Fertility emotions

As a reproductive endocrinologist (aka a fertility doctor), every day I witness firsthand the profound yearning to build a family. For many individuals and couples, the path to parenthood may not be a straightforward one. Fortunately, advancements in assisted reproductive technologies (ART) have opened doors to alternative family-building options. Third-party reproduction (TPR) can offer hope for those facing fertility challenges or seeking alternative means to complete their families. But what is it?

In this article, I'll dive into the world of TPR, exploring its various facets, the science behind it, and the unique considerations involved. Whether you're a couple struggling with infertility, a single parent by choice, or an LGBTQ+ individual seeking to build a family, understanding TPR can empower you to make informed decisions about your fertility journey.

What is third-party reproduction?

When you hear the term third-party reproduction, it’s referring to a range of techniques that involve using genetic material or gestational services from a third party, someone who is not the intended parent, to achieve pregnancy. This broadens the possibilities for those who may not be able to conceive using their own gametes (eggs and sperm) or carry a pregnancy themselves. Here's a breakdown of the types of TPR:

• Sperm donation: Viable sperm from a carefully screened donor is used to fertilize eggs through intrauterine insemination (IUI) or in vitro fertilization (IVF).
• Egg donation: Donor eggs, retrieved from a healthy egg donor who has undergone rigorous medical and psychological evaluation, are fertilized with the intended father's sperm or donor sperm for implantation in the uterus via IVF.
• Embryo donation: Frozen embryos created by another family undergoing IVF are donated to another couple or individual for implantation. 
• Gestational surrogacy: A gestational carrier, also known as a surrogate, carries a pregnancy for the intended parents using an embryo created either through the intended parents' own gametes or donated sperm and eggs. The gestational carrier has no genetic link to the baby.
• Double donor: Both donor sperm and donor egg come together in IVF. 

More and more families are turning to third-party reproduction to build their families. Third-party reproduction is part science and medicine, and part generosity from someone else who wants to help you build your family. There is a lot of coordination and legal work involved to protect all parties, and if you work with a group like Cofertility, we will help you all along the way. 

What types of families use third-party reproduction?

Third-party reproduction (TPR) opens doors for a diverse range of individuals and couples who may not be able to conceive unassisted or carry a pregnancy to term. I have worked with so many different types of families, who come to me for various reasons. Here's a closer look at some of the families who find hope and fulfillment through TPR:

• Couples facing infertility:  Infertility, the inability to conceive after one year of unprotected intercourse, affects millions of couples worldwide. TPR can offer hope for those struggling with infertility due to various factors including low sperm count, blocked fallopian tubes, or hormonal imbalances.  For these couples, TPR, whether through sperm donation, egg donation, or even embryo donation, allows them to experience the joy of parenthood and build their families.
• Single parents by choice:  An increasing number of single intended parents are opting for TPR to build their families. They can utilize sperm donation, egg donation, and/or surrogacy to create their dream families.  
• LGBTQ+ families: TPR plays a significant role in expanding family-building options for LGBTQ+ individuals and couples. Same-sex male couples can utilize egg donation and surrogacy to have a biological child within their family. Lesbian couples have the option of using sperm donation, either from a known or anonymous donor, and either partner can carry the pregnancy or utilize a gestational carrier.  Transgender individuals can also explore TPR options to complete their families.
• Individuals with medical conditions:  Certain medical conditions may render pregnancy unsafe or even impossible. Uterine fibroids, endometriosis, or a history of complex medical procedures or births are just some examples.  TPR, through gestational surrogacy, allows these women to experience parenthood by having a genetically related child (through egg donation and sperm from their partner) or by adopting an embryo.
• People with genetic concerns:  For couples at risk of passing on a known genetic condition to their biological children, TPR offers a path toward a healthy family.  Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) can be performed on embryos created through IVF, allowing for the selection of embryos free from the identified genetic condition.  This can give couples peace of mind and increase their chances of having a healthy child.

Regardless of the specific route taken through TPR, the common thread is the unwavering desire to build a loving family.  While genetics play a role, the emotional bonds cultivated through love, nurturing, and shared experiences are the true cornerstones of a family. Studies have shown that children born through TPR thrive in loving environments and develop strong attachments to their intended parents.

The emotional journey of TPR

The decision to pursue TPR is rarely made lightly. It's often born out of a deep longing for parenthood and may be accompanied by a spectrum of emotions. Intended parents may experience a mix of hope, excitement, anxiety, and sometimes even a sense of grief if facing infertility or the inability to use their own genetic material. Open communication is absolutely vital – between intended parents, with any known donors or gestational carrier, with your agency, and within oneself.  Exploring personal feelings and expectations throughout the process  is essential for ensuring everyone is emotionally aligned.

Donors and gestational carriers also carry complex emotional feelings throughout the process.  Donors may derive a sense of altruism and fulfillment from helping others build families.  Gestational carriers often express feelings of deep satisfaction from carrying a child for intended parents who cannot do so themselves.  However, feelings of uncertainty, potential vulnerability, and even moments of hesitation are also natural parts of the experience.

Psychological support in the form of counseling provides a safe space to unpack these emotions for everyone involved.  It can help intended parents cope with potential setbacks, foster healthy communication with stakeholders, and build a strong emotional foundation as they navigate their unique path to parenthood.

If you work with Cofertility, we have a fertility psychologist on our team who supports all parties involved. 

Do I need a doctor who specializes in third-party reproduction?

The short answer is yes! Building a family through third-party reproduction involves a mix of medical, legal, and emotional considerations. While seeking guidance from any fertility doctor is a good starting point, partnering with a board-certified reproductive endocrinologist who specializes in TPR will go a long way. These specialists possess in-depth knowledge of the various TPR techniques, from sperm and egg donation to embryo donation and gestational surrogacy. Their expertise allows them to create tailored treatment plans that perfectly align with your unique circumstances – whether that means selecting the right donor, navigating IVF procedures, or understanding complex legal agreements.

A fertility doctor with TPR experience understands the potential risks and necessary medical monitoring throughout the process. They ensure your safety and well-being, always keeping your best interests in mind. Perhaps just as importantly, they offer compassionate support throughout your emotional journey, answering any questions and providing a safe space to process the complex feelings that may arise.  Building a trusting relationship with your doctor is important when making personal decisions that affect your ability to build a family.

Finding the right specialist takes a little research. Look for board-certified reproductive endocrinologists affiliated with reputable fertility clinics that offer comprehensive TPR services. Ask for recommendations from trusted sources or schedule consultations with a few specialists to find a provider whose approach aligns with your needs. Ask them about their experience with TPR, and how they approach treatment differently. Ultimately, a specialist in TPR will be your invaluable guide, increasing your chances of a positive outcome on your path to creating the family you've always dreamed of.

Summing it up

Third-party reproduction (TPR) is a powerful testament to where science and compassion meet. It expands our horizons of possibility, offering alternative paths to parenthood for many individuals and couples. Whether it's sperm donation, egg donation, embryo donation, or working with a gestational carrier – the techniques behind TPR are ever-evolving, giving more people the chance to fulfill their dreams of family.

While the science is complex, the heart of TPR is simple: it's about love, determination, and the generosity of those who offer the incredible gift of helping others build their families. Naturally, navigating the medical, emotional, and legal aspects of TPR necessitates a guiding hand. That's where a specialized reproductive endocrinologist, a team like Cofertility, and a strong support system are invaluable, turning what can seem daunting into a well-supported, empowering journey.

If this is a path calling to you, know that you're not alone. Seek out the knowledge and support that will enable you to make informed choices and feel confident at every step along the way.  The joy of parenthood, experienced through whichever means resonate with you, is a beautiful path of unwavering love.

Find an amazing egg donor at Cofertility

At Cofertility, our program is unique. After meeting with hundreds of intended parents, egg donors, and donor-conceived people, we decided on an egg donation model that we think best serves everyone involved: egg sharing.

Here’s how it works: our unique model empowers women to take control of their own reproductive health while giving you the gift of a lifetime. Our donors aren’t doing it for cash – they keep half the eggs retrieved for their own future use and donate half to your family.

We aim to be the best egg-sharing program, providing an experience that honors, respects, and uplifts everyone involved. Here’s what sets us apart:

• Human-centered. We didn’t like the status quo in egg donation. So we’re doing things differently, starting with our human-centered matching platform.
• Donor empowerment. Our model empowers donors to preserve their own fertility, while lifting you up on your own journey. It’s a win-win.
• Diversity: We’re proud of the fact that the donors on our platform are as diverse as the intended parents seeking to match with them. We work with intended parents to understand their own cultural values — including regional nuances — in hopes of finding them the perfect match.
• Baby guarantee. We truly want to help you bring your baby home, and we will re-match you for free until that happens.
• Lifetime support: Historically, other egg donation options have treated egg donor matching as a one-and-done experience. Beyond matching, beyond a pregnancy, beyond a birth…we believe in supporting the donor-conceived family for life. Our resources and education provide intended parents with the guidance they need to raise happy, healthy kids and celebrate their origin stories.

We are obsessed with improving the family-building journey — today or in the future — and are in an endless pursuit to make these experiences more positive. Create a free account to get started today!

Read more:

• Double Donor IVF: Making Embryos with Donor Eggs and Sperm
• Reciprocal IVF: What Should My Partner and I Consider?
• Gay Men Having Babies: Four Genetic Options with Donor Eggs

Experiencing infertility can be a rollercoaster of emotions. While you're struggling to conceive, it can be particularly difficult to share in the joy of others as they announce pregnancies or welcome new babies into the world. I’m a fertility psychologist and I have worked with countless individuals struggling with infertility. This article explores the complex emotions surrounding infertility and offers strategies for navigating this challenging terrain.

Allow Yourself to Grieve

Struggling with infertility can be an incredibly challenging and emotional experience. It can make it difficult to find joy and happiness for others, especially those who are experiencing the very thing you desire most. It's natural to feel sadness, anger, or even envy when you're struggling with infertility and are watching others around you achieve their family building goals. Acknowledging these feelings rather than suppressing them can be the first step towards healing. Give yourself permission to feel your emotions without judgment. Understand that feeling these feelings does not make you a bad person; it makes you human. It’s a natural reaction to a difficult situation.

Cultivate Self-Compassion

During this time, be aware of how you speak to yourself. It is very easy for self-criticism to show its face during difficult times. When you catch yourself, think how would I speak to a friend going through a similar situation? Would I tell them to get over it? Or that they must have done something to deserve this? Probably not. So, talk to yourself with the same kindness and understanding that you would a friend in a similar situation. 

Cultivating self-compassion is a helpful starting point to healing. So is engaging in self-care activities that nourish your mind, body, and spirit.  Things like journaling, art, music, exercise, meditation, hobbies, or spending time in nature or with loved ones are just a few things that you can do. 

Embrace Gratitude 

This can be such a difficult time that it can seem impossible and maybe even annoying to focus on the positive aspects of life. But sometimes keeping a gratitude journal where you list things you're thankful for each day can help shift your focus away from what you believe you lack to what you actually  have. Acknowledge and celebrate small victories in your life, even if they seem unrelated to your fertility journey. Reflect on how your experiences have shaped you and consider the personal growth that has come from facing these challenges. Even if doing some of these things shifts your mind a tiny bit, each day those tiny movements add up. Like they say a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. 

Establish Healthy Boundaries

It's important to set boundaries as this is a form of self-care and a way to protect your emotional health. Recognize what situations, conversations or people cause you the most stress and start putting up the boundaries. If attending baby showers is too painful, it's okay to not attend. But there may be times that you feel obligated to attend so you can find ways to be happy for others that feel right for you. This might mean sending a card or a gift instead of attending in person or spending time together after the event. 

Seek Support and Community

Talking to others who understand what you're going through can be incredibly helpful. Consider joining a support group, where you can share your experiences and feelings with others who are facing similar challenges without fear of judgment. A professional therapist can also be beneficial in that they can provide you with tools and can offer a safe space to express your emotions  in a healthy way.

Navigating infertility is a deeply personal journey. By acknowledging your feelings, practicing self-compassion, seeking support, and setting boundaries, you can begin to find happiness for others while also caring for your own emotional well-being. Remember, it's okay to prioritize your own needs and to seek help when needed. It's okay to not feel happy for others immediately. With time you can find a way to balance your own struggles with genuine happiness for others.

Fertility treatments can be emotionally challenging due to the unpredictable nature of things. And when things don’t go as planned, and you have to reconsider the next steps, the emotional challenges can intensify. Depending on the case, people facing infertility may start with medication, then move onto IUI, then IVF, and then maybe donor egg IVF or surrogacy. The more treatments that are tried, the deeper the emotional investment, making the highs and lows more intense. Being kind to yourself, allowing for grief, and taking the time you need before deciding the next step is important in preserving your emotional well-being.

Coping with changes in your fertility plan

After unsuccessful attempts, the original plan may no longer be feasible and individuals or couples face difficult decisions about what to do next. This is a real loss. Loss doesn’t just apply to physical loss; it also applies to the emotional loss of plans changing. Give yourself permission to grieve this loss as you would any other major life event. Mourning this change can help you find closure and peace over time. Seeking therapy, joining support groups, or talking with trusted people can be valuable. 

It’s easy to fall into a cycle of self-blame, especially if you feel like you’ve done everything that you were ‘supposed to do.’ Treat yourself with compassion, the same way that you would treat  a dear friend. Some days may feel okay, and others might be more difficult. Grief isn’t linear, and healing from the loss of your original plan will likely take time and patience.

Managing uncertainty and anxiety

Infertility brings a profound sense of unpredictability, and coping with that uncertainty often requires emotional resilience and a shift in mindset. Our minds like predictability. Uncertainty brings anxiety, fear, and discomfort. So it's only natural to feel anxious about something so significant and life-changing and uncertain. It’s important to accept that some level of uncertainty will always be part of the fertility journey and instead of struggling in the quicksand, try to acknowledge uncertainty as a reality of this process, which can make the anxiety feel less overwhelming. 

Strategies for emotional resilience

One step in managing anxiety is embracing the idea that you have to become an observer of your thoughts and “name it to tame it.” Acknowledging the thoughts and the accompanying emotions rather than pushing them aside allows you to begin processing the loss of change in your plans in a healthy way. While you may not be able to control the outcomes, you can control how you approach each step. Create a flexible plan with small, achievable goals, such as focusing on one treatment cycle at a time or researching alternative paths if you need to change course. Having backup plans or a range of possibilities can help you feel more in control, knowing that even if one option doesn’t work out, there are others to explore.

Instead of viewing changing treatments as a failure, try to see it as another step in your fertility journey. Every step, even the ones that didn’t work, bring you closer to understanding what you need to reach your goals. Understanding what didn’t work can provide valuable insight for the next steps, and viewing it as progress, even if not in the way you initially hoped, can help foster hope. 

Seeking information and understanding

If you’re feeling overwhelmed about changing treatments, ask your doctor for more clarity. Sometimes understanding the science behind the change and how it may increase your chances can help restore your confidence in the process. If you’re interested in understanding the latest research, look for peer-reviewed studies in medical journals like Fertility and Sterility or Human Reproduction.  Use trusted websites that offer scientifically-backed information about fertility treatments such as:

• American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM)
• Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART)
• Mayo Clinic
• National Institutes of Health (NIH) 

Considering donor eggs: Emotional challenges and acceptance

If one of the changes in plans includes donor eggs, it can be emotionally challenging and may involve grieving the loss of a personal vision of parenthood. It’s natural to feel sadness, disappointment, a sense of failure, or even guilt about not being able to use your own DNA. Acknowledge that it’s okay to feel these emotions, and give yourself permission to process them without judgment. Take time to mourn the loss of the genetic connection you had hoped for. This grief is normal and part of the journey. 

Parenthood is about more than biology—it’s about creating a family and building strong emotional bonds.  Families are built through various means; what’s most important is the love, care, and nurturing you’ll provide your child. While using donor eggs may not have been your original plan, it still provides an incredible opportunity to become a parent. Embracing gratitude for the possibility of creating a family through donor eggs can help shift your mindset toward acceptance. The love and bond you’ll form with your child will transcend any genetic considerations, and embracing this new path can ultimately lead to a fulfilling and joyful experience as a parent.

Choosing the right egg donor and egg donor program is a significant decision in your fertility journey. Start by exploring different fertility clinics, donor agencies, or programs that offer egg donation services. Look into their reputation, success rates, and feedback from other patients. Egg donation programs can vary, so decide if you want to go through an anonymous program or a known or open donation program.

Before starting the egg donor selection process, identify the characteristics that are most important to you. Perhaps you want  a donor with similar physical traits - such as hair color, eye color, skin tone, or height. If sharing the same ethnic or cultural background is important, focus on donors who match your background. Some intended parents look for donors with specific educational achievements or interests - such as musical talent or athletic ability. At some point, the decision may come down to a gut feeling. Trust your instincts, and select a donor with whom you feel a connection, even if it’s through a profile.

Deciding to end fertility treatments

Deciding to end your fertility treatments is an incredibly difficult and deeply personal decision. It often comes with complex emotions such as grief, disappointment, and even a sense of failure. However, making this decision is also an act of self-compassion, recognizing your limits, and finding a new way forward. Acknowledge the effort, hope, and dedication you’ve put into this process. IVF is physically, emotionally, and financially demanding, and making the decision to stop is a recognition of the strength you’ve shown. Stopping IVF doesn’t mean giving up or failing; it’s an acknowledgment that you have reached your personal limits, and that’s okay. 

Talking openly about your fears, frustrations, and hopes can help lighten the emotional load. It’s okay to seek reassurance and emotional support. Connecting with others who understand the complexities of changing fertility treatments, such as fertility groups, can be incredibly validating. Hearing others’ stories, while sharing your own story can help you feel less alone.

Conclusion: Navigating the emotional journey

Fertility treatments can be emotionally challenging for many reasons and when fertility treatments don’t work and you have to reconsider the next steps, the emotional challenges can intensify. Grieving the loss of the original plan is an emotional process. This loss can feel as real as losing something tangible, as it involves letting go of the hopes and dreams you had for your fertility journey. Giving yourself time and space to heal while being open to new possibilities is key to moving forward, even if it's a challenging process. Being kind to yourself, allowing for grief, and taking the time you need before deciding the next steps is important in preserving your emotional well-being. Be gentle with yourself and seek the support and coping strategies that resonate most with you.

For those struggling with infertility, the holiday season can intensify emotional challenges as celebrations often center around family and children. This guide explores practical strategies for managing holiday-related stress, understanding your emotional responses, and building resilience during this sensitive time.

Holiday-related anxiety and depression can be particularly high for those facing fertility challenges, as the season often emphasizes themes of family, children, and togetherness, potentially creating feelings of inadequacy, sadness, and envy. Holiday cards, pregnancy announcements, or events centered around children may serve as triggers, amplifying feelings of loss or grief. The societal expectation to feel and display happiness and joy during the holidays can exacerbate feelings of isolation and sadness when one is privately struggling.

How stress affects the brain

Social triggers that evoke strong emotional responses can have not only psychological impacts but also significant neurological impacts. One of the first areas of the brain that gets impacted during stress is the limbic system. The limbic system detects and processes emotional stimuli - especially stimuli perceived as threatening. This activation heightens emotional arousal and contributes to feelings of fear, anger, or shame. The prefrontal cortex (PFC), responsible for executive functions like decision-making and emotion regulation, attempts to interpret and manage the emotional response to triggers. It may struggle to regulate the limbic system’s response effectively in stressful or triggering situations, especially if the trigger is deeply personal or recurrent. Because the prefrontal cortex is struggling, the Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) Axis is activated, releasing cortisol, the stress hormone, which prepares the body for a fight-or-flight reaction. Chronic exposure to triggers can dysregulate the HPA axis, leading to prolonged stress and health issues such as fatigue, anxiety, and depression.

Building emotional resilience through reframing

By addressing the psychological dimensions of social triggers, individuals can build emotional resilience, which is the ability to adapt and recover from stress while maintaining psychological well-being. The ability to reframe negative experiences and see challenges as opportunities for growth is central to resilience. Reframing involves identifying negative thought patterns and replacing them with more balanced or constructive perspectives. With fertility challenges, reframing helps shift the focus from loss and longing to aspects of life that can still bring fulfillment, allowing space for gratitude, flexibility, and self-compassion during a difficult time.

An example of how reframing may be used: 

“I can’t enjoy the holidays because they remind me of what I don’t have—a family with children." 

That thought might be reframed as: 

“This year may look different than I hoped, but it gives me the chance to focus on what I can enjoy and appreciate right now, such as spending time with my loved ones and creating traditions for myself. Building a family may take longer than expected, but that doesn’t diminish my worth or my ability to find moments of joy."

Using mindfulness to prevent anxiety spirals

Sometimes it can be difficult to reframe a thought when the mind is racing. Anxiety is such a fast-paced emotion that it can be hard to not jump from thought to thought to thought and end up spiraling. Spiraling can be prevented by using mindfulness to stay present in the moment, to be aware enough of our thoughts that we can catch them, reframe them, and be intentional with our reactions. Neurologically, mindfulness reduces activity in the limbic system, thereby strengthening PFC regulation and reducing cortisol levels. Lower cortisol levels protect the brain from stress-related damage in parts of the brain vital for emotional regulation.

An example of how mindfulness may be used: 

You are at a holiday gathering and someone makes an insensitive comment about when you’ll have kids.

Mindful response may include S.T.O.P:

• Stop
• Take a 4 - 7 - 8 breath
• Observe (your emotions, physical sensations, and thoughts without judgment) and ground yourself
• Proceed by calmly and saying, “That’s a sensitive topic for me right now.”  

The role of self-compassion in emotional healing

Even if we are being mindful and reframing our thoughts, we may still hear that self-critical voice that loves to self-punish. This is where practicing self-compassion comes in. Neurologically, self-compassion has shown to reduce the limbic systems hyperactivity, helping us feel less overwhelmed by negative emotions. It also strengthens the PFC allowing for better regulation of the limbic system’s responses, leading to greater emotional stability.
An example of how self-compassion may be used: 

You feel overwhelmed seeing social media posts of friends celebrating the holidays with their children.
A self-compassionate response may include:

• Recognizing your feelings with kindness: “It’s okay to feel this way. This is really hard, and I’m not alone in this struggle.”
• Reassuring yourself as you would a friend: “I’m doing the best I can, and it’s okay to focus on my healing during this season.”
• Engaging in an act of self-care, like taking a walk, or treating yourself to a comforting activity.

Understanding trauma responses to fertility challenges

Fertility challenges can be deeply traumatic. While the experience varies from person to person, infertility often involves a profound sense of loss, unmet expectations, and challenges to one’s identity and future. During the holiday season, trauma responses to fertility challenges can manifest in emotional, physical, and behavioral reactions. It is not unusual to feel profound sorrow when seeing children, pregnant family members, or holiday traditions centered on family and children. Anger, irritability, shame, guilt, hopelessness and even detaching from feelings altogether are all very common and normal trauma responses. 

It is also not unusual to experience physical symptoms such as a racing heart, shallow breathing, or sweating when confronted with triggers (e.g., a holiday card featuring a family with children). Feeling drained and developing headaches, stomachaches, or other physical discomforts are also typical. On top of the emotional and physical responses, we have cognitive responses such as “I will never have children” or “I don’t belong here” play on a loop and only exacerbate the other symptoms. All of these things combined then create our behavioral responses. Meaning the things we do in response. For example, skipping holiday gatherings to avoid potential triggers. Engaging in perfectionist behaviors to "prove" worth in other areas, such as hosting the perfect holiday event. Using food, alcohol, or other substances as a coping mechanism to regain a sense of control.
Some ways to cope with these types of trauma responses include:

• Grounding techniques, such as 4 - 7 - 8 breathing or naming objects in the room, to stay present during triggering moments.
• Setting boundaries by politely declining invitations 
• Leaning on trusted friends, family or partner
• Reminding yourself that your feelings are valid and that it’s okay to prioritize your needs.

Finding your own path through the holidays

The holidays can be an emotional minefield for individuals with fertility challenges as it often brings heightened emotions, societal pressures, and reminders of what you may feel is missing. The contrast between the joy others seem to experience and the sadness or grief you may be feeling can amplify the sense of loss. Therefore, emotional resilience is crucial during the holiday season. 

Reframing helps shift the focus from loss and longing to aspects of life that can still bring fulfillment. Mindfulness helps you become aware of your emotions, while self-compassion allows you to address those emotions with kindness and care. Together, these tools enhance the brain's capacity to regulate emotions, foster positive self-reflection, and reduce the harmful effects of stress. Over time, these neurological changes make it easier to approach challenges with kindness and emotional strength.

Understand that the magic of the season doesn’t have to look like everyone else’s. It's okay to experience the holidays differently this year or frankly any year. Even though you might be experiencing a difficult journey, it’s possible to find moments of beauty and peace. Whether it's the peaceful quiet of a winter morning, the sound of holiday music, or the taste of a comforting food, small moments of magic exist. Focus on those moments of beauty and allow them to fill your heart, even if just for a brief moment.