Reflecting on Menopause

This week I have been reflecting on how suddenly my life changed when at forty-four, my periods stopped, and I entered menopause. Leading up to this point, I noticed a difference in my cycle, but nothing caused me to question if this stage of my life was ending. I was in shock and disbelief at the suddenness of this change, and on reflection, its impact was bigger than I could ever have imagined or prepared for. Menopause isn’t a change that I had power over, but eight years into this next stage of my life, I am discovering what it means to me. In coming to terms with the changes I have encountered and continue to encounter - but happily to a lesser degree - I have gradually come alive again.

“I have grieved for some of the missed opportunities of my past and come to terms with the fact that my body took charge and my mind needed to catch up.”

Rachel Podger

My mindfulness practice is integrated into my menopausal life and has become a way of life for me. It has guided me to the heart of my experience of menopause and taken me deeper within myself, bringing me to a place of connecting with nature. It has woken me up to the power and wisdom that remains alive within me today. This transformation is a gift that menopause has given me. I have grieved for some of the missed opportunities of my past and come to terms with the fact that my body took charge and my mind needed to catch up. To bring these together and realign myself has meant facing up to the choices and decisions that I have made. I have had to learn to find compassion, gentleness, and kindness towards myself. On reflection, it has been an opportunity to learn more about change and mixed feelings and embracing the unexpected pleasures and the challenges that life has to offer at this stage of life. I have found a different kind of happiness and am once again content within my body.