I’ve never questioned the history of international women’s day (IWD) until I mentioned it to my (Russian) good friend. She said in Russia it’s a big thing, lots of celebrations with gifts of flowers and jewellery!
It’s a public holiday in many countries though sadly not in the UK! (i’m booking 8th March off next year)
Hmmmmm…….not sure my husband is going to buy into this….he annoying rolls his eyes at anything remotely related to ‘feminism”. Not that i call myself a feminist….I believe in equality.
Don’t tell the men but there is an international mens day too on 19th November…. but we’ll keep that quiet ha ha. Joking aside I think it should be equal and we should celebrate each other.
The theme this year is for positive role models which is a great theme 🙂
Objectives of International Men’s Day include a focus on men’s and boy’s health, improving gender relations, promoting gender equality, and highlighting positive male role models. It is an occasion for men to celebrate their achievements and contributions, in particular their contributions to community, family, marriage, and child care while highlighting the discrimination against them.
“International Women’s Day is celebrated in many countries around the world. It is a day when women are recognized for their achievements without regard to divisions, whether national, ethnic, linguistic, cultural, economic or political. International Women’s Day first emerged from the activities of labour movements at the turn of the twentieth century in North America and across Europe.”
1909 The first National Woman’s Day was observed in the United States on 28 February.
1917 Against the backdrop of the war, women in Russia again chose to protest and strike for “Bread and Peace” on the last Sunday in February (which fell on 8 March on the Gregorian calendar). Four days later, the Czar abdicated and the provisional Government granted women the right to vote.
1975 During International Women’s Year, the United Nations began celebrating International Women’s Day on 8 March.
Celebrate Every Day
Today I celebrate myself, all women, the ones without a voice, the ones that will never experience equality, the women fighting for equality, all the women in my community and the women I admire.
Mothers, daughters and sisters.
BUT I also celebrate all HUMAN BEINGS….we ALL deserve to be treated equally, with love and respect.
Let’s do this EVERY DAY…..not just on a designated day…….EVERY.DAMN.DAY……celebrate, support, encourage humanity.
Last week I was pretty productive but lacking creativity.
I struggle to be creative at home when surrounded by mess, clutter and distractions.
I told to my husband that I ‘needed a wife’ so I could hide in my office and work and someone would look after me!
I guess that’s not going to happen….So I took action ✅
I asked my client if I could use her cute country cottage for 4 days and 3 nights. I told my husband and teens they’re on their own 👋🏻
I packed my bags and my dog 🐶
And here I am …. focused and distraction free.
Minimal cooking, cleaning and no looking after anyone else but ME!
I love my life but I need a break and that’s 👌🏻 ok.
By fulfilling my needs and charging my ‘self care battery’ I will be able to serve my clients and my family.
Is that selfish?
Nah! It’s essential. I have my needs to and they’re as important as anyone else’s.
Not only am I writing my book ‘’midlife manifesto’ I’m living it too.
My life
My rules
One body,one mind, one menopause….I get to choose who I want to be in the next adventure.
It’s been a wee while since i posted 🙂 I’ve been on holiday to Australia, had horrible jet lag and then was ill. In a way I’m pleased that I was so ill as it’s kicked started me back into focusing on my health and happiness.
I’m two weeks in and I’m feeling BLOODY BRILLIANT. How ?
working on my mindset
Eating well
Cutting out the cap
Meditation
Movement
getting outside
Having fun and not taking life/myself so seriously!!
None of the above is new information to you and I right? Lack of information isn’t the issue in our world of Google…….but implementation is.
So what stops us doing the things that make us feel better?
fear? mindset? limiting self belief? Probably all of those and more 🙂
We feel stuck, we repeat patterns and feel like we go around in circles……all the time adding fuel to the ‘see i told you you couldn’t do it’ fire.
This is where asking for help comes in (hello feeling ‘less than’ and vulnerable). Maybe a friend, coach, mentor, therapist, expert or similar?
Oh this bit has turned into a mindset/head kind of post….i digress…
The last couple of weeks have not been perfect. I’m defo not ‘on a detox’ or regimented plan.
I’m being curious and listening to my body and I got advice….from a professional.
Even though I’m qualified to and help women who are feeling poop I cannot self treat as i cannot be objective (what do you mean hobnobs aren’t included?)
My way clearly wasn’t working…..i was tired, grumpy and my mojo had disappeared 🙁
I’ve pushed against resistance, I’ve sulked, practically stomped my feet but I’ve been kind to myself.
I’ve not been perfect or stuck to it 100%……i’ve been flexible and it’s like my body and brain have let out a huge sigh of relief.
To be honest I was paralysed by the thought of change……I LOVE my tea and toast but it wasn’t helping me feel better. (tea and toast will be back occasionally when my gut is happier)
The thought of eating differently to my friends and family seemed like too much effort.
The thought of having to spend ‘hours’ shopping, preparing and cooking felt like too much.
The thought of having to log foods and watch what I was eating seemed like a huge faff.
The reality is that it’s been pretty straight forward. I’ve had to plan and put in a bit of effort in but the pay off has been worth it 🙂
I’ve not even missed a coffee!
My energy has returned and so has my cooking mojo (i’m redesigning and recipe testing my two old recipe books)
My MOOD is marvellous…..i feel happy and positive. My symptoms are reducing and I’m sleeping better.
I am experiencing the power of healthy food, good supplements and a new mindset.
I wish I could some how magically let you feel how it feels to feel BLOODY BRILLIANT.
You have the power to feel happy, well and loving life at your finger tips…..
So my take home message is if you are paralysed by the thought of change but really want it…..do it any way because the reality isn’t usually as bad as our imagination tells us its going to be.
Start with one little habit change and let momentum turn that change into another change…
‘The journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step’ – Lao Tzu
Hey body……WTF!! Please tell me the jokes over…..I mean whats going on? I can’t keep up with you just now. Hot then shivery. Happy, manic then depressed and suicidal. I feel I have no control over you any more…..It’s scary, daunting and hopeless….
I feel exhausted, invisible and completely dis-connected to who i used to be but maybe I just can’t remember who I used to be because of my shocking memory. Oh the irony that what I do remember is that I once had a libido, zest for life, mojo and a waist! Ha flipping ha!
Let’s not even talk about the hair situation! I’m surprised I’m not bald with the amount of hair that comes out in the shower, my bikini line is heading down towards my knees and what’s with the thick, black chin hairs! *cue witchy cackle*
My muffin top has turned into a blancmange, my oestrogen depleted boobs resemble naan breads and my skin is dry EVERYWHERE. Oh yes while we’re here let’s talk about my once juicy mucous membranes (vagina, anus, eyes, nose and digestive system) now feel like the Sahara desert. Even if I felt so much as a spark of desire it involves so much effort to get warmed up that ….CBA (can’t be arsed).
I only have to look at food and it seems to stick to my ass by osmosis. The time in my life when i need every bit energy so I can exercise and look after myself Mother Funking Nature has decided to drain every last bit from me …….please tell me this is all weird nightmare. I would cry but I’m too exhausted.
Don’t you think I’ve got enough to deal with without the pressure of showing the signs of ageing! Society just does not let me age damn it! I would welcome laughter lines if you hadn’t removed my sense of humour. Add to that the media pressure of looking like my fifteen year old daughter with her smooth, tight skin and curves I just feel like giving up.
Now I know why NOBODY TELLS YOU about menopause when you’re younger…..PUBERTY is a blast compared to hormonal surges that mid life brings.
When will this all be over? Will I ever feel ‘normal’ again?
love Me x
———————————————————————————————————-
Dear Me,
Hey, it’s your body speaking. I’m sorry to hear you’re not experiencing this exciting new phase as I intended it. I’ve been giving you clues for years that you need to look after yourself more. All those years of putting yourself towards the bottom of the list are catching up. PMS, feeling knackered and ‘soldiering on’ through it all without a care for me is taking it’s toll. (and let’s face it you did abuse me in your 20’s and 30’s with all that Pinot Grigio ha ha)
Give up the fight sister……let go and surrender 🙂
Trust me, I know what I’m doing. Those horrible symptoms are my way of telling you that I need some TLC. I need some attention….I beg you to treat me differently now as I have different needs, wants and desires.
The menopause marks the end of your fertile years but not the end of your life. I’m hoping we have many more summers together so let’s work together on this one. This transition needs a team effort. you and me babe!
Please take the time to listen to what I need, forget what you’ve been told as every women is different. You know what I need, yes you really do 🙂
Use this uncertain time to slow down, reflect and be still. You can’t hear me unless you do. I don’t need to push harder, work longer, binge watch Netflix and any more gruelling, punishing regimes. Give me a break! Treat me with the care and attention you would give me if I was six years old. Love, compassion and patience will make me purr.
Let go of wanting ‘the old you back’…..what about creating the new you that can emerge from the other side this hormonal funk?
It is possible to feel happy, healthy and confident no matter how you look or the size of your knickers! Really it is 🙂
I am your friend not your enemy so let’s work together.
I love you
Your Body xx
If you feel you need a little help or advice then add your details to the form below and you can jump on a free telephone call with Tanith. This call will give you a little clarity and direction so that you can move towards feeling happier, healthier and hormonally balanced.
Thank you 🙂 Now check your email to confirm your subscription.
Today the British Menopause Society released the results of a survey it conducted revealing that three quarters of women say that the menopause caused them to change their lives and over half say it had a negative impact, highlighting the greater support needed for women experiencing the menopause in the UK.
Alongside almost half of women surveyed experiencing symptoms such as hot flushes (46%), night sweats (37%) and low levels of energy (37%), the survey also highlighted that women experienced other less talked about symptoms including increased urinary frequency or urgency (33%), sleeping problems/insomnia (33%), joint aches (32%) and vaginal dryness (24%). Despite these symptoms, a third of the women who were experiencing or who have experienced the menopause, hadn’t tried anything to reduce or prevent their symptoms.
In addition:
Over half (51%) of women also said that the menopause had affected their sex lives.
Furthermore, over a third (34%) said that they were less active since experiencing the menopause and a further third (32%) said they no longer felt like good company.
To note, almost half (45%) of women, felt their menopause symptoms have had a negative impact on their work.
My dear Sisters, Those results aren’t much of a surprise right? If you’re reading this then I assume you are experiencing some symptoms of the hormonal flux? Reading these results urge me forward to continue my mission to helping women not only ‘manage’ their symptoms but feel happier, healthier and full of self confidence than they ever have before.
“Despite the average female life expectancy in the UK being 83 years, and many women living in the post-menopausal phase for half to one-third of their lives, the findings of the survey suggest that there are still many women who are choosing to go through the menopause without seeking support or treatment even when they are experiencing symptoms that are affecting all aspects of their lives, including their relationships.” Kathy Abernethy, Chairman, British Menopause Society
If I could give you one thing it would be HOPE at this tricky phase of life. The menopause transition doesn’t last for ever (even though it can feel like it does). It’s a phase which takes us (sometimes kicking and screaming) from one phase of our life to another.
Sisters……don’t give up on yourselves…..there is so much YOU can do to help yourself. Small tweaks to diet and lifestyle, maybe a supplement thats right for you……a complimentary therapy……a support group…..see a professional….make yourself a priority……HRT…….the menopause is YOUR time to change…..go inwards and seek your wise woman….give her what she needs….love, belonging, kindness……..
Please love yourself and your body as it goes through this change. Your body is not the enemy……..the symptoms are a way of her talking to you…….telling you she needs your attention…..slow down….listen…..treat her as you would your daughter/friend/mother
I’m sending you all LOVE and HUGS xxx
If you feel you need a little help or advice then add your details to the form below and you can jump on a free telephone call with Tanith. This call will give you a little clarity and direction so that you can move towards feeling happier, healthier and hormonally balanced.
Thank you 🙂 Now check your email to confirm your subscription.
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A message from Tanith
Founder, Mrs Menopause
Your forties are a time of change, I’m sure I read once that’s when the fun starts. The body changes and you cannot stop it. I want to help you accept it and embrace it…..cellulite, flabby bits and all!
