Menopause: An Opportunity to Step Up, Not Down

Embrace this transition in life as an opportunity for growth and empowerment

Sep 11, 2023

You know that feeling when you come across a line in a book that just hits home? Well, last March I stumbled upon this gem in "Next Level: Your Guide to Kicking Ass, Feeling Great, and Crushing Goals Through Menopause and Beyond" by Dr. Stacy Sims and Selene Yeager: "Menopause is an opportunity to step up, not down in life."

I couldn't agree more, and today, I want to encourage you to embrace this life transition as an opportunity for tremendous growth and empowerment.

Menopause, spanning from our 40s into our 60s and beyond, is a time of profound change—be it positive or negative. Because many women lack the education about how they are feeling, and awareness needed to navigate it effectively, this potentially powerful time of life often takes an unfavorable turn.

It's time to change that narrative.

Studies show that “appropriate training to menopausal women improves their quality-of-life and promotes their health.”1

My mission is offer you some of that training by helping you understand the changes your body and mind undergo during menopause. Through increased awareness, we can take charge of our menopause journey and emerge as more powerful and purposeful women.

To get started, consider these three simple steps to build the awareness of what your body is going through.

3 Steps to Build Awareness

Step 1: Daily Journaling

Start by getting a fresh journal and some colorful markers. Each day, take a minute to ask yourself, "What is my body saying today?" Jot down your thoughts, whether positive or negative. Pay attention to how you feel physically, noting any sensations, fatigue, calmness, or restlessness. Over time, you'll become more body-intelligent, better equipped to identify subtle shifts.

Step 2: Mind Awareness

Similarly, ask yourself, "What is my mind saying today?" Record your mental state, whether it's clarity, happiness, distraction, or anxiety. This step helps you recognize how your thoughts affect your overall well-being. Sometimes, identifying the source of mental unrest can lead to positive changes in your daily routine.

Step 3: Symptom Tracking

Lastly, list the symptoms related to menopause that you're experiencing. These may include hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, insomnia, or changes in body composition. If you need guidance, consider referring to this symptoms list for menopause-related experiences.

Keeping track of these symptoms will not only help you understand your body better but also provide valuable information for discussing your menopausal journey with healthcare professionals.

Menopause is Not a Phase

Remember that menopause is not just a phase; it's an ongoing process. Even if you're in your 60s or beyond, understanding these changes can shed light on experiences from decades ago.

Knowledge is indeed power, and we have been underserved in terms of menopause education. However, awareness is equally crucial. By combining knowledge and awareness, we can empower ourselves to embrace menopause as an enormous opportunity to step up, not down.

Join me on this path of self-discovery and empowerment. Together, we can learn to surf menopause with grace, resilience, and the confidence to face the world as the powerful women we are meant to be.