A moment comes when the realization hits that this is what it is, yet we don’t want to deal with that reality. We’re feeling all these feelings that are uncomfortable; the pain, the grief, the loneliness. We sit with it all and then, at some point, we wonder “what do I do with this?” and “how do I find meaning?” You can understand the grief AND want to move on while carrying it. This isn’t about squashing the grief - that’s not possible. It’s about moving onward on a new path, creating a fulfilling life and honoring that grief.
This podcast delves into the often overlooked but deeply significant experience of living life as a woman who is childless not by choice. There are many ways to reach this point - being childless after infertility is only one road. Often circumstances other than unsuccessful fertility treatments bring us to the point of unwanted childlessness. Whatever your path has been though, your pain and all the other difficult emotions are valid. Now what do you do with it all? Your life doesn’t have to be defined by the pain of childlessness. You create your own narrative. Through candid discussions and personal stories, my podcast offers insights, support, and guidance for navigating this unique path in life and thriving.
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A moment comes when the realization hits that this is what it is, yet we don’t want to deal with that reality. We’re feeling all these feelings that are uncomfortable; the pain, the grief, the loneliness. We sit with it all and then, at some point, we wonder “what do I do with this?” and “how do I find meaning?” You can understand the grief AND want to move on while carrying it. This isn’t about squashing the grief - that’s not possible. It’s about moving onward on a new path, creating a fulfilling life and honoring that grief.
This podcast delves into the often overlooked but deeply significant experience of living life as a woman who is childless not by choice. There are many ways to reach this point - being childless after infertility is only one road. Often circumstances other than unsuccessful fertility treatments bring us to the point of unwanted childlessness. Whatever your path has been though, your pain and all the other difficult emotions are valid. Now what do you do with it all? Your life doesn’t have to be defined by the pain of childlessness. You create your own narrative. Through candid discussions and personal stories, my podcast offers insights, support, and guidance for navigating this unique path in life and thriving.
Why We Hold Onto Our Pain Without Realizing We’re Doing That: Emotional Realities of Being Childless Not by Choice
Childless And Moving Onward
20 minutes 50 seconds
2 months ago
Why We Hold Onto Our Pain Without Realizing We’re Doing That: Emotional Realities of Being Childless Not by Choice
Have you ever noticed how pain can linger quietly in the background, even when you think you’ve moved past it?
In this episode of Childless and Moving Onward, host Gail Miller explores why we sometimes hold onto grief without realizing it—and how this hidden weight shapes the emotional realities of being childless not by choice. Through personal stories and compassionate insights, Gail reflects on the tension between longing and freedom, the ache of familiar sorrow, and the small joys that can still shine through.
She offers gentle practices for loosening grief’s grip, including creating rituals, embracing self-compassion, and seeking out communities of understanding. This conversation isn’t about forcing yourself to “move on,” but about honoring your pain while opening space for new meaning and joy.
In this episode, you’ll discover:
Why pain can feel familiar—and why we unconsciously hold onto it
How unacknowledged grief shows up in everyday life
Practical ways to soften pain’s hold through compassion and ritual
How to carry both loss and joy without denying either one
If you’ve ever wondered why your grief feels so persistent, this episode is here to remind you: holding pain is part of being human—but it doesn’t have to define your future.
Subscribe now for real talk, compassion, and hope delivered every Tuesday.
Resources:Finding You: Beyond Motherhood Group Coaching Program coming soon! Join the waitlist: https://path-onward.kit.com/8d4b621a3b Free Support Group: https://pathonward.com/support-group/Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/whenbeingchildlessisntbychoice/
Stay connected with us:Dr. Gail Miller: https://pathonward.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/childlesspathonward/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@pathonwardlifecoaching Full transcript and more: https://pathonward.com/72-why-we-hold-onto-our-pain-without-realizing-were-doing-that/
Childless And Moving Onward
A moment comes when the realization hits that this is what it is, yet we don’t want to deal with that reality. We’re feeling all these feelings that are uncomfortable; the pain, the grief, the loneliness. We sit with it all and then, at some point, we wonder “what do I do with this?” and “how do I find meaning?” You can understand the grief AND want to move on while carrying it. This isn’t about squashing the grief - that’s not possible. It’s about moving onward on a new path, creating a fulfilling life and honoring that grief.
This podcast delves into the often overlooked but deeply significant experience of living life as a woman who is childless not by choice. There are many ways to reach this point - being childless after infertility is only one road. Often circumstances other than unsuccessful fertility treatments bring us to the point of unwanted childlessness. Whatever your path has been though, your pain and all the other difficult emotions are valid. Now what do you do with it all? Your life doesn’t have to be defined by the pain of childlessness. You create your own narrative. Through candid discussions and personal stories, my podcast offers insights, support, and guidance for navigating this unique path in life and thriving.
