Balancing Act: Work, Life, and Menopause Survival Strategies

Feb 07, 2024

https://www.purple-planet.com/

Apple Podcast - Spotify

Personal Journey and Menopause

Today, I'm going to talk about a personal journey. I won't be following any notes or trying to teach anything specific. I invite you to sit back and listen; you might find echoes of your own story in mine. I'm currently navigating my midlife season at 55, experiencing menopause. Throughout my life, I've often powered through challenges, but now I've realized the importance of listening to my body, especially during this less resilient phase.

Family Crisis and Impact on Well-being

Midway through last year, we faced a family crisis. My son was struggling with a mental illness, leading to sleep disturbances, increased stress, and challenges in maintaining overall well-being. Despite various efforts, including medical support and addressing hormonal imbalances, my energy levels plummeted, and my nervous system remained highly sensitive.

Navigating Challenges and Seeking Support

While working on optimizing my thyroid and exploring bio-identical hormone therapy, I found that my body and mind could only handle so much. The ongoing stress and lack of restorative sleep took a toll on my adrenals and overall health. Balancing family, friends, business, and personal health became increasingly challenging.

"In this season of menopause, I will say what I've learned is that we become less resilient, and I didn't really like hearing that news."

Importance of Self-Care and Setting Boundaries

Realizing the need for self-care, I decided to take a season of rest. Despite initial reluctance and various responsibilities, I understood the importance of setting boundaries and prioritizing my well-being. It's crucial to invest in and fill our own vessels before attempting to give to others.

"I had all these excuses... I don't have time, they need me, nobody else can do this. I'm so important. But what I'm learning is that we really can stop and take care of ourselves."

Vacation Challenges and Further Exhaustion

We planned a much-anticipated vacation, a time for relaxation and family bonding. However, the overwhelming nature of the trip left me more exhausted, needing another break upon my return. Recognizing the impact of such experiences, I began saying no to certain commitments and prioritizing my need for rest.

Dental Issues, Complications, and Health Challenges

Adding to the health challenges, I discovered a recurring mold issue in my home. Simultaneously, complications arose during a dental procedure, leading to additional physical and emotional strain. As I began to recover, gallbladder issues surfaced, further emphasizing the importance of understanding and addressing my body's signals.

In summary, my journey over the last six months has been a rollercoaster of challenges and lessons. Navigating midlife, menopause, family crises, and health issues has reinforced the significance of self-care, setting boundaries, and honoring my body's needs. It's an ongoing process, but acknowledging the importance of rest and well-being is a crucial step forward.

"It is important to invest in and fill your vessel so that you can give, and it is important and okay to set boundaries and to say no and to take some time to rest."