There’s no escaping it…you (yes you) are getting older

Hey there, lovely! Can we talk about something all women share but often hush up? The fact that, yes, there's no escaping it – we're getting older! In a world that sometimes feels obsessed with youth, where '4th 39th birthdays' are a thing, let's take a moment to celebrate the beauty of aging. Because growing older is a journey, and it's full of surprises, perimenopause and all.

You know how society throws this ageless pressure our way, right? From anti-aging potions to the subtle nudges to 'stay young,' it's like we're in a race against time. But here's a secret – wisdom and experiences get better with every passing year and gray hair is nothing to be ashamed of. And about that '4th 39th birthday' thing? Who needs it! Each year brings new adventures, growth, and, yes, a few more candles on the cake. Breaking free from the age denial and embracing who we are is part of being an authentic, confident you.

Now, perimenopause. It's not a secret society; it's a natural part of life. Acknowledging and addressing those perimenopause symptoms? That sometimes feels really vulnerable and uncomfortable. I find Brené Brown’s work on vulnerability and courage to be a helpful reminder here. She says, “Owning our story and loving ourselves through that process is the bravest thing we’ll ever do.”

Aging, menopause, life changes, these are chalk full of challenges right? Ignoring perimenopause symptoms or any of those other challenges won't make them vanish. Pretending that we’re not aging and fighting the calendar as year after year passes just reinforces those societal pressures. Even worse, it might just make things more difficult down the road. So, why not talk about it and find solutions? Because addressing these challenges head-on leads to a more vibrant and comfortable future, I promise.

Research continues to show us that addressing hormone changes in perimenopause can create less discomfort for us as we go through menopause. And just a quick reminder of some of the symptoms that are created by the drop in estrogen we experience throughout the menopausal cycle:

  • Mood changes

  • Brain fog

  • Hair loss

  • Weight gain

  • Insomnia

  • Headaches or light headedness

  • Breast pain

  • Skin changes

  • Dry mouth

  • Rage

So, here's the deal – there's no escaping it, we're all getting older, and that's something worth acknowledging! These symptoms aren’t just happening to you, they happen to all of us over the age of 35 in some shape or form. I encourage you to seize this chance, be bold, and wholeheartedly embrace your age, your narrative, and every facet of who you are. By doing this, you empower yourself to steer your health and own your story.

And….if you’d like some help in doing so, I hope you’ll reach out! We all need a little support or coaching sometime, and I’m here for you!

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Resolutions for Menopause: Setting Positive Intentions for the Year Ahead

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Navigating Menopause: A Guide for Therapists on Mental Health Awareness