For most of my life, I had lived by society’s rhythm—marriage, motherhood, and endless responsibilities. My days revolved around meeting everyone’s needs but my own. Then, in my late 40s, something changed. I began missing periods, feeling waves of anxiety, and my energy levels dropped. Eventually, I was told: “You’re going through menopause.”
At first, I felt lost. I had always associated menopause with an ending—an end to fertility, youth, and vitality. It felt like life had pulled the curtain down on me, signaling that my best years were behind me. For weeks, I couldn’t help but wonder: “What now?”
Finding a New Perspective
Gradually, I began to shift my perspective. Instead of focusing on what I had lost, I started thinking about what I could gain. With no more periods and fewer demands at home, I realized I had something precious: time for myself. For the first time in years, I was free to explore who I was outside of my roles as a wife, mother, or caretaker.
I signed up for a yoga class I had always wanted to try. I enrolled in online courses on topics that had long interested me. Slowly, I began to rediscover the things that made me feel alive—reading, painting, and volunteering at a local women’s shelter.
Sharing My Experience
The experience also made me realize how much wisdom I had gained over the years. I found myself sharing advice with younger women—about balancing life, work, and self-care. They listened to me, not just as an elder but as someone who had walked a path they would someday follow. It felt empowering to offer guidance, and for the first time, I felt like a leader and mentor.
What Helped Me Through
Of course, there were tough days too—sleepless nights, mood swings, and moments of self-doubt. But what made all the difference was having support from friends and family. I also found comfort in talking openly about my experiences, something my mother’s generation could never do. Counseling and peer support helped me see that menopause wasn’t a loss but a transition into something new.
A New Chapter
Today, I no longer see menopause as the end of my story. It’s a new chapter, one filled with opportunities. I am learning, growing, and exploring parts of myself I never knew existed. And the best part? I’ve found a sense of purpose—not just for myself but in helping others navigate their journeys too.
During this month of October, which is the World Menopause Awareness month, I want to encourage every woman going through this transition: Embrace it. Take this time to rediscover yourself, pursue your passions, and make informed choices for your health and well-being. Menopause isn’t the end; it’s a new beginning—one that offers a vibrant, renewed sense of self.
Let’s talk about it, support each other, and break the taboos surrounding menopause. With the right mindset and a little help, we can all thrive through this phase and beyond.