Welcome back to another episode of The "So Now What?" Podcast. I'm Lana Manikowski, and I'm thrilled you're joining me today. As we dive into the heart of summer here in the US, with July 4th Independence Day celebrations just around the corner, it feels fitting to talk about a different kind of independence—personal independence, especially for those of us navigating life after infertility. Reclaiming Independence Post-Infertility After enduring years of fertility treatments, the constant start and stop, and the endless cycle of uncertainty, finding independence can feel daunting. This week, I want to explore ways you can reclaim your sense of independence and make decisions that empower you. Exciting New Resource Coming Soon! I'm thrilled to announce a new resource designed specifically for women who have faced relentless questions about their motherhood status. This free resource will help you navigate those difficult conversations with confidence. If you're interested, reach out to me on Instagram at @lana.manikowski and send me a DM. I'll add you to the waitlist and ensure you get early access! My Personal Journey to Independence This week is particularly special for me as I transition out of Corporate America. After working since I was 14 and always relying on an employer's paycheck, I'm stepping into a new chapter. On July 8th, I'll be dedicating myself full-time to my coaching practice, leaving behind a successful corporate career. Since 2021, alongside my demanding corporate job, I've been nurturing my life coaching practice. Completing my life coach and grief certifications has equipped me with the tools to support women like you and me—women who are unexpectedly childless and striving to find fulfillment. Believing in Yourself Often, we think we need someone else's approval or a perfect plan to pursue our dreams. But I'm here to challenge that belief. You have the power to make decisions for yourself and create the life you've dreamed of. Even without a clear roadmap, you can take steps towards your goals.  Action Steps to Embrace Independence   1. Identify Your Dreams: Think about what you've been wanting to pursue—whether it's a new hobby, education, or career change. 2. Trust Your Instincts: Believe in your innate ability to make decisions and create change. 3. Start Small: Begin by writing down your ideas and evaluating them. You don't need external validation—your inner voice is powerful enough. A New Chapter As I close this chapter of my corporate life, I reflect on the purpose it provided during my infertility journey. My career gave me meaning and allowed me to thrive during a challenging time. Now, I'm proud to embrace this new independence and dedicate myself fully to helping women create lives they love. Connect with Me I hope this episode inspires you to embrace your independence. Remember, it's never too late to discover your meaning.  Follow me on Instagram at @lana.manikowski or on YouTube at lana.manikowski and reach out if you want to be part of this journey.   Subscribe & Review If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review. Your feedback helps me reach more women who can benefit from these conversations. Stay Tuned Join me next week for more insights and encouragement on living a fulfilling life after infertility.