I am a little slow with my beginning of the month updates at www.ldsinfertility.org, yet they are up and ready for you to enjoy!

I have posted “Where Can I Turn for Peace?”, May’s Think & Share. Even though I have stolen 5 days from your time to “think”, the topic is super easy and I am sure you will have no problems “sharing” on this one! The deadline is May 15th and I have confidence in the developing responses…they are always amazing!

I have also shared what is On My Mind this month: “The Dreaded Words…Happy Mother’s Day”. We all need a little bit of strength and some good, tangible helps to get through this hard holiday.

I have taken just a few moments to evaluate the Utah Infertility Awareness Event which took place on April 24th. “Event. Done. Success.” will walk you through the great things we accomplished in the first ever event!

Enjoy looking through the site…

I began concocting the idea of organizing the first ever Utah Infertility Awareness Event only two months ago, and now that I look back on those two months, there have been a multitude of “never knews” that continue to amaze me. Here are a few…

1. I never knew that 2 months would fly by so quickly. Tuesday. Wednesday. Thursday. Friday…and then it is here!

2. I never knew that I could pull a committee together with so many resources and amazing skills. How wonderful it has been to rely on capable and talented people!

3.  I never knew that there would be such a motivated response from fertility specialists and other professionals who support couples who are dealing with infertility. I have been so blessed by involvement from so many sources.

4.  I never knew that we would be able to offer so many resources to each participant as they try to understand their journey to a family. I am excited as companies have shared fabulous literature that we can pass on to our friends on Saturday. You will be amazed at what we have to give!

5.  I never knew that out of this singular event, would I be able to fan a flame of such intense interest from the community that I am considering creating more events, providing more resources, and encouraging more dialogue in new and different ways. We shall see what happens…

I am beyond excited as every last detail is falling into place. With nearly every seat full (we only have a few spots left), with great prizes for the giveaway, with fabulous food planned, and with noteworthy speakers…how could I not be excited? It will be a great event!!

One last thing…I have posted April’s Think & Share responses, which are absolutely amazing! I cannot express how impressed I am with the words of such great women. To check out the responses, click here.

I have felt like March has been a whirlwind with so many great events happening…March truly has come in like a lion. With the launch of my book, I hosted my Book Release Party last Friday and Barnes and Noble invited me for my first official Book Signing last Saturday. Both events were a great success with many people coming to celebrate the book.  Thank you everyone! Additionally, we can celebrate that Amazon.com and Barnesandnoble.com both have copies of the book available for purchase…YIPPEE!!

My committee to plan a Kickoff Event for National Infertility Awareness Week met this past week. An amazing group of women as well as excited and cooperative professionals are making for a great event for April 24th! We will be having doctors and therapists speaking on subjects ranging from coping with infertility emotionally and socially to enhancing natural fertility. I cannot tell you how excited I am for this event. It will be the first time this is done in Utah. EVER. So, if you are in Utah, mark your calendars. And, if you are interested in more information as details become available, email me at kerstin.daynes@ldsinfertility.org.

With all this happening, I have overlooked the March Think & Share. The topic is a great one, but I have been so busy that I haven’t been so good at publicizing it. Today is the deadline and I am still looking for entries. I invite all who are out there that would like to participate to read the topic here and to share their feelings. Long or short entries are wonderful.

Thank you for being a part of a great cause. I am energized by the response I receive every day from people wanting to talk about infertility and to help the world to become more aware of its affects. Thank you!!

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.

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…

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.

2010 Think & Share has officially been launched! As many of you already know, I gave you a chance to wet your palette (so to speak) last month when I couldn’t resist prodding you to share your thoughts on how to Survive and Thrive during Christmastime. I loved what you had to say and want you to share more!!

This month’s topic is “Positive Infertility Language” and I think the topic will cause us all to think in new ways. We all know that it is far from difficult to compose a list of comments and questions we have heard from others. You know what I am talking about…those things that are said by friends and family who are trying to be sensitive and end up hurting instead. I am sure you each have a list tucked away somewhere. BUT, I would dare say that it is not easy to turn those phrases into more positive and compassionate ways to say the same things. Now is your chance to help formulate a list of positive ways to converse about infertility. Now is your chance to help educate and reach out to change the world!

I invite you to check it out…think about it…then share…

Don’t forget–the deadline is January 15th. Happy thinking!!

I am always amazed by what others have to say about infertility. I know what I think…but, it is nice (and refreshing, and intriguing, and helpful, and eye-opening) to have the perspective of friends who are on a similar path to family building. Even though we can all be labeled as “infertile”, every story and every experience is just a little different. Perhaps the difference lies in where we are on the path to family building, or in the options we choose, or in our diagnoses or prognoses. Or, maybe it is because no two people are the same.  Regardless, those differences add dimension. I know that as I hear what others have to say, I experience far more “a-ha” or “I never thought about it that way” moments than if I just listened to what I have to say.

So, having said all that, I must say I am proud and awed by the responses for December’s Think & Share! You are truly amazing and have helped my eyes to be opened to seeing Christmas differently this year. Thank you…thank you!!

I couldn’t resist opening Think & Share a month before I intended to–just because I really want to talk about how to survive and thrive during the holiday season.

Click here to see what I’d like you to “think” about and then “share” your thoughts. The deadline is December 15th, so do some quick thinking and submit your ideas. Check back on December 17th to see what people are sharing!!