Wednesday Reflections
Finding blessings in menopause
If you’ve been following me for the last couple of months, you’ve probably noticed how much I keep talking about going through menopause. This is probably because this has been one of the most life-altering transitions of my life. Keep in mind, I’ve been through war, divorces, cancer, and learning a new language. Yet I was not prepared to deal with all the insane changes of menopause.
For a self-proclaimed workaholic and overachiever, finding myself unable to remember my schedule from day to day was a nightmare. Trying to manage multiple projects became a struggle. Even more, being a functioning author was not working for me. Nothing I did started was ever completed, and I felt like I was spiraling out of control.
But with every growing pain comes a blessing, if we search for it. This is what I had to do in order to cope with some of the madness I’ve been facing.
The exhaustion, aches, pains, and brain-fog forced me to truly slow down and focus on my health. I couldn’t keep pushing my body nonstop to overcome menopause. In reality, I could barely concentrate on more than one thing at a time. So, health it was. This was the thing that would get my full attention.
I needed to make myself the primary character in my life. To stop trying to fix everyone around me and really focus on the things that needed healing: my body, spirit, and mind. This meant giving me the grace to be still and okay with not knowing. Not something I was really used to. It also meant being okay with pivoting and following fresh paths.
Entering midlife and embracing the changes meant not apologizing for the decisions I was making to focus on my health. It meant listening to my instincts and becoming brutally honest about the things that I wanted. This is not a simple thing to do, and people will get hurt as you find your way. Be gentle with those around you and yourself as you make your new path.
In the end, speaking your truth might not make sense to everyone. That is okay. It just needs to make sense to you. If you are going through difficult times, in midlife transition or just following your own path, know I’m sending blessings and joy your way. You are meant for greatness.
Follow your dreams, my friend!
With love, DC.