In this episode, I’m with my co-host, Dr. Vicki Atkinson, and we are talking about choice and my journey to parenthood.
Following up on the question a pre-school teacher asked me about how I became a parent, I share the story of how I started a family as a single person. From the fertility clinic doctor who laid out all the options for getting pregnant as a 45-year-old single woman to some of the interesting facts I learned about in-vitro fertilization along the way, I share the answers that are part of my process.
With Vicki as a trusted guide, we talk about the role that agency and self-determination played in not only choosing to have kids but also as a part of parenting. I often call the power of choice my secret for digging deep on the days that I don’t have enough in the tank. Knowing that I’m living the life that I’ve chosen and doing it my own way gives me the extra charge to step it up and also be so grateful for the life that I have.
In this vulnerable podcast, I reveal the fears that I’ve had to work through to become a single parent. How I knew that I was opening myself up to the opinions of others when it comes to building family in a non-traditional way and how those opinions have sometimes been surprising. We talk about Brene Brown and Joseph Campbell’s The Hero’s Journey and how sometimes getting to where we need to go has to pass directly through the heart of vulnerability.
I’ve often written about intertwined the cycle of birth and death was for me. I wrote my book about my dear father in the wake of his sudden death in a bicycle accident almost nine years ago as I was pregnant with Miss O. Vicki teases out the lessons that I gleaned from his special sparkle that I use in my parenting. His specialties of love, curiosity, openness and faith directly come to play as I navigate trying to parent my two precious kids.
And then we end with an incredible question that Vicki asks about what advice I’d give to my previous self to guide her through this journey to parenthood that I’ve gone on. It makes me cry to think of all that I’ve gone through in the last ten years, and all the support I’ve had from family and friends. I talk through some of the quotes and inspiration that have kept me inspired along the way.
This is a deeply personal and wonderfully warm episode about what it looks like when we flip our scripts from fear to love and walk our individual paths through life – and the blessing of great company along the way. We know you’ll love it!
Episode 129: Wish I Was Here with Ilsa Rey – Sharing the Heart of the Matter
Search (and subscribe!) for Sharing the Heart of the Matter on Apple, Amazon, Spotify or Pocket Casts OR Listen on Anchor Episode 40: The Power of Choice with Wynne Leon
Links for this Episode:
Listen on Anchor Episode 40: The Power of Choice with Wynne Leon
Vicki’s personal blog: Victoria Ponders
Wynne’s personal blog: Surprised by Joy
Vicki’s recently released book: Surviving Sue
Wynne’s book about her beloved father: Finding My Father’s Faith
If you want to be on the podcast, or have additional guests to suggest, please email us at sharingtheheartofthematter@gmail.com
The Heart of the Matter 
this was wonderful and so inspirational. I can relate to this from my own life’s journey
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I got a snippet of it from your fascinating about page, beth! Thanks so much for your lovely comment.
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❤️
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Powerful stuff Wynne and Vicki and I’m just talking about your introduction, I haven’t even had a chance to listen yet. Wow. I’m sure it took a lot to share this, thank you so much! 😎😎😎
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Brian, you are so awesome! Thanks for coming along for the ride.
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Ooh, so looking forward to listen! I can just imagine how much vulnerability was required to share on the topic, so thank you! ❤️
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Thank you, Erin. Your support and your listening mean a lot! XOXO
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Loved this podcast! Yes, when we choose something, it’s definitely empowering. I also appreciated the insight you, Wynne had regarding your ex and how he was with your dog. Something I think others might have ignored. Great conversation!
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Thank you so much for listening! Empowering is such a good word. And of course there are many things we don’t choose but finding way we can heal, grow and choose from that point helps as you exemplify!
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Being a parent is one of the hardest but most rewarding jobs. Not everyone is cut out for it. I’m sure my wife and I were better parents because we waited (7 years). When we make that choice, especially when we’re hopefully more mature, I think we’re more likely to become better parents.
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That’s a great point about waiting being a wonderful choice. Yes, maturity helps for sure. Thanks for the great comment, Pete!
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Great episode!
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Thank you, Todd!
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Love this – “Knowing that I’m living the life that I’ve chosen and doing it my own way gives me the extra charge to step it up and also be so grateful for the life that I have.”
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Mary, you have such a gift for picking out something that’s meaningful to me. Thank you!
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I’ve been listening to this podcast on and off for days. I keep getting interrupted but it draws me back again and again. You and Vicki did a fabulous job walking us through your journey of becoming a parent Wynne. I applaud your honesty, courage, and the wisdom you share about the importance of choice in our lives. It applies to just about everything in life. You are such an inspiring parent and yet in and through your stories you teach us all about being human. Just beautiful. Thank you Vicki and Wynne, I love your podcast! Hugs, C
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🥰❤️🥰
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Oh, oh, oh – what a gift of a comment. Thank you, Cheryl! It’s amazing what a journey this is and I’m grateful for all the bumps and mountains along the way. Thanks for being a beautiful part of the writing and podcasting journey, Cheryl! XOXO!
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