Jules is a college student with a lot on her plate. She’s balancing a demanding academic schedule, a part-time job, an athletic scholarship, and a new relationship all at once. As of now, she hasn’t fully committed to a major and feels uncertain about her future after college. Her immediate goal is to survive the week, savor her evenings off, and ideally save enough money for a trip to Paris. When Jules discovers that she’s unexpectedly pregnant, she’s too shocked to process the news. However, in the days that follow, feelings of sadness, anger, and fear begin to surface. She tries to numb herself to these feelings and avoid contemplating her situation too deeply, because she doesn’t want to get “caught up” in her emotions. She wants to take decisive action so she can solve this problem and regain control of her life as soon as possible.
Jules is not a real person. However, her experiences closely describe those of many real women facing an unexpected pregnancy. The circumstances may be different, but the desire to avoid processing complicated and uncomfortable emotions is similar. Many individuals fear the pain that may arise and worry that overthinking their feelings could lead to further confusion, hurt, and uncertainty.
Perhaps you find yourself in a similar situation today, maybe you are wanting to make a pregnancy decision and move on. You might feel torn and are wishing you had more clarity. Or, perhaps you’re so focused on one possible outcome, that your other options don’t seem like options at all.
If this sounds like you, consider reaching out to Serenity. We are a Pregnancy Resource Center with locations in both Cody and Powell; and we are dedicated to equipping individuals with the information needed to make informed and timely decisions. Serenity offers free and confidential services, including medical-grade pregnancy tests, confirmation ultrasounds, STI tests, and pregnancy options consultations. We’re here to help you find out where you stand and gain an accurate understanding of the options available to you: abortion, adoption, and parenting. Since 2011, Serenity has been a trusted provider of early pregnancy detection and support.
Your Feelings Matter When It Comes to a Pregnancy Decision
Your thought process is both logical and relatable. It’s a natural human instinct to steer clear of emotional pain and anything that may trigger those feelings. Navigating the emotions surrounding an unexpected pregnancy and the options available can be a difficult journey. However, at Serenity, we believe that taking the time to reflect on your feelings and your next steps is truly worthwhile. In this blog, we’ll share several reasons why.
Your feelings can provide insight.
Your feelings can serve as valuable insights, helping to illuminate the path that is uniquely right for you. If you find yourself thinking, “This potential outcome doesn’t feel right to me,” it’s important to listen to that inner voice. Your intuition can be a powerful guide, indicating the best way forward or suggesting paths to avoid. It’s wise to pause and explore why your instincts might be signaling something before making a decision.
Your feelings matter.
An unexpected pregnancy is a major life event, and your feelings about it are incredibly important, whether they manifest as gut instincts or emotions like sadness or fear. You owe it to yourself to acknowledge your feelings instead of pushing them aside. While timeliness and practicality are important, it's possible to consider both of these alongside your emotions. Remember that you may continue to experience both positive and negative feelings about your pregnancy decision even after it's made. Some may think that anxiety or sadness will fade once the choice is behind them, but that’s not always the case. Engaging in a thoughtful and comprehensive decision-making process now can help reduce the likelihood of regret later.
Confront your feelings head-on.
Avoiding your feelings won’t necessarily enhance your sense of control. Our ability to manage our circumstances is always limited, whether life is flowing smoothly or feels like everything is falling apart. Confronting uncertainty and lack of control is an uncomfortable truth we sometimes must face. The best approach to tackling a challenge is to: accept what lies beyond your control, while embracing the autonomy you do possess. Start by educating yourself on the essential facts about your pregnancy, your options, and the resources available to you. Alongside the knowledge you’ve gathered, allow your emotions to be a part of your decision-making process.
Upon discovering an unexpected pregnancy, it’s common to feel a pressing urgency. However, most women find out about their pregnancies before any of their options become unavailable. Seeking services from a center like Serenity can help clarify your unique timeline, allowing you to plan your decision-making process effectively. We’re here to support your immediate needs as much as possible and provide emotional support as you navigate your next steps. You will find no pressure or judgment here, only practical assistance and sincere, unconditional support.
Learn more about our no-cost services and feel free to reach out to speak with a knowledgeable staff member.
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