Menopause

Menopause has taught me a lot about myself, who I am and what really matters most.
I understand how women can change completely, become radical feminists, channel energies to spearhead causes,
wear wild clothes, get tattooed, and become very outspoken.
I have done none of these, I changed in other ways...

I suppose "empowered" is a term that might be linked with this stage of life.
A sense of self confidence, a healthy dose of self esteem,
and a feeling of calm after the hormonal storm of menopause.

My menopausal years were fraught with hot flashes and mood swings,
that only cold showers and vast amounts of chocolate could quell!
Those turbulent years of uncertainly, weight gain and many sleepless nights are now a thing of the past.
I am grateful that I have emerged relatively unscathed.
I have learned a thing or two...

I started paying closer attention to the food that I was fueling my body with...

and put in a vegetable patch started eating more fruits and vegetables in bright shades of colour.

Always the one taking care of others I used to be "too busy" to take care of myself.
I was the classic woman volunteer that could never say "NO."
Perhaps you've heard the expression "If you want something done ask a busy person"
that was me...
I was on the board of too many committee's.

When fatigue set in I cried for no reason.
I was downright cranky.
I had to figure things out for myself and it took awhile...
Slowly I pulled back from my committee duties and became more selective so that I could maintain a balance.

I discovered Yoga and learned to breathe properly, deeply and mindfully.
Books on the subject were read and I gleaned information and strategies for well being.

I learned that I could not control everything in my life...
I could only control my response to what happened in my life.

After a few years
the fog lifted and I felt well again.

I had energy, and felt a vibrancy that I had forgotten and thought I'd lost.
Clarity and Joy returned.
It was as if a wind had blown the cobwebs away...
I felt truly happy, grateful, excited, and interested in simply living.

I discovered that I needed to be outdoors surrounded by nature.

Walking and gardening are the best ways I know of to get fresh air and some exercise.

Mother Nature is a great healer.

I took up painting

a hobby just for me.

A creative outlet that brings me joy.

My roses are my muse and my Bliss.

They feed my soul.

I developed my personal style.

Less is better and classics suit me.

I have always gravitated to white tops and tees and jeans.

Pearls have multiplied strand by strand.

(the newest ones)

I am smitten with more rather than less.

Things have changed,
my children have grown up and moved out and created lives of their own.
I've become a grandmother and adore the lovely Miss Isla.

There's more time now to rest and recharge, even though I still work outside the home.
I have de-cluttered mentally and domestically and continue to streamline living in The Humble Bungalow.

I found that I love wearing scarves

and once every so often I'll treat myself to a new Hermes Silk Twill

or if luck is on my side I might find a nice scarf at a Thrift or Consignment Shoppe.

I didn't frequent spas until I hit menopause and then something went "click"
I gave myself "permission" to indulge!

Once every few months I'll have a facial or a massage and during sandal season, monthly pedicures.
I'd rather have pretty toes than a haute couture gown or a new designer bag.

There's a Spa tucked away in the tony Cadboro Bay Village area called Bliss.

It's off the beaten path, but in every way exceeds my expectations.

I have been going there for the past few years, 

their great service, good value and reasonable prices keep me coming back.

I do love to be pampered on occasion, especially during times of stress.

A little TLC goes a long way.

Hope that your week is full to the brim of good things.
Don't forget to take the time to enjoy the little things....

What has menopause taught you about yourself?
Have you changed?
What strategies did you use to navigate your way?
If you had any advice to give younger women what might that be?
I'm interested...
perhaps you've got some ideas that can help some of our sisters on their journey.

Thanks a bunch for stopping by The Humble Bungalow.
Hostess
XO