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So, why do I do this to myself? What do I expect to gain? At first, I thought I was doing it because I may gain some valuable information that I can use down the line. So, the article on soothing your baby seemed like a good read. Then, as time went on and we had no baby to soothe, it seemed less and less helpful. I suspect that I do it now to see if I've reached that point of equanimity where I can read about (fill in the blank) getting knocked up and not feel that twinge of absolute envy. I never manage to do it, though.And, it seems as if motherhood and fertility is everywhere now- celebrities are popping out enough children to populate a small island, there is not one but two blogs dedicated to parenting and family on Washingtonpost.com, and of course, there is my love/hate relationship with articles in the New York Times, which has been documented on this blog already. The point is, it's getting harder and harder to censor out this kind of stuff, which makes it easier to punish myself.
It is impossible to go to just about any website and not get assaulted at least once with something - even a headline - that brings that familiar ache. But, I am making progress. I have started to give myself permission to skip reading those articles. For example, the article on going back to work after the birth of a baby? Self: you are permitted to skip it. It won't do anything except upset you, so you have a free ride to look right past it. Instead, go look at Cuteoverload. Stick your nose in the middle of a fragrant bloom and breathe deeply. Kiss a kitty. You'll find the urge to look at those articles is gone and you've gotten a wonderful respite.
In the world of infertility where control is so fleeting, giving myself permission to skip the things that I know will just upset me is one little way I can have some control.
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6 comments:
I agree. It does seem to be everywhere. I may not be able to control my thoughts (even though my therapist says I can), but I CAN control what I read or watch on tv. Very good point.
I had to giggle a little reading this -- because I wrestle with a lot of the same stuff.
I also do other strange things to "torture" myself... like walk past the hospital on the way to my doctor's office hoping to catch a glimpse of someone packing their brand-new newborn into their car at the exit (I saw this once, and have not been able to erase the fantasy of that being US someday from my mind). Sigh...
Again, I chalk it up to human nature. At least, that's what I tell myself every day when I read the celebrity baby blog and hate myself for doing so.
I did finally break myself of my addiction to A Baby Story, though.
And hey, if you're managing to avoid the temptation to read things that ultimately hurt you, then congratulations! You're a stronger woman than I am.
I've been reading both of those parenting blogs in the Post for ages. There's something weirdly masochistic about it ... but I tell myself "oh no, you're not being mean to yourself, you're just getting ready for parenthood!" Yep, sure, that's it.
Oh, I've become a veritable fortress.
I cut off Christ-centered, child-laden acquaintances, and avoid any events where children will be central. I've resolved not to purchase any baby-lit until I'm in labor. Etc. etc.
I know it's all out there, I know the reality that is my condition, and I just don't need to hear mommy blather (most of which is too sentimental and commercial for my taste, anyway).
I'm glad you are at least allowing yourself to skip some things now... it's so hard to avoid.
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