“You have to build your life yourself.”
Childfree Story: Christopher, 77, UK
“I want to share my experiences of over seven decades of childfree life.
It’s not easy, certainly not as easy as it is for parents. You have to build your life yourself.
Think how many signposts, markers, help points and supportive occasions there are for parents: Mothers Day, Fathers Day, children’s birthdays, their marriages, where parents are celebrated made to feel proud, and valued.
You will be given none of these. You will have to construct them yourself, and you must. Your achievement in maintaining your childfree choice in the face of an overwhelming ‘parent society’ is enormous.
If this sounds a bit daunting that’s because it is.
Ah, But the rewards!
The independence, the sense of self, of being your own person. The knowledge that you were faithful to yourself.”
I agree Christopher, I think all life should be celebrated, with more emphasis on those who are Childfree and also Childless Not by Choice. I have gotten to know some lovely CNBC women over the past few years who are strong and resilient and would love to be acknowledged for who they are. In the Web of Life, we all have value and worth.