Park City painting class. It appears to have been a perfect date night. I had a lot of fun and it was nice to relax with my sweetheart. It was great. What you don’t see when you look at the picture, however, is that we had just found out that day that we weren’t pregnant after our first round of in vitro. What you don’t see is that I am just trying with all of my might to stay positive and keep it together. You don’t see how exhausted I am.
I am at peace right now that God has a plan for me. I am totally content with that, so this isn’t intended to make anyone feel bad for me because I have been blessed with far more than I deserve, I feel so grateful for my life, and I am happy most of the time. (At least now that I’m not taking the shots any more 😉 ) The point is that even though other’s lives may appear to be perfect, trust me when I say that not a single person has a perfect life. You have no idea the battles they are facing behind the perfectly posed photos. Our trials shape us and I’m grateful for that. I love this quote because it couldn’t be more true, “There isn’t a person you wouldn’t love if you knew their story.”
How true is this. Glad I stumbled upon your blog a couple weeks ago! This is something I need reminding of when my mommy friends post these constant beautiful & fun pictures of their toddlers and doing this and that and being so happy and i'm over here like, uhhh I just yelled at my 2 year old for the 10th time tonight. And then I want and wish I had what they had, how they make motherhood seem like a breeze. Makes me seem like I am doing something wrong. But who knows what actually happened before that picture and after that picture!
I am sorry to hear about your struggles with trying to get pregnant. My cousin and his wife are going through something very similar. Hope you get the pregnancy you want and dream of very soon!
amanda @ duhitsmed.blogspot.com
Thank you so much for reaching out, Amanda! Definitely something we all need remind ourselves sometimes 🙂 Thank you for your kind words! xo
Thank you for sharing. I am struggling right now with my ttw for round 5 of femara and IUI. Pictures are beautiful and priceless, but we can cover up so much with the "perfect" photo. God has a plan for all of us. I keep reminding my self that. Ml
Love hugs and baby dust to you
God DOES have a plan for all of us. Best of luck in your endeavors to become a mama!! xo
This is all so true! Love how inspiring your story is for me, as someone going through infertility as well. Here's to hoping your dreams come true!
Thank you, Briana!! I wish you the best as you go through the infertility path. You are not alone. xo
I love how open you are. I feel this makes it easy to relate with you. Thanks for sharing! There is just so much pressure to be together all the time.
Aw thanks Jodi, that means a lot! I really appreciate your kind comment.
I adore that quote! What great perspective!
Her Heartland Soul
http://herheartlandsoul.com
One of my favorites! xo
I love this and it is so true! You never know what people are going through. Be kind and love one another. A simple smile can turn someone's day around. So sorry for the trial you are going to through. Heavenly Father does have a plan for you and whatever that plan is everything will work out! Love ya!
Thank you, Trisha! He sure does have a plan and I'm just trying to enjoy the journey as best as I can 🙂 Love you!!
Love this!! Thank you for sharing so honestly! I love that quote you ended with. So true!
Thank you for your sweet comment! Definitely one of my favorite quotes 🙂 xo
Great quote and outlook! Thank you for sharing! Needed this today!
I'm so glad! Thank you for your sweet comment 🙂
You are so right about the pictures. They show what people want to share and that is all. We struggled for 5 years (mc, meds, iui, 3 ivf's) before getting pregnant with my daughter (and lost her twin). Infertility is a beast that I wish no body had to battle with. I hope your story has a happy ending for you!
Thank you so much, Maura! It's so tough. Seeing success stories (after trials) like yours gives me hope 🙂 Have a great day!
Thank you for being brave and sharing this. It really helps people like myself that are going through the same situation, just at a different stage. God bless you and love your blog. xxxx Jemima
Thank you; wishing you all the very best! xo
I love this! I came across your Instagram one night when I was feeling really down about a failed IVF transfer. I've followed your account since off and on and just checked out your blog tonight. I did think "we are facing the same thing but not really as life appears to be so perfect" – then I read this. Brings me back to the person not the things. I really hope this works for you!! ����
Thank you; wishing you all the very best! xo
Thank you Jenica, for being brave, open and honest. My husband and I have been through 4 mc last year and are looking starting towards IVF. Your blog has been a saving grace for me. Thank you for writing! You have both helped heal, inspire and make me laugh and I am sure you have done this for many! I am so happy for your and your husband and your beautiful babies! Wishing you all well and looking forward to seeing all the good times ahead for you!
http://mysunshineandsugar.blogspot.ca/
I am so sorry to hear that. What a tough journey! Thank you so much for letting me know. Wishing you all the happiness you deserve (which is a lot!) xo