Meet Liz (@the__m__word), our first #MenopauseMonday spotlight! We are so grateful to Liz for sharing her story and for showing the power of vulnerability and transformation.

Please join me in a virtual 👏 for Liz’s bravery!

“My hormonal Journey is my journey to find the new me in the midst of the jungle. I had a vicious last 3 years with perimenopause symptoms not knowing what I was going through. Everything felt so different… Physical, mental and emotional changes were very hard to navigate through. I thought I was losing my mind, I was a completely different person and didn’t recognize myself- in every sense!

I had no idea how hormones ruled our lives. I had no idea how imbalances could make you suffer so much. For the first time in my life I had anxiety. This one is huge for me. It took away my livelihood and left me with nervousness, panic attacks, deep sadness and so much anger…

I had no idea what was going on when I couldn’t get out of bed because I had severe joint pain. Or when I felt like the floor was slipping from under my foot. The physical symptoms contributed to emotional imbalances and emotional imbalances caused cognitive dysfunction in return.

Since the first moment I found out I knew I I didn’t want to reverse the natural course of my body. And if I was about to spend more than half of my life in this state I had to own it. Acceptance is a very big part of the transition.

However this is not as easy as it sounds… Loving yourself unconditionally becomes an unexpected challenge. It is as if someone or something has taken control of your mind and body. And it has.

Menopause itself is not sad or horrible though, it’s simply one of the stages in our lives. A super powerful stage where the women turn wise! But it is the transition that takes it’s toll on us. It is the reduction of the hormones that cause the imbalances and the rough ride.

One day at a time. This is the only technique that will speak to every single person. During intense moments we need to remember this the most. And that it will pass.

I choose to go through this transition naturally. Hence the suffering… But I am at the beginning of my journey. I found out a year and a half ago and still continue to look for ways to help myself through the physical and the emotional symptoms. Mind over body! Just the thought of this sentence instantly puts me in a better mind set.

Exercise and nutrition is super important. New routines and new habits need to be installed. The old way doesn’t serve the body anymore. And this also symbolizes the letting go and detachment.

Meditation and tapping also brings relief. Even just breathing through the moment, through a panic attack or a hot flash is vital for a better quality life.

Women and men need to be educated on what comes with the transition. We know that every single women will experience this and we need support. How is something that effects every single female not talked about. How is it in the year 2019 women still don’t know what to do or how to handle this natural transition. Self healing techniques and self love should be taught, therapy sessions should be available to all, education and support should be abundant.

By talking about it I want to make a difference and help be a part of the change where women are not put down or shamed for what they are going through. You are not alone.”

See Liz’s story on Instagram here.

Updated: Sep 25, 2019