In this week’s episode of The So Now What? Podcast, we’re diving into a deeply relatable topic: the habit of self-blame when things don’t go as planned—especially when it comes to your fertility journey. If you’ve ever poured your heart and soul into IVF treatments, followed every protocol, and still didn’t achieve the outcome you dreamed of, this episode is for you.

Drawing parallels from a recent personal experience, I share how easy it is to feel like you’ve fallen short despite doing everything right. You’ll learn why blaming yourself only deepens the hurt and how to shift your focus toward celebrating your efforts instead of dwelling on what didn’t work out.

I’ll also share stories of women like you who have stopped measuring their worth by outcomes beyond their control and started creating meaningful milestones in their lives. From rediscovering old passions to building a life that feels true and fulfilling, you’ll hear what’s possible when you choose to stop shaming yourself and start showing up as your own greatest supporter.

Key Takeaways:

• Why self-blame feels natural after infertility but ultimately holds you back.

• The connection between shame and your sense of self-worth.

• How to rewrite the narrative of what success and fulfillment look like without children.

• The transformative power of compassion in how you speak to yourself.

Resources Mentioned:

• Free Resource: Top 27 Things People Say When You’re Childless and How to Respond.

Ready to Take the Next Step?
If this resonates with you, book a free Thrive Call. In just 45 minutes, we’ll create a plan to help you feel more fulfilled and confident about the future. Click here to book your Thrive Call now.

Connect With Me:

• Instagram: @lanamanikowski

• YouTube: Lana Manikowski

• TikTok: @lanamanikowski

You’ve worked so hard already—it’s time to create a life that makes you feel proud of who you are. 💜

Welcome to The So Now What? Podcast with Lana Manikowski. In this episode, we kick off the new year by exploring a life-changing question: How long are you willing to wait to believe that something is possible for you?

If you’ve left fertility treatments without the child you dreamed of—or if you’re feeling stuck in the aftermath of your infertility journey—this episode is for you.

You'll hear:

• Why dreaming again can feel impossible after infertility and how to shift that mindset.
• How to stop anchoring your future to the pain and disappointment of your past.
• What it means to reconnect with the version of you that exists today—a childless, determined woman capable of creating new dreams.
• The transformative question that helped Lana move forward and create a fulfilling, childless life.

Lana also introduces you to the Thrive After Infertility Mastermind, a 12-week program designed to help you reconnect with who you are today and build a life that feels meaningful without the milestones of motherhood. If support groups leave you feeling stuck, this growth-oriented program could be what you need to start thriving.

🎯 Take the first step: Book a free, 45-minute Thrive Call with Lana to create a personalized plan for your next chapter. No strings attached.

🌟 Plus, don’t miss Lana’s free resource: "The Top 27 Things People Say When You’re Childless—and How to Respond." Download it at LanaManikowski.com/thingspeoplesay.

Your dreams are still possible, and your future can feel fulfilling again. Tune in to this episode to take the first step toward believing in what’s possible for you.

💌 Connect with Lana:

• Website: LanaManikowski.com
• Instagram: @LanaManikowski
• YouTube: @lana.manikowski
• Podcast: Subscribe to The So Now What? Podcast wherever you listen.

✨ Remember: It's never too late to discover your meaning.

Merry Christmas to Those Who Celebrate

This week's episode of The "So Now What?" Podcast is here to guide you through the complexities of the holiday season, especially if you're navigating the challenges of being childless after infertility treatments. Christmas can be a beautiful season of nostalgia and tradition, but it can also bring unexpected emotions - grief, longing, and loneliness - if your journey to motherhood didn’t turn out as planned.

🎄 What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• How to acknowledge and honor your experiences this year.

• A unique and empowering exercise: writing a letter to Santa from your adult self.

The Letter to Santa Exercise
Instead of writing a wish list, this letter is an opportunity to reflect on the strength, growth, and accomplishments you've achieved throughout the year. Acknowledge the challenges you’ve faced and celebrate how far you’ve come. Then, look ahead to your hopes for the future.

✨ Highlights of Lana’s Letter to Santa:

• Recognizing the bravery to leave a corporate job and start a coaching career.

• Embracing life without motherhood at its center and finding joy in new connections.

• Asking for continued strength, self-compassion, and belief in a fulfilling future.

Now, it’s your turn. Grab a piece of paper or your journal and write your own letter to Santa. Let this be a moment of self-discovery, healing, and celebration.

Feeling Stuck? Book a Free Thrive Call
If you’re unsure how to move forward or need guidance as you process the loss of a dream of motherhood, Lana invites you to schedule a free 45-minute Thrive Call. You can book your’s here. This is your chance to connect with someone who truly understands where you are and help you create a plan to move forward.

🎁 Lana’s Gift to You
Download a free resource: The Top 27 Things People Say When You're Childless and How to Respond. It’s perfect for navigating those tricky holiday conversations. Get your copy here!

Let’s Stay Connected
Follow Lana on Instagram @lana.manikowski for more support and insights, and don’t forget to check your email for a replay of her recent masterclass, Handling the Holidays.

💖 As you navigate the holiday season, remember:
You are seen. You are strong. And it’s never too late to discover your meaning.

Merry Christmas, and see you next week! 🌟