Embracing Menopause and Finding Empowerment

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Menopause. It's a word that's whispered in hushed tones, relegated to the shadows of conversation, brushed aside as if it were something to be ashamed of. Yet, the reality is that nearly every woman will experience menopause in her lifetime. So why does it remain such a taboo subject?

When we do talk about menopause, the conversation often revolves around the physical symptoms—the hot flashes, the night sweats, the weight gain. But what about the emotional and psychological toll it can take? The fears and anxieties that creep in, the fatigue that drains us of our energy, the struggle with our sense of identity and worth?

For many women, menopause is not just a biological transition; it's a reckoning with mortality, with the passage of time, with the loss of youth and fertility. We grapple with the realization that we are no longer seen as the young, desirable women we once were. We may feel like we're being pushed to the sidelines, deemed irrelevant in a society that values youth and beauty above all else.

But what if we reframed the narrative around menopause? What if we saw it not as a decline into old age, but as a transformation—a shedding of the roles and expectations that society has placed upon us, and a rediscovery of our true selves?

Instead of mourning the loss of our youth, let's celebrate the wisdom and experience that come with age. Let's embrace our status as elders, as wise women who have lived and loved and learned. Let's use this time of transition to turn inward, to focus on our own growth and fulfillment, rather than constantly striving to meet the demands of others.

Menopause is not the end of our journey; it's a new beginning. It's a chance to redefine ourselves on our own terms, to pursue our passions and dreams without the constraints of societal expectations. It's a time to prioritize self-care and self-discovery, to nurture our bodies and minds in ways that we may have neglected in the past.

So let's start talking about menopause openly and honestly. Let's share our fears and frustrations, our triumphs and joys. Let's build a community of women who support and uplift each other through this transformative journey.

And let's remember that menopause is not a sign of weakness or decline; it's a testament to our strength and resilience as women. It's a reminder that we are so much more than our physical bodies, that our worth is not determined by our age or appearance.

Here's to embracing menopause with open arms, to facing it head-on with courage and confidence. Because together, we can rewrite the narrative and reclaim our power as women. The journey can begin with small steps intended to help navigate the transition with confidence and empowerment:

1. Expressive Writing. Take 5-10 minutes a day to write anything that comes to mind. The idea behind this exercise is to lift the curtain and peek at what’s underneath, so no censoring. As you write, do not worry about punctuation, grammar, or even legibility. This is just about releasing suppressed, and potentially even repressed, emotions, allowing them to flow freely onto the page. Over time, this practice can help you process your feelings, gain clarity, and make sense of your experiences as you navigate your transition.
2. Identify Needs. We all have needs; they are universal. However, for so many of us women, we have had to bury them in order to take care of others. Through that process, we lose touch with what we desire from our lives, what we hope to achieve, what we long to discover, what we love and wish to keep in our lives, and what we are ready to release. There are numerous charts on feelings and needs on the internet. Find one you like and print it out. Carry it with you and when you notice feelings (pleasant or unpleasant), take a look and see if you can identify the underlying needs. Note that when we have pleasant feelings they indicate that our needs are being met, while when we have unpleasant feelings, they let us know we have needs that are not being met. With practice, you will start connecting to yourself in a deeper and richer way.
3. Incorporate Movement. Movement (and not necessarily formal exercise) is one of our basic needs. Make it part of your routine by finding something you love and doing it daily (dancing, yoga, pilates, walking, playing basketball or pickleball, etc.). Not only does this support your physical well-being but it also helps with mood and emotional regulation.
4. Find a Creative Outlet. Engage creativity by exploring something new or revisiting something you have done before like writing, painting, knitting, gardening, dancing, or playing a musical instrument. Sometimes these avenues allow you to express yourself in ways that words cannot. They can be a powerful tool for processing emotions, finding joy, and reconnecting with parts of yourself that have been overshadowed by life’s responsibilities.