Waiting with Love

Embracing Parenthood and Hope at 40: A Conversation on Waiting, Growth, and New BeginningsIn this heartfelt episode, Matt and Andrew reflect on navigating the journey to parenthood later in life, turning 40, and finding hope and strength in the process of waiting. They share personal insights, challenges, and the many benefits of becoming parents at this stage, offering encouragement to others walking a similar path.Key Topics:The emotional and practical realities of waiting to become parents over 40How life experiences and maturity shape parenting readinessThe impact of career stability and financial planning on delaying parenthoodThe significance of living in the moment versus future expectationsHow aging influences perspectives on longevity, energy, and relationshipsThe benefits of patience, resilience, and emotional depth gained through life's trialsCelebrating the unpredictability of life and embracing changeFamous examples of having children after 40 to inspire hopeTimestamps:00:00 - Welcome and introduction to the episode's theme of waiting and hope02:10 - Reflections on life milestones and expectations at age 4003:26 - Comparing visions of life 20 and 10 years ago04:16 - Challenges and surprises in the parenthood journey05:54 - Career trajectories and their influence on family planning07:11 - Perspectives on mortality and aging in midlife08:36 - Fears around energy and longevity for new parents09:54 - The emotional and financial advantages of waiting11:33 - Personal growth, patience, and resilience through challenges13:21 - Building a stable future for children and the role of finances15:17 - The value of living in the present and appreciating current moments16:36 - How age influences energy levels and opportunities for play18:10 - The importance of community, safety, and environment for raising kids19:08 - How late parenthood can be advantageous financially and professionally21:01 - Celebrating mutual career stability and readiness22:49 - Insights on why the timing now feels right for parenthood23:35 - Advice to younger selves: focusing on authentic happiness over impressing others24:24 - The qualities that age and experience contribute to parenting25:39 - Personal growth from fostering patience and genuine connections26:34 - The profound impact of being present for children and family27:47 - Recognizing that imperfection is part of the journey and embracing it29:04 - Spotlight on celebrities who became parents after 4029:21 - Wishing Matt a happy birthday and closing encouragementResources & Links:Waiting With Love WebsiteConnect with Matt & Andrew:InstagramFacebookTikTokYouTubeRemember, the journey to parenthood is unique for everyone. Embrace the timing that feels right for you, and find hope in each step forward.

In this episode of "Waiting with Love," Matt and Andrew explore the emotional landscape of long-term infertility and the importance of community, fellowship, and shared experience. They discuss the limitations of conventional advice and highlight the power of compassion, laughter, and authentic connection in navigating challenging journeys.KEY TOPICSThe impact of unsolicited and superficial advice during infertility strugglesThe importance of fellowship and shared experiences in emotional resilienceThe role of laughter, validation, and non-judgmental supportNavigating logistical stresses and emotional rollercoasters in international surrogacyHow honest conversations and connection reduce feelings of isolationThe significance of accepting what cannot be changed and focusing on what canThe benefits of meditation, spiritual moments, and grounding practicesEncouragement to prioritize genuine support over well-meaning but unhelpful questionsTIMESTAMPS00:00 - Welcome and overview of navigating waiting with hope and community01:09 - Differentiating advice from genuine fellowship and understanding02:09 - Why traditional advice often falls flat in difficult journeys03:23 - The frustration of unanswered questions about fertility setbacks04:18 - Parallels between building a house and the fertility process05:41 - The comfort found in fellowship with others who understand07:19 - The power of shared stories and normalization in community08:40 - How connection reduces feelings of loneliness, even with children09:46 - The importance of validation and feeling witnessed11:07 - The role of laughter and humor during setbacks12:24 - Shared experiences in addiction, recovery, and infertility13:41 - The complexity and divine work behind surrogacy and biological processes15:22 - The unpredictability and logistical stresses of international surrogacy16:32 - Moving beyond stress through community and mutual understanding18:28 - Recognizing that no levers remain to accelerate the journey19:13 - The serenity prayer and acceptance of what can’t be changed20:39 - The value of grounding practices like meditation and spiritual moments22:40 - The importance of living in the present and allowing support to scratch the itch23:33 - Practical grounding tips: meditation and self-care strategies24:18 - Final thoughts: You are not alone—reach out, connect, and keep waiting with loveRESOURCES & LINKSWaiting with Love - WebsiteMeditation apps and guided meditations on YouTubeConnect with Matt & Andrew:Email us: hope@waitingwithlove.comInstagramFacebookTikTokYouTube

SummaryIn this conversation, Andrew and Matt reflect on their decade-long journey of trying to become parents through adoption and surrogacy. They discuss the emotional evolution from initial hope and excitement to a more guarded cynicism, and ultimately to a place of acceptance and finding joy in the present. They explore the coping mechanisms they've developed, the impact of setbacks, and the importance of living in the moment while waiting for their dreams to materialize.TakeawaysThe emotional journey of trying to have a child evolves over time. Initial excitement can turn into cynicism due to setbacks. Coping mechanisms can disguise themselves as excitement. A phone call from the agency is often bad news.Living in the moment is crucial while waiting for a child.Setbacks have become easier to handle over time. It's important to separate hope from guarantees. Personal growth occurs during the waiting period. Comparison to others can lead to resentment and cynicism.Finding joy in the present can help alleviate anxiety about the future.Sound bites"Do we want a baby? Yes.""What gives you hope today?""We are where we are."Chapters00:00 The Journey Begins: From Hope to Cynicism05:45 The Emotional Rollercoaster of Adoption10:00 Coping Mechanisms: Cynicism and Realism17:04 Finding Hope Amidst Uncertainty22:05 Living in the Moment: Building a Life While WaitingKeywordsadoption, surrogacy, hope, cynicism, emotional journey, parenting, coping mechanisms, personal growth, waiting, life lessons.

SummaryIn this episode, Matt and Andrew reflect on their journey through the complexities of building a family, particularly focusing on the concept of 'no regrets'. They share personal anecdotes from their experiences with adoption, including the emotional rollercoaster of being matched with birth mothers and the subsequent challenges they faced. The conversation highlights the importance of recognizing what can be controlled in uncertain situations and how to shift perspectives from regret to learning experiences. They emphasize the need to balance living in the moment while planning for the future, especially when navigating the financial and emotional aspects of family building. As they delve deeper into their experiences, Matt and Andrew discuss the mental shifts they've made to embrace a more positive outlook. They talk about the significance of creating a fulfilling life outside of their family-building journey, including travel and personal growth. The episode serves as a candid exploration of the ups and downs of their path, offering insights and encouragement to others in similar situations.Keywordsfamily building, no regret work, adoption journey, emotional challenges, personal growth, parenting, uncertainty, mental health, travel experiences, LGBTQ+ parentingTakeaways'What can we do that no matter what the outcome is, we wouldn't regret doing?''We were desperately trying to control this process.''Every lesson has its purpose.''We have to remind ourselves that we also still have a marriage.''It's important to find what your passions are.'Sound Bites"What can we do that no matter what the outcome is?""We were desperately trying to control this process.""Everything we did was all about we're gonna have kids one day."Chapters00:00Introduction and Reflections on the Journey08:48Shifting Perspectives on Regret15:53Embracing Life Beyond Family Building

In this inaugural episode of 'Waiting with Love', hosts Matt and Andrew share their personal journey of waiting to build a family over the past decade. They discuss the emotional challenges, the silence surrounding their struggles, and the importance of creating a supportive community for those navigating similar experiences. The episode emphasizes the coexistence of hope and grief during the waiting process and invites listeners to join them in a fellowship of shared experiences.TakeawaysYou don't have to wait without hope.Waiting for a family can be a long and emotional journey.Silence can often feel protective but may actually harm us.Social media often showcases only success stories, not the struggles.Creating a space for shared experiences is essential.There is a lack of public support for those still waiting.This podcast is for those in the messy middle of waiting.It's important to seek professional help when needed.Life continues, and joy can still be found during waiting.Hope and grief can coexist in the waiting process.Sound Bites"You don't have to wait without hope.""Silence was actually the opposite of protection.""This space doesn't exist and it's needed."Chapters00:00Introduction to Waiting with Love01:20The Journey of Waiting for a Family05:05Navigating the Emotional Weight of Waiting09:13Creating a Space for Shared Experiences11:05Hope and Grief Coexisting in the Waiting RoomSocialsInstagram @waiting_withloveFacebook: Waiting with Love