My mom bought me this T-shirt the other day. I love it. She obviously knows how much I love inspirational-gear. ;) It is produced by a company dedicated to celebrating each journey and encouraging all to TRUST in the purpose of that journey - (beautiful concept). This shirt came with a postcard attached to it asking for the buyer to write in and "share your journey." Those of you who know me well, know you typically don't have to ask me twice about sharing our journey. I'm proud to share the lessons I've learned to embrace over the past few years. So, I took a few minutes to share our journey with them. This is my letter and following, is their response. Pretty cool if I do say so myself.
www.trustyourjourney.com
My Note:
My Note:
Hi there,
I have read your stories and am inspired by the strength and positivity with which you and your supporters approach their journeys. My mom actually found your t-shirts in a boutique in Mankato, MN while she was shopping and bought me a shirt. She has been incredibly supportive during our (my husband and I's) journey to start a family. She actually included a note with the shirt calling me a "hero." That stopped me in my tracks....I don't consider our journey one that would cause me to be "heroic" - but, then again...maybe it is...?
My husband and I have been struggling with infertility for almost 3 years. I've been diagnosed with an ovarian disease that makes conception very difficult for us. Over time, I've learned a lot about what it means to find purpose in a journey - how to make the best of life as it is - and how to trust that "it will all be OK in the end...if its not OK, its not the end." (This quote hangs on my fridge).
I have reached a point in my journey where I am comforted by the lessons it has taught me. I appreciate my evolution from a scared, angry, weak victim to an empowered, knowledgeable, strong warrior fighting for my future family and believing that I will win...if I persist.
A few years ago, our journey to start a family began to unravel. We had to face the possibility that we may not have our own biological children. Being faced with that possibility requires me to grieve month after month after month while, at times, I wonder WHY this was happening to us. I am an elementary school teacher, my husband a successful technological architect - we are in our early 30's. Happily married and have hearts overflowing with love to smother some poor unsuspecting child. Why would God not allow us this opportunity? Yet, then I am faced daily with the effects of poor parenting, teenage pregnancy and unwanted pregnancies.
What I now have come to believe is that, this is our journey (which is why I love your company). It is about learning from life - and its not always easy. When faced with trials and tribulations, we have choices. Sometimes, I choose to stay in bed and pull the covers over my head. (I believe in the therapy of a full day in bed...tears....comfort food....and grief....as long as it doesn't last longer than a day!) ;) Other days, I choose to embrace my journey and own it with all my heart. I love wearing my heart on my sleeve on my good days (and my bad days) - which is why I adore your shirts - my message is literally, on my sleeve!
If you'd like to read more - I've been blogging throughout most of our journey. www.vanosdel.blogspot.com
Thank you for your inspiration. Love and blessings to you! I will wear your shirt to my next doctor's appointment for inspiration. ;)
I have read your stories and am inspired by the strength and positivity with which you and your supporters approach their journeys. My mom actually found your t-shirts in a boutique in Mankato, MN while she was shopping and bought me a shirt. She has been incredibly supportive during our (my husband and I's) journey to start a family. She actually included a note with the shirt calling me a "hero." That stopped me in my tracks....I don't consider our journey one that would cause me to be "heroic" - but, then again...maybe it is...?
My husband and I have been struggling with infertility for almost 3 years. I've been diagnosed with an ovarian disease that makes conception very difficult for us. Over time, I've learned a lot about what it means to find purpose in a journey - how to make the best of life as it is - and how to trust that "it will all be OK in the end...if its not OK, its not the end." (This quote hangs on my fridge).
I have reached a point in my journey where I am comforted by the lessons it has taught me. I appreciate my evolution from a scared, angry, weak victim to an empowered, knowledgeable, strong warrior fighting for my future family and believing that I will win...if I persist.
A few years ago, our journey to start a family began to unravel. We had to face the possibility that we may not have our own biological children. Being faced with that possibility requires me to grieve month after month after month while, at times, I wonder WHY this was happening to us. I am an elementary school teacher, my husband a successful technological architect - we are in our early 30's. Happily married and have hearts overflowing with love to smother some poor unsuspecting child. Why would God not allow us this opportunity? Yet, then I am faced daily with the effects of poor parenting, teenage pregnancy and unwanted pregnancies.
What I now have come to believe is that, this is our journey (which is why I love your company). It is about learning from life - and its not always easy. When faced with trials and tribulations, we have choices. Sometimes, I choose to stay in bed and pull the covers over my head. (I believe in the therapy of a full day in bed...tears....comfort food....and grief....as long as it doesn't last longer than a day!) ;) Other days, I choose to embrace my journey and own it with all my heart. I love wearing my heart on my sleeve on my good days (and my bad days) - which is why I adore your shirts - my message is literally, on my sleeve!
If you'd like to read more - I've been blogging throughout most of our journey. www.vanosdel.blogspot.com
Thank you for your inspiration. Love and blessings to you! I will wear your shirt to my next doctor's appointment for inspiration. ;)
***
The Reply Message:
Hey Bethany,
We appreciate you getting in touch with us and sharing your journey. You inspire us and we are grateful for your kind words. What I love about your story is the evolution of your soul through all your highs and lows. I think you are just beginning to grasp your purpose and realize life will be all it should be for you.
Even through your email I feel your energy and what wonderful loving parents you and your husband would be to your own biological child or any child for that matter. One of the key words I share with everyone is Trust. I believe it to be a very powerful word shared not only between others but more importantly the relationship you have with yourself. If having your own children is not in your cards then you need to listen to your heart for the next step in your life. There are so many ways to “give back” and you and your husband have so much to offer this world. You will find your way!
Your attitude is great and the life lessons are there every day. I always say that every life class I take I signed up for and I intend to graduate on time!
So, two things:
1.) Would love to post your story in our next newsletter that comes out in March.
2.) Would love to send you another t-shirt if I can have your size and address.
Yours in the journey,
Beth
PS. There are days it is perfectly fine to stay in the bed with the covers over your head!
Ruth and I both will check out your blogspot. I think the blogging/journaling can be very rewarding.
Beth Brownlee
Trust Your Journey LLC
***
Here is the link to their website - check it out. Maybe you'll want to
shop for your own T-shirt (or other) and share your journey - we all have one.
