Self-care, for me, isn’t bubble baths or pedicures — at least not right now.
It looks more like sticking to the routines that bring me comfort. Making time for the things that help me feel like me. Not taking on too much. Saying no when I need to. It’s about being honest with myself about what I can handle — and making space to rest, even when the world feels busy.
This fertility journey has been a prompt — a gentle nudge — to look after myself more intentionally.
I’ve been working on reducing stress at work, letting go of unnecessary pressures that I don’t need to carry, especially now. I’ve also started getting fitter, losing weight, and focusing on what my body can do — not just what I want it to do in the future. It’s not about chasing perfection. It’s about strengthening myself for what’s ahead.
I have a history of anxiety, and keeping it under control feels more important than ever. That means doing the small things I know help — even when I don’t feel like it. Routines. Gentle movement. Managing overstimulation. Trying new habits I’ve seen online and keeping the ones that feel good.
I don’t think self-care can be done “wrong.”
It’s personal. It’s evolving. It’s less about being soft and more about being steady.
What’s Supporting Me at the Moment
Right now, I’m building gentle routines that help me feel stronger — physically, mentally, and emotionally.
Mornings begin slowly, with a warm cup of tea and a scoop of collagen stirred in — a small ritual that feels both nourishing and grounding. I give myself space to wake up gently before the day begins.
I’m taking daily supplements and moving my body with more intention — usually through a mix of Pilates, strength workouts, and aiming for 10,000 steps a day. My Apple Watch helps keep me motivated, reminding me that every step is part of a bigger goal — to feel ready, strong, and steady.
I’ve also been returning to fiction, letting myself escape into stories that soften the noise in my head. It’s become a calming way to reset — a quiet anchor when the waiting feels too loud.
And then there’s care of another kind — connection.
Every so often, I’ll spend the night at my mum’s just to feel looked after for a while. Or I’ll visit my best friend and watch an episode of our favourite show — something familiar, light, and shared. These moments don’t fix everything, but they soften the edges.
These small things — routines, movement, connection, quiet joy — are what’s supporting me now. They’re not dramatic or shiny. But they remind me that I’m here, taking care of myself in the ways I can.
How I’m Reframing This Season
I don’t want to feel stuck.
That’s the thought I keep coming back to.
Because this isn’t just waiting — it’s growing.
I’m learning that patience isn’t passive.
It’s a form of strength. A quiet determination.
I remind myself often: I’m not behind. I’m not too late. I’m exactly where I need to be.
This is still part of my becoming — not a pause, not a delay, but a part of the process.
The waiting has taught me to focus more clearly on what matters.
To take care of myself more gently.
To root myself in what is real and meaningful.
It’s easy to feel like everything is on hold during a fertility journey — as if life is just ticking by until you get the answer you’re hoping for. But I don’t want to live in that mindset.
I can wait and still grow.
I can be longing and still be present.
I can be more than this one part of my story.
This season is shaping me — slowly, quietly — into someone stronger and more grounded.
And that counts for something.
🌿 If you’re also in a season of waiting, you’re not alone.
I’m walking this path too — learning how to care for myself, hold onto hope, and keep growing through the unknown.
I’ll be sharing more gentle reflections, affirmations, and journaling prompts in the coming weeks. If that sounds like something you’d find helpful, I’d love to share them with you.
My email list will be opening soon, and you’ll be the first to know when it does. Until then, I’m sharing regularly here and on Instagram @bloomflourishcollective.
Let’s grow through this, together.
Bloom + Flourish Collective 