Brave and Strong- It’s Time to Let Go of the Guilt and Self-Doubt
Bravery. What exactly is it? By definition it means showing mental or moral strength in the face of difficulty. Usually when we think of bravery, we think of visible acts. But some of the bravest moments in life are the ones no one sees. Especially when it comes to a fertility journey.
The path to parenthood is deeply personal, challenging and filled with uncertainty, silent struggles, and overwhelming emotions. It’s also a journey often marked by self-doubt, guilt, and the question of “What am I doing wrong?” But it doesn’t have to be that way. What if we learn to let go of that guilt and instead, choose bravery? Bravery to show up each day, ask for help when needed and let go of our guilt and practice self-love and strength.
Let’s explore how letting go of self-blame opens a new door for your journey so you can embrace your own strength and finally take a powerful step forward. The bravery you carry isn’t always loud, but it’s powerful. Through questions, appointments, disappointments, and waiting. Sometimes it simply means letting go.
Bravery is Showing Up, Not Being Perfect
Many people on a fertility journey carry heavy emotional loads that include: fear, grief, shame, exhaustion, and often—self-blame. When things don’t go as planned, it’s natural to wonder, “What’s wrong with me, or what did I do wrong?” But the truth is, you did nothing wrong. You’re not to blame at all. Fertility is made up of many layers, many no one can fully control.
Blame suggests there is something broken or flawed but that’s simply not true. You’re not broken. Your body is not a problem to solve. You’re simply navigating a deeply human experience with all the strength you have. And that is brave.
So always remember this, you’re not meant to carry guilt. You and all of us are meant to carry and show love. Love for yourself, your journey, and the life you’re building no matter how it’s written.
Open Space for Grace
Guilt can feel like control giving our mind a way to explain what feels unexplainable. But guilt has such a negative effect that weighs you down. It feels isolating and lies to you. It’s tendency to make you feel like you’re not doing enough, that your body is failing you, that you should have made different choices is defeating. So let it go.
You’re not at fault. Fertility is not a punishment, and this journey is not a reflection of your worth. Being able to get pregnant or become a parent doesn’t define you. What defines you are the experiences, beliefs and strengths you have. Be brave and find acceptance in that.
Bravery also means making space for grace. It means choosing to believe in your own goodness, especially on the days when things feel more challenging. It means letting yourself rest, cry, feel angry, and hope—all without judgment.
Honoring yourself during a fertility journey means making space for your emotional, physical, and mental well-being. This might look like setting boundaries with conversations that feel triggering, journaling your thoughts to process your emotions, or carving out time for activities that bring you joy.
Some things to try might include:
Walking in nature
Practicing gentle yoga
Connecting with a supportive friend or therapist.
Give yourself permission to rest when needed, celebrate small victories, and choose positive affirmations with kindness. Most importantly, remind yourself often: you’re doing your best, and that is enough.
Everything you’ve gone through or the choices you make next in life are moments that probably won’t make headlines. But they matter because they’re brave. And no one gets to decide them but you.
You’re Never Alone, and Never Have to Be
So often, people feel like they have to be strong alone. They hide their struggles because they worry it’s “too much,” or they feel ashamed. But you don’t have to go through this in silence. Reaching out for support—through therapy, community, or trusted loved ones is an act of self-compassion, not weakness.
A fertility journey is not something to be endured in isolation. You’re allowed, even encouraged to ask for comfort. It’s ok to say “this is hard,” and to feel vulnerable. One of the most important things you can do for yourself is lean on others. Find connection. Connection is healing. Support groups, therapy and everything in between. They’re all part of your journey.
Bravery is honoring your path, not rushing through it
Bravery is honoring your journey and making the decisions that feel right for you, not what others expect or suggest. It means staying rooted in your truth even when it’s different from someone else’s.
And why? Because your journey doesn’t need to look like anyone else’s. And it shouldn’t. Wherever it leads, whatever you do next, your strength and courage are real. Maybe it comes from your tears, quiet hopes, love, or persistence. No matter where, always keep in mind that you’re not defined by what has or hasn’t happened. You are defined by how deeply you’ve loved, how bravely you’ve shown up, and how you’ve carried yourself through it all.
So take a breath. Let go of blame. Release guilt. You are enough. You are brave. And you’re never alone.