Empowered vs. embarrassed: becoming your biggest advocate (encouragement for women)

In my post, Resigning ourselves to embrace each season, I share my new normal: menopause. Since then, I’ve consulted with myriad health professionals, researched countless treatments and, in reality, become my biggest (health) advocate. PSA: I urge everyone to assume this role, whenever possible. But, because I cope with a few uncommon medical issues; e.g., a blood clotting disorder and congenital heart defect, I’ve learned that several potential solutions prove riskier to manage hormonal imbalances. This simply means heightened due diligence on my part. And, because no medical expert is perfect, nor every woman created equal, a trial and error mentality is key. Throughout the process, I’ve also discovered my voice—not only by asking questions, but by being transparent with others. Rather than suffer embarrassment, I feel more empowered than ever. Stay tuned for upcoming posts that include tips for managing this new season, from common symptoms and natural remedies for relief, to encouragement that we’re not alone.

How do you manage the new seasons in life?

Image source: https://transforminglifenow.wordpress.com/.

Catching more flies with honey

[Image credit: Paul]

For the past week or so, I’ve dealt with a work-related request from a gentleman who wants something from my company.  The first email he sent me started out friendly enough but, following each of my responses, his replies have been less diplomatic.  Finally, he asked me to call him.  I thought, perhaps, on the phone he’d be more agreeable.  Instead, he was rather defensive to the point of rude.  Unfortunately for him, I am simply a go-between and not the decision-maker.  But I do wield some influence.  As a matter of fact, if you want something from me (and I believe this is typically how it works for the majority of the human population), you catch more of the proverbial flies with honey.  Apparently, this person was absent when the elementary instruction was doled out.  Suffice it to say, I passed along his message to the powers that be.  And the moral of the story: you never know who your biggest advocate will be, so make it a habit to be nice to everyone.

Are you a sweet-talker or a sour puss?

Fighting for me, myself and I

[Image credit: gameanna]

Sometimes I feel like it’s just me, myself and I — that if I want something done right, I need to do it myself.  Or that if I don’t speak up about whatever it is, no one else will.  A friend and I were talking one day, and I made a comment about feeling as if I’m always the one who does the fighting for; i.e., mending, working on, making concessions, planning, etc., — particularly in relationships.  And how it would be nice, for a change, to be the one being fought for.  My friend told me in order for that to happen, I need to fight for myself first.  A poignant thought, yet she wasn’t the first person to speak that truth to me.  Although not verbatim, the concept was the same.  But fighting for ourselves takes on a unique identity for each of us in order to meet us where we’re at.  Perhaps you’re feeling stuck in a dead-end job; fight for a new one.  Or maybe your marriage has died; either resuscitate it, or read it the last rites.  We can talk ourselves blue in the face, but talk doesn’t create results.  Action does.  And guess what?  You may eventually discover you’re no longer alone in the ring.

Who’s your biggest advocate?