Welcome to this week's episode of The “So Now What?” Podcast. In this episode, you’ll dive into something that may resonate deeply with you, especially if you're a woman who is childless after infertility treatments. Lana opens up about those painful moments when you're surrounded by reminders of what you longed for but never came to pass. If you've ever felt that pang in your heart when someone else has what you so desperately desired, this episode will speak to you.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

- Why you might feel pressure to prove your worth through possessions or achievements, especially after your infertility journey.

- How society’s unspoken rules tell you that you need to have something—like a child, a prestigious job, or financial success—to be admired.

- What happens when the one thing you longed for, a child, never comes, and how that affects your sense of worth.

- How to stop looking outside yourself for validation and instead turn inward to find your inherent value.

- The exhaustion that comes with constantly striving for external success and how to break free from the cycle of feeling "not enough."

Lana shares her personal experience of walking past a mother surrounded by people admiring her baby, and how it triggered feelings of inadequacy. She challenges you to consider: what if you didn’t need anyone or anything outside of yourself to prove your worth?

Key Takeaways:

- You don't need to keep acquiring things—whether it's a baby, a degree, or a high-paying job—to feel valuable.

- True worth comes from within. You are enough just as you are, even if you never become a mother.

- You can live a fulfilled, meaningful life without needing to meet society's standards of success and motherhood.

- Reflect on how much you've been through and admire yourself for your strength and resilience in navigating life after infertility.

If you're feeling that familiar pressure to “keep up” or “prove yourself” in a world that values achievements over true self-worth, this episode offers you a moment to pause and realize that you are already enough.

Resources Mentioned:

- Download Lana’s free resource: The Top 27 Things People Say When You’re Childless and How to Respond by clicking here

Upcoming Events:

- Stay tuned for details about Lana’s upcoming free masterclass on How to Handle the Holidays as a Childless Woman After Infertility. Sign up for her love letters here to get all the details.

Follow Lana:

- Instagram: @Lana.Manikowski

-YouTube: @lana.manikowski

Be sure to share this episode with anyone who needs to hear this message. Remember, it’s never too late to discover your meaning and create a fulfilled life—no matter what society tells you.

Subscribe & Review:

If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to The “So Now What?” Podcast and leave a review. Your support helps other women like you find these messages and feel less alone in their journey.