So, there I was trying to book a blogger for a job, when in a moment of glorious serendipity I was redirected to Steph's wonderful website. For those who don't know Steph, she is a bold, brave and frankly fabulous human who set up World Childless Week which supports those that don't have children, not by choice. The support is there all year long and this generosity of spirit inspired me to want to do my bit too.
Not by choice is key here, behind those simple few words are stories and journeys and depths of emotion that can be so very difficult to navigate. It wasn't so long ago that I went through my own experience; and whilst I'm so very lucky to have come through to a happy place, it's something I may not have thought possible in those years.
And that's how I decided to get involved. When people talk about those fabulous (because yes we are!) people who don't have kids it is so overwhelmingly negative and frankly depressing. We've all had terrible things said to us many times, knowingly and not, and it is about time we celebrated ourselves.Ladies and gents we are not and should not be defined by this trick of biology, this frustration, this reason, whatever that is, this moment.
I find it extraordinary that we ask such personal questions with such loaded judgement to women especially of child bearing age. I feel I know more about Kylie's ovaries for example than I'm really that comfortable with! The semantics aren't helpful either: Child - less. Let's please not kick a girl (or boy) when they are down.
I spoke to Steph and we came up with #IAMME. It is so important to celebrate who we are as humans, not what we don't have or aren't. And I appreciate in the throes of the sadness and grief this can seem like the last thing you may want to do. You may have to trust me that you are amazing.
To read the full article click here
NB. If you'd like your picture to feature during World Childless Week please send it here
If you'd also like to Tweet your picture during or in the run up to World Childless Week (10th-16th September) please include the hashtags #IamMe and #WorldChildlessWeek