Life Update: The Chillest Horse, The Wildest Wedding & Why I’m Disappearing Soon
In this episode of Pursuit of Wellness, Mari opens up about her efforts to conceive through in vitro fertilization (IVF). She shares the physical and mental self-care practices she's adopted as she prepares for an embryo transfer—from low-impact workouts to managing online engagement. The summary provides a vulnerable account of navigating fertility treatments and protecting one's well-being when facing an uncertain outcome.
Mari discusses finding solace in connecting with others on a similar journey. She underscores the healing power of shared experiences among women confronting infertility struggles. The summary offers insight into overcoming insensitive comments and maintaining a positive outlook during this intensely emotional process.
This is a preview of the Shortform summary of the Mar 27, 2025 episode of the Pursuit of Wellness
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1-Page Summary
Mari's IVF Embryo Transfer and Self-Care Journey
Mari is embracing a slower, more mindful lifestyle focused on self-care as she prepares for her upcoming in vitro fertilization (IVF) embryo transfer, an emotionally intense experience. After struggling with low success rates from intrauterine insemination (IUI), Mari, per her account, decided to proceed with IVF.
Due to medication side effects like dizziness, Mari has transitioned to lower-impact workouts. She acknowledges the emotional rollercoaster of IVF, filled with anxiety and uncertainty about the transfer's outcome. To protect her mental health during the critical two-week waiting period post-transfer, Mari plans to avoid home testing and temporarily step back from social media and her podcast.
Navigating Social Media and Disclosure
Mari feels vulnerable sharing her fertility journey online due to past insensitive comments, which, per her account, can exacerbate the challenges of fertility treatments like IVF. She prefers the supportive "Power Girls" podcast community over broader social platforms.
To maintain a positive mindset post-transfer, Mari intends to delete social media, underscoring the importance of well-being during this sensitive phase. Her strategy also reflects managing fears around premature pregnancy disclosure.
Support from the Shared Experience
Mari warns that insensitive comments can deeply impact those facing infertility. She finds solace connecting with women who understand her struggles, exchanging information and discovering coping strategies like hobbies.
Mari advises adopting a lifestyle mirroring pregnancy to manage expectations. A bride's sister recently offered empathetic advice that resonated with Mari, highlighting the comfort found in shared experiences within supportive communities.
1-Page Summary
Additional Materials
Actionables
- Create a personalized self-care kit that includes items specifically chosen to promote relaxation and positivity during stressful periods, like a custom playlist of soothing music, a journal for reflective writing, and a collection of herbal teas known for their calming properties. This kit can be a go-to resource when you need to center yourself and manage anxiety.
- Develop a habit of writing letters to a future child or a future version of yourself, expressing hopes, dreams, and the journey you're on. This can be a therapeutic exercise that helps you articulate your feelings and create a sense of connection and purpose during uncertain times.
- Start a private online group or a group chat with friends who are also on similar journeys, where you can share experiences, offer support, and exchange coping strategies without the pressure of public social media platforms. This can provide a safe space to discuss your feelings and receive encouragement from those who truly understand what you're going through.
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Mari's IVF Process and Emotional Experiences
Mari is preparing for an emotionally intense journey as she starts the in vitro fertilization (IVF) process, marked by careful health management and introspection.
Mari Prepares For IVF Embryo Transfer
Mari has transitioned to a slower, more mindful lifestyle, which includes time outdoors and with animals, in preparation for her upcoming IVF embryo transfer. She highlights the importance of prioritizing self-care due to the unpredictable nature of IVF. After undergoing three rounds of intrauterine insemination (IUI), which she found had low success rates, Mari decided to proceed with IVF. She describes the embryo transfer procedure as an emotional experience, explaining that she will go to a surgery center and receive [restricted term], observing the placement of the embryo on a screen, and receiving a photo of the embryo.
Mari Experiencing Dizziness: Balancing Health and Well-Being
Due to her IVF medication, Mari has adjusted her workouts to be less intense, focusing on walking and low-impact exercises. She is experiencing dizziness from the new medications, including progesterone shots and [restricted term], which involve numerous pills and injections. Mari notes this side effect is making her feel low in energy.
Mari Reflects On the Emotional Rollercoaster of IVF, Including Anxiety and Uncertainty About Transfer Outcome
Mari is emotionally bracing for the IVF process but is not announcing the exact date of her embryo transfer due to the uncertainty of its success. The two-week waiting period post-transfer is fraught with anxiety; therefore, she plans to refrain from home testing to protect her mental health and to avoid adding pressure from others’ expectations.
Mari describes the lead-up to the transfer as an intense period, filled with constant thoughts and emotions about the procedure. To give herself space to process her experience post-transfer, she will not share the results for a while. Despite her excitement and readiness for the embryo transfer, she acknowledges the challenge of managing the physical toll of the h ...
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Mari's IVF Process and Emotional Experiences
Additional Materials
Actionables
- You can create a personalized self-care routine that aligns with your life's current demands by identifying activities that reduce stress and scheduling them into your daily calendar. For instance, if you're undergoing a medical procedure, you might include gentle yoga, meditation, or even quiet reading time to help maintain a calm mindset throughout the process.
- Develop a communication plan with your support network that respects your privacy and emotional well-being by setting clear boundaries about what you're comfortable sharing and when. For example, if you're facing a personal challenge, you could let your friends and family know you'll update them at specific intervals, rather than on-demand, to manage expectations and maintain your mental space.
- To maintain a balanced perspect ...
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Navigating Social Media and Disclosure During Fertility Treatment
Mari's journey through fertility treatment highlights the challenges and decisions regarding social media engagement and the impact of public commentary on personal well-being.
Mari Struggles With Sharing Her Fertility Journey on Instagram and Tiktok Due to Insensitive Comments
Mari feels vulnerable sharing her fertility journey on Instagram and TikTok. It's an emotional rollercoaster for her; with every bit of good news comes excitement, but setbacks can be deeply disheartening and make her journey feel very lonely.
Mari Prefers Sharing Her Experiences In the Podcast and "Power Girls" Community Over Public Social Media
Mari has a deep appreciation for her podcast show and finds solace in the "Power Girls" community, where she feels more comfortable sharing her experiences. She indicates a clear preference for podcasting and engaging with her community over broader social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok. Mari talks about her inclination towards podcasting over other commitments, indicating that the podcast is her current priority in her life right ...
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Navigating Social Media and Disclosure During Fertility Treatment
Additional Materials
Actionables
- Create a private digital journal to document your fertility journey, using an app or secure online platform that allows you to express your thoughts and experiences without the risk of public scrutiny. This can be a therapeutic outlet similar to sharing in a supportive community, but with the added privacy to manage sensitive emotions during challenging times.
- Establish a personal ritual or activity that promotes relaxation and positive thinking after significant events, like an embryo transfer. This could involve meditation, a special outing, or a hobby that keeps you engaged and distracted from the stress of waiting for results, helping to protect your well-being during this period.
- Set up a support syst ...
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Advice and Experiences From Others Facing Fertility Challenges
Mari shares her experiences and the wisdom she's gathered while navigating the complexities of fertility challenges, emphasizing the importance of supportive communities and coping strategies.
Connecting With Women Who Understand Fertility Struggles
Insensitive Comments Can Be Tough for Those Facing Infertility, Mari Warns
Mari knows all too well the emotional toll that insensitivity can take on those grappling with fertility issues. She speaks to the sting of speculation on social media, recalling how tough it was to see comments about her potentially being pregnant. Her experiences highlight the greater issue of how careless remarks can exacerbate the difficulties faced by individuals undergoing fertility treatments like IVF. Mari notes that people will often make "crazy insensitive things" during such a vulnerable time.
Mari Reflects On Meaningful Advice, Like the Bride's Sister's Encouragement at a Wedding
In her journey, Mari has found solace in connecting with women who share her struggles. Not necessarily close friends, these connections are still invaluable sources of support and information exchange. Her engagement with these women has also led to the discovery of stress-relieving hobbies, such as cooking and painting, which are especially beneficial during the emotionally taxing IVF process.
Moreover, Mari advises adopting a headspace where one's lifestyle is al ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
Advice and Experiences From Others Facing Fertility Challenges
Additional Materials
Actionables
- Create a digital care package for individuals undergoing fertility treatments, including stress-relief playlists, virtual art galleries, and easy-to-follow healthy recipes. By curating a collection of digital resources, you can offer a form of support that's accessible anytime. For example, compile a Spotify playlist with calming music, provide links to virtual tours of art museums, and share simple, nutritious recipes that can be made with minimal effort.
- Start a hobby exchange board within online fertility support groups where members can share and swap hobbies that help reduce stress. This can be a simple bulletin board or forum where members post hobbies they're interested in learning or teaching. For instance, if you're skilled at knitting, you could offer to exchange a knitting lesson for a cooking class with someone else in the group.
- Develop a personal "pregnancy simulation" plan that includes setting ...
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