“The truth will set you free, but first, it will piss you off.”
–Gloria Steinem
Menopause typically begins for most women between the ages of 45 and 55, marking the end of menstrual cycles and a significant shift in hormone levels. This natural biological process signifies the end of a woman’s reproductive years, occurring as her ovaries gradually produce less estrogen and progesterone.
The transition into menopause, often referred to as perimenopause, can start several years before the final menstrual period. During this phase, women may experience various symptoms like irregular periods, hot flashes, sleep disturbances, and mood changes. Understanding and navigating these changes is crucial for maintaining health and well-being during this new chapter of life. Menopause and the freedom to choose is yours on how you embrace this stage in life.
After my children were born, I started my fitness career. For over thirty years, I have grown my business with guidance from supportive mentors along the way. At times it was difficult to make my budget work while raising two children as a single mother. At one point, I was teaching thirty fitness classes per week just to make ends meet. I wanted to be able to stand on my own two feet and provide a good life for my kids and myself.
My children grew and moved on to lead their own lives. But I never felt left behind or lonely. I always have a plan for the future, on what to explore next, where to travel next, or if I find something new I could learn.
As I have grown older (but not less determined) I started experiencing “the change”. A bit strange, to say the least. “That can’t be it, right“ !?
Menopause and The Freedom To Choose Is Yours
I am too young and way too active to let Menopause slow me down. Listening to others around me gave me the sense of “impending doom”; it sounded as if life was now over and I was going to be old, forgetful, sweaty, and always tired. A recent post I read said that “embracing your Menopause” was impossible. It was just too awful. I didn’t agree at all. I think it’s not only possible but necessary to accept and embrace it.
The meaning of the word embrace is:
em·brace
əmˈbrās/
Verb
hold (someone) closely in one’s arms, especially as a sign of affection
accept or support (a belief, theory, or change) willingly and enthusiastically
Noun
an act of accepting or supporting something willingly or enthusiastically
I know that Menopause is no piece of cake, and the symptoms vary greatly among us women. I am battling the symptoms every day. Just today, I cut my swim workout short because I just did not have enough energy. But I do believe that you have a choice about how you feel about Menopause. We can’t change what we are going through, but we can surely choose how we feel about it.
Choose to embrace our hot flashes
Choose to tell others about our brain fog so they understand
Choose to live a healthy lifestyle and not gain Belly Fat
Choose to do your best to de-stress
Choose to take time for yourself when you have a Migraine
Choose to keep your intimacy with your partner vibrant
I choose to accept my Menopause and not let it get the best of me.
I believe that you, too, can choose how you feel about Menopause.
Exercise has been a game-changer for me during Menopause, and I’d like to invite you to check out some of our programs. You might find just the right one for you.