And just like that: it’s a new year

Two days before Christmas, and all through the house (and workplace): I threw down a full-fledged menopausal meltdown. It was as if I’d been issued the challenge to: Go big, or go home. Eventually, I proceeded with both and dubbed myself the Grinch. But once I realized it was hormone related, I approached my muddled emotions with a clearer sense of direction. And that’s when I knew: my 20/20 vision and plans for “growth” aren’t about knocking out a bestseller (although at the top of my list) or greater financial stability (still up there), it’s about growing into the purpose for which I was created, and growing in the areas I mention in “…bidding farewell…”—my convictions, fortitude and peace. It’s about knowing who I am and growing in that knowledge, discovering and honing the tools I need to succeed. It’s about putting this season of all things menopause to work for me vs. against me. 2020, here I come!

How do you plan to grow this year?

Brave enough: finding strength to admit our brokenness

 

From the start, my purpose for writing “A nasty word called addiction…” centered on a message of hope and redemption, as well as a way to mark a milestone in my own journey of healing. It’s no secret that many of us suffer in silence from a laundry list of afflictions. Yet, the older I get, the more I feel a kinship with those who hide behind the fake smiles, the false bravado. Because I, too, share the DNA of brokenness. Yet, as I navigate—aka stumble, skip or sidle (depending on the day)—this season of Club 50, I often entertain second thoughts about broaching various “taboo” topics in conversation or my writing. However, if we’re unwilling to allow ourselves the discomfort of vulnerability, then we miss an opportunity to engage in deeper connection with humanity, and ourselves. Transparency, I believe, serves as a catalyst to healing and a collective oneness. And affords us strength when we’re brave enough to admit our brokenness.

Are you brave enough?

Image courtesy of Stuart Miles at FreeDigitalPhotos.net.

Hot flashes: triggers + tricks to find relief

Okay, ladies (and gentlemen—maybe you know someone who could benefit from this post), since I’ve been navigating this latest season (aka menopause), I’ve been experiencing hot flashes—what I’ve playfully dubbed “power surges”—common symptoms that can (and do!) flare up at any time. When my sweet mama developed hot flashes, her nose turned bright red. Some women get night sweats. And many, like me, morph into human radiators that heat from the inside out and can drench our clothes in seconds. Common triggers: alcohol, heavy and/or tight clothing, heat, physical activity and warm drinks. A few tricks that work for me—and have reduced my daily power surges from seven to one or two:

• Wear layers that can be removed quickly
• Regular acupuncture sessions
• Flaxseed meal (a good source of lignans that may balance female hormones)
• Clary sage oil (I add 24 drops to 2 ounces of purified water & spritz daily)
• Sip a cool/iced drink at the onset
• Portable fan

What tips work for you?

Image courtesy of nalinratphi at FreeDigitalPhotos.net.

Not ‘just’ for women: DIY Botox

More than a decade ago, I spent a semester interning for a local beauty magazine. Not only did I learn a lot about the publishing industry, but I discovered how much I didn’t know about skincare. However, as a non-traditional (older) college graduate, I spoke to a specific audience—middle-aged women, like myself, who struggle with similar concerns; e.g., spider veins, adult acne, stretch marks, etc. Now that I’m immersed in all things menopausal, although no expert, I’ve been experimenting with the latest fads and tried-and-true remedies for relief. On the heels of my avocado tale, I came across an anti-aging facial that uses my favorite fat in its collagen-boosting DIY treatment. Touted as “practically Botox in a mask,” it purports to hydrate, prevent aging, reverse oxidative stress, tighten skin and promote elasticity: Combine ½ avocado, ½ ripe banana and 1 egg yolk. Apply to skin; leave on for 15 minutes and rinse off with warm water. (Cover remaining; save in fridge for five days. Reapply as desired.)