“I clung to the conventional notion of parenthood as an essential adult project.”
I was fortunate to have a strong childfree role model in my godmother. Despite witnessing her joyful, fulfilled life without children, I clung to the conventional notion of parenthood as an essential adult project.
At 23, I took a less travelled path, pursuing a Ph.D. Parenthood felt like a distant destination, and my partner didn’t pressure me to start a family. I believed, with time, motherhood might ignite the same fervor in me as my passion for research. Yet, I sensed that it would be more of a conscious choice than an innate calling.
As 35 approached, anxiety crept in. The notion of surrendering my freedom, pregnancy, and the pressure induced by friends’ pregnancies sent shockwaves through my life.
I’m confident that I would’ve chosen a childfree life much sooner without Covid. The pandemic added layers of complexity, making me question my cherished freedom in a world constrained by lockdowns. Simultaneously, my partner’s desire to start a family intensified. However, when restrictions were lifted it felt like I was given a second chance at life. Having been on the fence for a long time, it felt liberating to have made up my mind. Regrettably, this ended my 12-year relationship.
Two years later, I’m so grateful I made that decision. I relish my role as an aunt, find contentment in my career, travel to my heart’s content, and nurture close friendships. I’ve forged a life that aligns with my true self, unburdened by the constraints of an ill-fitting mold.
SHARE:
We need your story! With your help, we can change how the world sees childfree people, and more importantly, how we see ourselves. Add your voice to the global childfree movement by sharing your story today.
MORE LIKE THIS
