Imagine facing your worst fear head-on—would you freeze, fight, or find the courage to paddle for safety?
Earlier this week, a story made waves—literally. Jens Heller, a surfer navigating the chilly, shark-filled waters of Northern California, found himself in a heart-stopping standoff with a 10-foot shark. The creature went for his board, leaving behind jagged bite marks and a memory that’ll last a lifetime. You can watch his gripping account right here.
If you’re on a fertility journey, you might be thinking: “Okay, but what does this have to do with me?”
Here’s the twist: Trying to conceive, especially when it isn’t going as planned, can sometimes feel just as unpredictable and scary as facing a shark in open water. You know the odds, you’ve read the statistics, and yet, when you’re staring down test after test, or opening that kit for another try, there’s a pit in your stomach and a voice whispering, “What if it doesn’t work?”
So, let’s unpack what Jens’ shark encounter can teach us about thriving—not just surviving—when we’re overwhelmed by what-ifs.
The Moment of Impact: When Fear Strikes
Jens didn’t expect a shark that morning. Just like most of us don’t expect to struggle with fertility—until, suddenly, we do. That first negative test, the awkward doctor’s visit, the feeling that everyone else is getting pregnant effortlessly… it hits hard. Fear of the unknown, fear of loss, fear of failure—they all circle like sharks beneath the surface of our minds.
But here’s the thing: Jens didn’t freeze. He assessed, acted, and trusted his instincts to get himself safely back to shore.
Ask yourself: - When fear shows up on your journey, do you retreat—or do you look for a path forward? - What small action can you take, even if you don’t know how things will turn out?
The Power of Preparation and Tools
Jens wasn’t alone—he had his board, his wetsuit, his knowledge of the waves. And in the world of fertility, preparation is just as crucial.
This is where companies like MakeAMom’s at-home insemination kits come in. They empower people to take control of their journeys, offering practical, science-based solutions for those navigating the unknown—whether you’re using the CryoBaby for frozen sperm, the Impregnator for low motility, or the BabyMaker for special sensitivities. Their products are designed to bring confidence and privacy to a process that can feel exposed and uncertain—and they’re a cost-effective way to keep moving forward, no matter how many waves you’ve faced.
Having the right tools doesn’t eliminate fear—but it transforms panic into action. Knowing what you’re working with, and having resources at your fingertips, can make all the difference between feeling stuck and finding your next best step.
Turning Anxiety Into Agency
Let’s talk about that overwhelming anxiety—the kind that keeps you up at night, scrolling message boards and worrying about tomorrow. Jens could have let his close call end his love for surfing forever. But by confronting his fear and sharing his story, he’s inspiring others to keep paddling, even when the waters seem dangerous.
Here’s how you can do the same:
- Acknowledge your fear. Ignoring it only gives it more power.
- Gather knowledge. The more you understand your path, the less intimidating it feels.
- Tap into your community. Whether it’s people you trust IRL or welcoming spaces like Nestful, sharing your fears makes them less heavy.
- Celebrate bravery. Every step you take—every kit you use, every appointment you keep, every “no” that becomes a “maybe”—is an act of courage.
So, What’s Your Shark?
Everyone’s fertility journey has its sharks—those moments when you’re sure you’ll be dragged under by disappointment or fear. But every success story starts with someone who paddled back to shore, shaken but safe, ready to try again.
As Jens’s story shows, the unexpected can strike at any moment. But so can resilience, resourcefulness, and even joy. Your fertility journey might not go as planned. Some days, it’ll feel like survival mode. But if you trust yourself, lean into tools and support, and refuse to let fear write your story—you just might find the waves get a little easier to ride.
What fears have you overcome on your path—and how did you do it? Drop your thoughts below, or join the conversation in our community. Who knows? Your story might be the inspiration someone else needs to keep swimming.