Have you ever thought of menopause as a time for empowering and being healthy women? It is now likely, and quite possible that women live for 35 to 40 years after menopause, so in many ways it can be quite liberating and indeed "the best years of a woman's life." Why not be one who is enjoying what is often referred to as the springtime of one's life?
The key to anything is understanding, and in regard to menopause it is no different. Historically menopause has so many negative connotations.. but thankfully now that millions of women are part of this "category" these old beliefs are being challenged and heading in a new and healthy direction.
As a woman, understand that change is happening to your body. In the period leading up to menopause, you are experiencing a time when ovarian function is altering, and instead of viewing it as "losing something", you can view it as moving towards a path of greater empowerment.This period of change can last up to thirteen years and can prove quite a challenging time. Advice can be conflicting with questions as to whether or not to have hormone replacement therapy or just to take a natural approach to this. It is crucial to "know yourself"; to listen to your inner guidance; to be very compassionate towards yourself, and to be aware of your personal needs.
In her book "Women's Bodies, Women's Wisdom" Christine Northrup refers to a quote by Farida Shaw. To me, it expresses it perfectly.. "Like an electrical charge, menstruation and the ebb and flow fo energy is an 'alternating current.' During menopause, the flow of energy becomes intensified and steady, like a 'direct current'. We are charged with energy to the degree we have opened ourselves to the wisdom of the Crone." This direct energy is a form of empowerment but definitely needs directing. After all, isn't it at this time a woman seeks a new and fresh identity? Compassion is required for any woman who has experience 'hot flushes' but isn't this itself evidence of a greater surge of power within. There are many qualified and competent practitioners both natural and medical who can work with you as you become sensitive and aware of your changing needs. The main thing to remember is that it is your body and you need to listen both intuitively and physically to your needs.
One piece of advice is that I have is that you are unique and special and that there is no-one else who can fill the role that you do, so let us all be healthy women bringing about a long-needed empowering change in the area of menopause.
