The Power of Journaling

Today, I came across a blog post about journaling. The author of the blog talked about making cute, attractive, with a touch of personality journals and then writing in them. The best part…she includes some great ideas of how to make journaling fun and exciting. It is always a good idea to spice up our journal writing and to make it interesting to us now and intriguing for anyone else who might read it now or later. So, I was inspired to add “Take Up Journaling” as an Emotional/Mental way of coping with infertility on ldsinfertility.org. I have included the blog post that did the inspiring as well as an excerpt from my book…so, check it out here.

2010 National Infertility Awareness Week

This year, National Infertility Awareness Week (hosted by the National Infertility Association, resolve.org) is April 24-May 1. I have decided to host a Kickoff Event on April 24th in Salt Lake City, UT. It will be an opportunity for couples dealing with infertility as well as those who are supporting friends and family dealing with infertility to come and learn more about this disease that affects 7.3 million Americans. The event will include educational sessions on various topics led by Reproductive Endocrinologists and Therapists.

I am looking for volunteers to serve on my committee. If you are interested, please email me at kerstin.daynes@ldsinfertility.org.

February Think & Share

The results from February’s Think & Share have been posted. Thanks to all who participated. I am always amazed by your insights and the perspective you offer. If you would like to read what others have been thinking about “Life in Other Realms”, click here.

Book Website Up and Running

I am excited that I can now say that the official website for my book, Infertility: Help, Hope, and Healing, is up and running. You can visit it at www.ldsinfertilitybook.com. While you are there, you can learn all about the book–you can read an excerpt, see what people are saying about it, and find out where to purchase it (if you so desire). I am excited to announce the book’s publication. It will be one of only a couple books about infertility from an LDS (Mormon or the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saint) perspective, offering couples everywhere hope. Please take a look at the new website when you have a moment or two.

The Pill Causes Male Infertility?

Just over a year ago, the Vatican released an article linking the Pill to male factor infertility. I was instantly intrigued and asked “Why are men taking the Pill?” Come to find out, that is NOT how men are being affected by the hormones in the Pill. It is interesting to read the article and learn more about how the environment plays a role in our ability to conceive. When I think of infertility, I instantly think of physiological limitations which affect fertility, since that is my diagnosis. I forget that the environment can play a factor in many cases of infertility.

Read the article here…I find it very interesting. Let me know what you think…

I have included several links from various sources relating to the story from the Vatican that you might find intriguing:

The Medical News

Reuters

The AFA Blog

February Think & Share

I am excited about this month’s Think & Share and I think you will enjoy thinking about it. The topic is “Life in Other Realms” and explores things that can be a part of our lives which have nothing to do with having children. I look forward to seeing what you have to share…

Click here for more information about this month’s Think & Share. The deadline is February 15th…

Forum Location Change

As in all things…change happens.

I do want to let you know that the San Antonio, TX Forum on January 29th has been changed to a NEW location. Instead of meeting at the church, we will be meeting at the Morris Residence, 8910 Melinda Court, San Antonio, TX. Click here for a map. I am excited about this change as it will allow for a more comfortable and friendly atmosphere for our discussion. Thank you to the Morris Family for hosting for us!!

Please let me know if you have questions.

January Think & Share Responses Posted

They are now posted! The responses to this month’s Think & Share are now up for your reading and commenting pleasure. Click here to see what others shared.

It was a tough topic and I am grateful for those who took a stab at it. It sure is easy to come up with a list of things we don’t particularly like hearing, but the trick is to figure out a preferred way of saying the same thing. Or, at least, that was the tricky part for me.

As you read the submissions for this month, if your mind is inspired with something to add, feel free to comment and share your thoughts.

New…New…New

There are a few “new” things at ldsinfertility.org…you won’t want to miss them!

  • I posted a new “On My Mind” tonight called “I Have ‘Book’ On My Brain”.
  • You’ll notice I have changed the links at the top of the pages a little bit, just to make sure navigating is as easy as possible.
  • I’ve added information under the “My Book” link about how you can pre-order the book NOW. Yes, NOW! And, I have noticed some killer deals at both Amazon and Barnes and Noble. Get a jump on it!

And, just two reminders…

  1. January’s Think & Share deadline is Friday (January 15th), so make sure you submit your thoughts. For more information, click here.
  2. The two January forums are almost here. Don’t forget to sign up if you are interested!!

Forum Updates

Our 2010 Infertility Forums are starting THIS month, and I just can’t tell you how excited I am about it! I am excited to get talking about infertility with you, to meet you, and to share stories and thoughts with each other.

Here is what the schedule looks like:

January 20th – Pleasant Grove, UT
January 29th – San Antonio, TX
February 17th – Sandy, UT

There is more information, including times, topics, and locations on ldsInfertility.org. Click here for more information. These forums are open to whomever would like to attend and they are FREE! We all like FREE right? Oh, and another thing we all like…PRIZES. Prizes will definitely be a part of these events!

I’d love for you to attend. Please invite friends and family. If you would like to pass the word along to your other people, including Relief Society presidents, you can download a flyer below.

Pleasant Grove Flyer (PDF)
San Antonio Flyer (PDF)

If you would like to host a forum (at your home or your church), please let me know…it is free!! You can be a powerful instrument in opening dialogue and establishing greater awareness.