Embracing the Heat: A Humorous Journey Through Menopause
Welcome, fellow Goddess on the rollercoaster of life! Or perhaps you'd liken your current life to the innocent-looking "Tea Cup ride," where appearances deceive as it whisks you into a whirlwind of spinning chaos. The centrifugal forces take control, leaving you feeling disoriented and dizzy—a sensation that can even give the bravest Goddess thrill-seekers a touch of queasiness.
If so, today, you might need a little bit of positive healing energy as we plunge into the wild, wacky, and wonderful world of menopause. Buckle up for a wild ride packed with laughter, empathy, and perhaps a few unexpected hot flashes along the way! Or, if you're one of the "lucky" ones, you sailed through this part of your journey on the leisurely merry-go-round. For your own safety, don't admit this to other mid-life women who are on the wild rides...I'm kidding, lol!
Now, before we embark on this journey, let's set the stage. Picture this: you're cruising along life's highway, enjoying the scenery, when suddenly, you hit a speed bump. And by speed bump, I mean menopause. Yep, that inevitable pit stop on the road of aging where your body decides to throw a hormonal party like no other. But fear not, my fellow Goddesses, for we're about to navigate this terrain with style, grace, and a healthy dose of humor.
First off, let's address the elephant in the room (or should I say, the furnace in the room?): hot flashes. Ah, the joys of feeling like you're spontaneously combusting in the middle of a business meeting or while chatting with the neighbor over the fence. But hey, who needs a fireplace when you've got your own internal heating system, am I right?
And let's not forget about the mood swings. One minute you're laughing hysterically at a cat video on YouTube, and the next, you're sobbing uncontrollably because your favorite character on TV died (RIP, fictional friend). It's like riding an emotional rollercoaster or the dreaded and aforementioned "Tea Cup" ride, except there's no height requirement, and the only prize at the end is a pint of ice cream.
But amidst the chaos and craziness, there's something truly beautiful about the menopausal journey: the sense of camaraderie and solidarity among women. Because, let's face it, there's nothing quite like bonding over shared experiences of night sweats and memory lapses. It's like being part of an exclusive club where the membership fee is a lifetime supply of estrogen patches or bio-identical hormone creams.
There is a lighter side to menopause, too; we've all had those moments where we forget where we put our keys or what we were saying mid-sentence, and we have to ask others, "What was I talking about? But during menopause, these memory lapses can take on a whole new level of absurdity. Imagine a friend who walks into a room only to forget why she went in there in the first place. She retraces her steps, opening and closing cabinets, until finally, she remembers she was looking for her glasses – which are perched on top of her head! It's moments like these that remind us to laugh at ourselves and embrace the quirks of menopause with a sense of humor. By the way, I have done every single one of these things.
Despite the challenges for many, there are also many positive aspects to this stage of life:
Freedom from Menstruation
One of the most obvious perks of menopause is bidding farewell to monthly periods. Say goodbye to cramps, bloating, and stocking up on sanitary products – many women find liberation in no longer having to deal with menstruation.
No More Pregnancy Worries
With menopause comes the end of fertility, which means no more worries about unplanned pregnancies or the need for contraception. This newfound freedom can be a relief for women who are done with childbearing or simply prefer not to worry about contraception anymore.
Increased Self-Confidence
Many women find that as they age and go through menopause, they become more comfortable in their own skin. With the wisdom and life experience that comes with age, women often feel more self-assured and empowered to embrace who they are.
New Opportunities for Self-Discovery
Menopause marks a significant transition in a woman's life, prompting reflection on past experiences and future aspirations. It can be a time for self-discovery, personal growth, and pursuing new passions or interests.
Building Deeper Bonds
Menopause often cultivates a shared sense of camaraderie among women undergoing similar changes. By exchanging stories, providing mutual support, and sharing laughter over the humorous quirks of menopause, friendships are fortified, and a supportive community emerges.
Focus on Overall Well-Being
Menopause often prompts women to prioritize their health and well-being. Whether it's adopting healthier lifestyle habits, seeking medical advice for managing symptoms, or prioritizing self-care, menopause can be a catalyst for positive changes that contribute to overall wellness.
While menopause may bring its share of challenges, focusing on the positives can help women navigate this transition with grace, humor, and resilience. It's a time of change and growth, offering new opportunities to embrace life to the fullest.
So, to all the amazing women out there navigating the twists and turns of menopause, I salute you. I've been there: done that, and have the sweaty t-shirt to prove it! You're warriors, Goddesses, and all-around badass babes. And remember, no matter how bumpy the road may seem, there's always a light at the end of the tunnel (and hopefully, it's not another hot flash).
So here's to embracing the heat, owning our stories, and laughing in the face of menopause. Because when life hands you lemons, you might as well make some lemonade and if you're into it, add a splash of vodka for good measure!
Until next time, stay cool (literally and figuratively) and keep rocking your fabulous selves. Cheers to your health!
I am so excited to share my book with you, Transforming Venus. This book is a toolkit and guide with a section with eight chapters on Awakening and Healing the Goddess within, four chapters on Nurturing and Loving the Goddess within, and a section with six chapters on Adventuring with the Goddess within. It is designed as a guidebook that includes exercises and ideas to further support your growth in a myriad of areas in which we Goddesses may need help! Order a copy for yourself or gift one to a loved one here.
So, my fellow Goddess, go forth with these newfound tools, and may your journey be adorned with the warmth of self-love (not hot flashes) and the glow (again, not from the heat of a hot flash) of confidence to embrace your journey through menopause.
With love, laughter, and a large fan in hand, continue to Live Bold and Shine Brightly like the Goddess you are,
Love, Positive Paula
Author/Mentor/FEMpreneur/Chief Positivity Officer (CPO) of Wealth of WOW
You might be interested in reading my related blog entitled "Transforming Venus: From Menstruation to Menopause."