From the point you realize you’re perimenopausal, there seems to be a wealth of information about the downsides. Trust me, I’ve had my share of the negative side.
But here’s the thing – focusing solely on the challenges would be doing ourselves a disservice. So, let’s shift gears and take a moment to celebrate this incredible time of life!
Picture this: you’re not alone on this journey. Just like you, I found myself navigating the rollercoaster of perimenopause. But amidst the hormonal fluctuations and occasional debilitating hot flush, I’ve discovered some astonishingly positive reasons that deserve a spotlight.
In this blog, I’m excited to share my personal experiences and my five top reasons why you should embrace and celebrate the beauty of perimenopause. It’s time to shift the narrative and find empowerment in this transformative phase.
Known for his work in positive psychology, Dr. Martin Seligman has explored the concept of “learned helplessness” versus a “learned optimism” approach. He has researched how a positive attitude and the development of personal strengths can contribute to enhanced well-being and potentially longer life spans. Now who doesn’t want to live longer?!
But before we dive in, I’d love to hear from you – what are your thoughts on perimenopause? Your stories and insights matter too! Drop them in the comments below, and let’s take on this adventure together!
Physical benefits: One of the most apparent benefits of menopause is the end of menstruation. This means no more monthly periods, which can be a relief for many women who experienced discomfort, pain, or inconvenience during their reproductive years. I have suffered with big mood swings, physical discomfort keeping me in bed for days, and debilitating migraines connected to my periods so I’m hoping all these issues will disappear. I’ve also found having periods a total pain to be honest. I’ve always known I didn’t want children, so the monthly cycle has been an inconvenience I didn’t need (plus I’ll be free from the need for contraception). Dealing with periods when you’re active and enjoy spending hours in nature is a total pain and limiting. I’ll be celebrating the freedom from periods, and while a small part of the monthly budget, the financial saving will also be welcome. I won’t add up the cost of period related purchases over my lifetime, that might be too much to see written down, and won’t really add any value.
Shift in priorities: Menopause can be a transformative time for women, causing them to reevaluate their life’s priorities and focus more on self-care and personal growth. If you’ve children, this time often coincides with them leaving home so you also have the impact of the empty nest in the mix. Personally, I’ve felt the need for much more self-reflection in recent years, and have taken time out to contemplate what I actually want from life, rather than just drifting. I’ve done a lot of self-work in this area and it’s bringing me peace as well as the confidence to do life ‘my way’. A big part of this was working with a coach on my core values, learning what’s important for me and using my values as guide posts when making decisions. I can honestly say working with a coach has been a big investment that continues to pay off.
Increased confidence and self-acceptance: Some women embrace menopause as a natural and empowering part of life, leading to increased self-confidence and acceptance of their bodies. I have really felt this and none more so than this past year. I’ve been taking much more courageous action, so I know the work I’ve done on taming my inner voice is paying off. I’ve come to accept me and my body as it is, and that’s bloody brilliant. There were so many years I didn’t love myself, hid under baggy black clothes – but no more. Playing small and hiding away doesn’t work, and I can see that now.
Taking control: through learning about self-compassion and practicing it daily I’ve gained the strength to take control of my life. My self-critical voice has been quietened and I’ve built resilience knowing I can cope with challenges I face. Self-compassion boosts my well-being too, by reducing the debilitating feelings of anxiety, stress and depression – all things which in the past have eroded my ability to be in control. Another aspect of this is that I’ve set some healthy boundaries for myself – this has improved relationships, reduced guilt, and importantly stopped me overextending what is possible to achieve.
Community: there’s a sense of camaraderie and unity with friends and people I connect with who are also in perimenopause or have gone through menopause. Sharing experiences, challenges, and stories related to menopause creates a bond among women, leading to a stronger sense of community. There’s comfort knowing it’s not just you experiencing symptoms such as brain fog, and there’s support from being able to discuss this openly. I know when I started on HRT I’d never heard anyone mention their medication, so I went out of my way to talk about it. Normalising this time among friends and family is a small step to raising awareness and dispelling myths around this natural phase in life.
Are you tired of battling menopause brain fog? Ready to regain mental clarity and focus? Download your FREE workbook “Mastering Menopause Brain Fog” now and take the first step towards sharper thinking and increased productivity. In this comprehensive guide, you’ll find a simple and practical 4 step strategy to conquer brain fog and unlock your true potential during this transformative phase. Don’t let brain fog hold you back any longer! Click the link above or fill in your details below to get your hands on the workbook and start mastering your mind today!
And if you’re looking for personalized support and guidance on your menopause journey, I’m here to help! I offer 1-2-1 coaching sessions to empower you with tools and techniques tailored to your unique needs. Let’s work together to make your menopause experience a truly empowering and fulfilling one. Reach out to me [lynnetaylorcoaching@gmail.com] to schedule your coaching session today!
