mindset

Remember when Donald Trump descended that golden escalator and shook up American politics forever? No, this isn’t a politics lesson—stick with me, because the story of his wild campaign kickoff can teach us something surprising about your fertility journey, especially if you’re trying to conceive at home.

June 2015. Manhattan. A gold-plated escalator. A brash billionaire with zero political experience waves to a sea of cameras and, out of nowhere, announces he’s running for president. Most people laughed it off. Pundits dismissed him. But we all know what happened next: a tidal wave of persistence, controversy, and—eventually—victory against all odds.

Now, you might be thinking: “What on earth does Donald Trump’s campaign have to do with at-home conception or my fertility challenges?” Fair question. Here’s the thing—the path to parenthood is often just as unpredictable, audacious, and full of plot twists as any headline-making presidential race.

Every Big Dream Starts With a Step (Even If It’s Down an Escalator)

That golden escalator moment? It was bold. It was unexpected. And it was the first step in a journey nobody (except maybe Trump himself) believed would succeed. Sound familiar?

If you’ve ever stared down a negative pregnancy test, wrestled with the uncertainty of infertility, or agonized over whether to try one more cycle, you know that sometimes, the first step is the hardest. It’s stepping onto your own version of the golden escalator—determined, maybe scared, but moving anyway.

The Open Loop: What If Success Looks Nothing Like You Imagined?

Here’s the suspense: most TTC (trying to conceive) journeys don’t unfold according to plan. Maybe you expected a quick win. Maybe you’ve felt left out when friends seem to conceive overnight. Maybe you’ve wondered if you’re doing something wrong.

But let’s circle back to Trump’s story for a second. He didn’t have traditional political credentials. The odds were stacked against him. What he did have? Relentless optimism, innovative tactics, and a refusal to give up.

Sound familiar? These are the same strengths that successful fertility warriors lean on:

• Resilience: Picking yourself up after disappointments—again and again.
• Openness to Innovation: Exploring new paths, whether it’s trying different insemination kits, adjusting your health regimen, or seeking support from a community.
• Vision: Holding onto your dream, even when others doubt or the path gets tough.

The Game-Changer: Rethinking DIY Conception in 2025

Fast forward to today. The world’s changed—a lot. Telemedicine is everywhere. More people are taking charge of their health at home than ever before. And guess what? At-home conception is no longer a fringe idea.

Companies like MakeAMom are leading a quiet revolution. Their at-home insemination kits (like CryoBaby, Impregnator, BabyMaker) are empowering people to pursue parenthood on their own terms—safely, affordably, and privately. These aren’t just gadgets; they’re lifelines for:

• Couples dealing with low motility, sensitivities, or unique health challenges
• LGBTQ+ families choosing a path outside the clinic
• Anyone who values privacy and agency in their journey

And with a 67% reported success rate, these kits are more than a symbol of hope—they’re making a real difference. (Curious how others are using them? The MakeAMom success stories and resources are worth a look!)

What Your “Golden Escalator Moment” Looks Like

Maybe your big, bold moment isn’t a TV spectacle. Maybe it’s ordering your first kit, talking honestly with your partner, or deciding to keep trying after setbacks. Each “yes” you say to yourself is a victory. Each time you research a new option or share your story in a group, you’re proving—as Trump’s surprising campaign did—that the experts don’t always know your future.

So, what can we learn (besides a penchant for gold decor)?

1. Dare to surprise yourself. Don’t write off new approaches just because the crowd says so.
2. Turn disappointment into drive. Let every “no” fuel your determination to find a “yes.”
3. Innovate fearlessly. Technology and science are on your side—today’s at-home fertility solutions are more advanced, affordable, and user-friendly than ever.

It’s Your Turn: Will You Take the First Step?

As we mark a decade since that iconic escalator moment, ask yourself: what’s the first step you can take today? Whether it’s trying an at-home insemination kit, reaching out for support, or simply giving yourself permission to hope again, your journey matters.

And hey, if you’re ever feeling stuck, remember that even the most unlikely campaigns—and the most challenging fertility stories—can have jaw-dropping, history-making endings.

Want to hear more real-life success stories? Or learn how innovative home conception kits are reshaping TTC journeys every day? Drop your thoughts in the comments or check out the latest resources. Your golden escalator moment might be just one step away.

Inspired by WATCH: Trump announced presidential run 10 years ago today, because sometimes the most unexpected journeys are the most unforgettable.

What does a woman dressed as a pigeon in New York have to do with fertility? More than you’d think.

Last week, as I absent-mindedly scrolled through the endless news cycle, one headline made me literally snort out my coffee: "WATCH: Woman wins award impersonating a pigeon". British artist Miriam Abrahams spent four whole weeks perfecting her birdlike ensemble and finally strutted away with the top prize at Pigeon Fest.

At first, I laughed—right? But then, something clicked: Why did this story make me feel... inspired?

The Unexpected Connection: Trying (and Failing) Out Loud

Let’s be real. Infertility can feel like you’re standing in Times Square in a pigeon costume while the world gawks. It’s vulnerable, strange, a little bit embarrassing, and, honestly, kind of heroic. Like Miriam, so many of us spend weeks, months, even years prepping, hoping, and showing up for something that might look odd to outsiders but means the world to us.

Did she know she’d win? Nope. Did she go for it, feathers and all? Absolutely. And that’s a lesson every fertility warrior needs to hear.

Embracing Your Inner Pigeon (Yes, Seriously)

So why do I think we all need to channel our inner bird? Because owning your journey—no matter how unconventional—is the real win. Whether you’re doing medicated cycles, IVF, or exploring at-home insemination, it’s easy to feel like you’re flapping around while everyone else is flying straight.

Here’s the deal: The bravest thing you can do is show up.

• Be creative: Miriam’s costume took imagination—your fertility journey may require creative solutions, too.
• Stand out: It’s okay if your path looks different. There’s more than one way to “win.”
• Laugh at yourself: Sometimes, the absurdity is what gets us through.

My Own "Pigeon Moment" (And Why It Changed Everything)

A few years ago, I hit a wall. My “perfect plan” for getting pregnant had crashed and burned. I’d tried temping, charting, ovulation tests, the whole shebang. One day, I realized I was so tunnel-visioned on “doing it right” that I’d stopped living my life.

That’s when I stumbled onto at-home insemination. (Yep, I said it.) It felt weird at first—like I was inventing my own rules. But connecting with others online, reading stories, and discovering resources like the reusable kits from MakeAMom’s information hub made me realize: It doesn’t matter what it looks like. It matters that it works for you.

Lessons from a Feathered Winner: Fertility Edition

So, what does Miriam’s pigeon performance have to do with making a baby at home? Here’s what I took away:

• Preparation matters: Four weeks in costume-building is a lot, but so is learning about your body, your options, and what makes you comfortable. Dive into research, seek new tools, and don’t be afraid to try something different.

• Ignore the critics: There will always be “pigeon haters.” Whether you’re using donor sperm, trying with a partner, or going solo, your choices are yours.

• Celebrate the small wins: Not every cycle ends in pregnancy, just like not every costume wins a prize. But each step—each new thing you try—is progress. Celebrate it!

• Find your flock: Miriam had a festival of fellow bird-lovers. You have a thriving online community, support groups, and resources that get what you’re going through. (Honestly, check them out. The right info can be as empowering as a great costume.)

Why Tools (and Mindset) Matter Now More Than Ever

With more people than ever taking fertility into their own hands in 2025, it’s empowering to know you have choices. Tools like MakeAMom’s reusable kits (think: CryoBaby for frozen sperm, Impregnator for low motility, and BabyMaker for those with sensitivities) show how far we’ve come. They’re cost-effective, private, and—let’s be honest—way less intimidating than the clinical stuff.

But the real power? It’s in owning your journey, quirks and all.

So... Are You Ready to Spread Your Wings?

If a British artist can spend a month perfecting her pigeon impression and walk away a champion, so can you—no matter what your journey looks like. Maybe your “costume” is a stack of ovulation kits, or maybe it’s an at-home insemination device that makes you feel in control for the first time in ages.

Whatever your path, embrace it. Get creative. Connect with others. And don’t forget to celebrate every victory, no matter how small (or feathery).

What’s the weirdest, funniest, or most creative thing you’ve tried on your journey? Drop your story below—I promise, there’s zero judgment here. Just a flock of folks cheering you on.

Remember your first day at something that mattered? Maybe it was nerve-wracking, electrifying, or both at once. Most of us have experienced that heart-racing, palms-sweating thrill of leaping into the unknown. This week, as Robin Roberts looked back on her first day hosting 'Good Morning America,' her story struck a chord—especially for those of us stepping onto the path of building a family.

If you haven’t watched her reminisce, you can catch the segment here. Robin’s candor about her mix of nerves, hope, and drive is instantly relatable. Starting at the iconic GMA desk, she admits, wasn’t just “another day at work” but the beginning of a life-changing chapter. For people beginning their fertility journey—whether solo, as a couple, or in a non-traditional family—there’s so much to take away from her experience. Let’s unpack what Robin’s story reveals about facing your own “first day” and how you can use those lessons to empower every step.

Nerves Aren’t a Weakness — They’re a Sign You Care

Robin Roberts opened up about the rush of nerves that hit her as she took her seat on GMA. If you’re about to embark on at-home insemination or any fertility treatment, this probably sounds familiar. The stakes feel enormous. The process—tracking cycles, choosing kits, finding support—can be overwhelming. But here’s the twist:

Nerves aren’t a sign of weakness. They’re evidence that what you’re doing matters.

Ask yourself: would you be nervous if you didn’t care? Probably not. Instead of fighting the nerves, try reframing them. They’re proof you’re invested. Robin harnessed her jitters into focus. You can, too.

The Power of Preparation — Small Steps Lead to Big Wins

Robin didn’t show up to GMA on day one without prepping. Behind the scenes, she studied, practiced, and visualized success. Your fertility journey is no different. Researching, talking to others, and gathering the right tools all set the stage for a smoother experience.

If you’re exploring at-home insemination, invest time in: - Understanding your body and cycle (apps and journals help!) - Learning about the various insemination methods - Reading testimonials (like those found throughout the MakeAMom resource hub) - Choosing products that match your needs and sensitivities

These steps aren’t glamorous, but they boost your confidence and success just like Robin’s rehearsals did.

Expect Imperfection — Growth Happens in Real Time

When Robin Roberts reflects on her first broadcast, she doesn’t remember everything running smoothly. She recalls flubs, awkward pauses, and the steep learning curve. But none of it stopped her from showing up again the next day—and getting better every time.

This is gold for anyone trying to conceive at home. Maybe your first insemination attempt is messier than you’d hoped. Perhaps your timing is off. That’s not failure—it’s learning. Every journey is different, and no two stories look the same. The takeaway?

• Give yourself permission to be new.
• Celebrate trying, not just results.

Building Your Team — Even Solo Efforts Aren’t Lonely

Robin wasn’t alone on her first day. Behind the anchor desk were producers, techs, and a whole community rooting for her. In fertility, too, support systems matter. Whether it’s a partner, friends, online communities, or a trusted company, surrounding yourself with advocates lightens the load.

For example, companies like MakeAMom don’t just supply at-home insemination kits—they provide education, community forums, and resources tailored to specific needs (think: products designed for low motility sperm, vaginismus, or sensitivity concerns). It’s not “just a kit”—it’s a toolkit, backed by people who care about your journey’s outcome.

The Courage to Begin — Your “First Day” Is Your Boldest Act

Robin Roberts’ career is a testament to the power of beginnings. It was never a guarantee that day one would lead to two decades at GMA, just as no fertility journey is linear or predictable. What matters most is the willingness to start.

Are you ready to take that leap? It won’t always be easy. But as Robin reminds us, beginnings can lead to beautiful, unexpected places. Each first step—every kit opened, every conversation started, every doctor’s visit—is a vote of confidence in your dreams.

So, here’s your open loop to close: What will your first day look like? Will you harness those nerves as fuel, prepare with intention, and seek out the allies who’ll cheer you on?

If you’re at the threshold of your fertility journey, draw inspiration from trailblazers like Robin Roberts. Your story is unwritten—let today be your start.

Have a first-day story of your own or words of encouragement for others? Share them below. Your voice might be the one someone else needs to take that next brave step!