18 - When the Baby Never Comes: Finding Your Way in the Life You Didn’t Plan With Ashley Anderson

Sometimes you can want something desperately, do everything you possibly can to make it happen, and still not get the ending you hoped for.That's where my conversation with Ashley Anderson begins. Ashley spent years trying to have a baby, navigating infertility, endometriosis, surgeries, fertility treatments and all of the emotional and financial exhaustion that comes with it. Eventually, she and her husband had to ask a really difficult question: How much more are we willing to do?Ashley doesn't pretend she isn't sad about not having children. She is. But she has also learned that she can grieve what she didn't get while being genuinely happy with the life she has.We talk about infertility, marriage, money, health, the pressure women feel to have children, the incredibly insensitive things people sometimes say, and what it looks like to create a meaningful life when it doesn't look like the one you imagined. As Ashley says, "Your book has more chapters left in it." About Ashley AndersonAshley owns Functional Fitness of Pass Christian, Mississippi. She is a personal trainer turned coach, where the focus isn't just on the gym, it's building a lifestyle of health.  Using fitness and practical lifestyle coaching, her and her team help athletes (of all ages) live pain-free, unstoppable lives.  Ashley holds a degree in Movement & Sports Science from Purdue and puts a focus on healing the gastrointestinal system (your gut/microbiome) and balancing hormones. She’s also currently participating in the Active Life Professional mentorship program. Get in touch with Ashley AndersonFunctional Fitness Pass Christian 228-900-9917 or coach@ffpasschristian.com https://www.facebook.com/share/19Gv7UYBx2/?mibextid=wwXIfr https://www.instagram.com/ashley_ffpc/https://www.instagram.com/functionalfitness_pc/ About the Podcast Evolving Together is a space for candid conversations about all the messy things happening in midlife — relationships, identity shifts, parenting, grief, health, purpose, reinvention, and everything in between.Together, we learn, laugh, cry, question things, and evolve with zero judgment. Support the Podcast Love what you’re hearing? Support the show and join the community on Patreon, either free or through one of the tiers; Groupie or Collaborator through this link.http://Patreon.com/EvolvingTogether834 Depending on whether you have a free membership or tiered, Patreon members may receive:Early access to episodesBonus “Mindful Midlife Moment” episodesCommunity chatsExtended guest conversationsOpportunities to submit stories and questions for future episodesDisclaimerThis podcast is intended for educational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute medical, legal, financial, or mental health advice. Always consult a qualified professional regarding your individual situation. Find and Follow Evolving Together on...Facebook - facebook.com/evolvingtogetherpodcast/ Instagram - instagram.com/evolving.together.podcast/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Evolving.Together.Podcast TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@evolvingtogether.podcast?_r=1&_t=ZP-95t6IEQmA4U Evolving Together Website - https://evolvingtogether.transistor.fm/ ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★