“Aren't you afraid to feel alone and meaningless when getting old?"
This question appeared in the comment section of a video I posted on my Childfree Blog TikTok. That video is, at present, my first viral video. Going viral needs to come with a warning about the emotional fortitude required to ride that wave. I've spent countless hours responding to comments and questions about living childfree over these last few weeks. It's lovely to see so much support for the choice-awareness conversation from parents and childfree people.
Then along come the naysayers with their classic "bingos" about childfree regret, sadness, selfishness, and "who's going to take care of you..." These trolls/non-believers of the childfree lifestyle don't know that I screenshot all their comments and turn them into content and marketing materials. Not only is my audience entertained, but this is also a fun and creative outlet to express my exasperation.
Have you ever felt lonely, worthless, and without purpose? Are you under the age of 65? Reflecting on my childhood, teen years included, how often did I feel alone? More than I can count! The intense rollercoaster of my 20s offered up numerous moments of feeling meaningless. And you know what? I've survived them all. While 39 years old is not vintage territory, in terms of human years, it is an age where life experience begins to pay off.
So, when someone asks me if I'm afraid that I'll feel alone and meaningless as I get older, I reply that I don't worry about it because I've already felt that way and sometimes still do. And I'm OK with that. The feeling of fear loses its power over you when you face it instead of trying to cover up those feelings with shopping, sugar, sex, parenthood...
Coming Up Next…
Live on Childfree Convention YouTube & Facebook, a conversation with Katy from Chasing Creation!
Katy is designing an unexpectedly childless life after infertility. After her hysterectomy in 2017, she started Chasing Creation to provide support, resources and community for those who are envisioning their future without kids.
You can join the live-chat audience on Monday, May 23rd, at 3:00 PM EDT. Replays will be available.
Recently Aired…
Childfree Girls podcast & web series episode 68
Some childfree people regularly use *colorful* language to refer to parents and children, and these words and terms are usually offensive and degrading. Some of the same childfree people will call other childfree people a "breeder-pleaser" if the latter doesn't agree with using that type of language. Which one are you?
You can also listen to our show in podcast format! Search for Childfree Girls on Apple Podcast, Podbean, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Play Podcast, and several other platforms so that you can listen to us on the go!
Childfree Morning Chat
Listen in or share your thoughts with the Childfree Morning Chat crew as we converse about life.
Open to all genders, this space is international, multicultural, and LGBTQ+ friendly. We discuss all topics, including race, sexuality, abortion rights, and hot celebrities.
Free to participate, download the Clubhouse audio-social app, search Childfree Club and request to join. Open to Childfree by choice, Childfree by Circumstance, and anyone on the fence who wants to chat.
Nothing is recorded, and it’s a closed room for members only. It’s free to join and use.
I host this room every weekday morning, 10:00 AM EDT ( 8:00 AM MDT for me), even on holidays. It’s better than coffee!
The Biggest Childfree Event of the Year…
The countdown is on….
Childfree in the News
Filed under Best New Idea in Retirement on MarketWatch, this article on Childfree Retirement Planning is compelling and respectful of the community and conversation.
Final Thought
OK, this is more of a confession than a thought… we’re expanding this newsletter. (Don’t worry, I’m not putting this newsletter behind a paywall.) More events, more content, and exposure for global childfree content creators.
Stay tuned..
LeNora Faye