Last Summer I celebrated my 40th birthday. Most people say I don't look my age and most of the time I don't feel my age, either. At least not the way I remember my own mother telling me the way she felt at age 40 (story for another time and place, but it wasn't anything good). So, I find it interesting that lately, I hear myself saying things like "I feel 40" or "oh, this is what 40 feels like." Most of the time I'm making these declarations, I noticed, happens to be around the time of the month Mother Nature pays me a visit.
I've observed Mother's Nature's Monthly has changed quite a bit for me in the past year, but especially in the last six months. Without going into detail, I have more physical aches, including headaches, that I never experienced in the past--even though, my cycle is fewer days than in the past. (one would think, less menstrual days, less problems!) I often want to retreat for at least day, if not two or three, into a cave. I don't mean a few minutes of quiet or solitude. I actually don't want anyone around me or even near me. Strange indeed for an extraverted person! Of course, with two preschoolers, that's impossible so I wind-up biting my tongue in an effort to not blow my top over the smallest mishap or someone lingering on my leg for a second too long. Not always a success at this endeavor. You get the picture.
I'm listening, as the Angels, and most other healthy eating guidelines, suggest. And what I hear my body tell me is craving mass-confusion! I'm hungry for something chocolate and crunchy and carbs and oh a turkey and cheese sandwhich would help with the blood sugar bottoming out and I need milk and I feel dehydrated all at the same time!
So, I post this question: How do we enter midlife The Angel Way?
Listening. Being gentle with myself. Eating small, nourishing quantities of the things my body craves, treating myself with kindness.
Mother Nature is pretty powerful when she makes her monthly trip down Karen Lane.
What do the Angels suggest we do to enter and navigate midlife changes that leave us ransacked and depleted?
Annie... the floor is all yours (and the Angels, of course).
2 comments:
I had a hysterectomy about 7 years ago, and contrary to dire warnings, I've had an easier time losing weight since then. Hormones still fly in an irregular way, the way they did before the hysterectomy. I think I just do what you say: try to listen, eat a little to see if that's what I need. In the past few months, I suddenly heard "eat what you want, not what other people want," and it's been great. In fact, the rest of my family is eating better and more interesting food, too. It's funny I had to be 50 to figure that out, though.
I appreciate every kind word shared and knowing there are so many like-minded women on this journey!
Post a Comment