008- Reframing the Perimenopause Narrative for Empowerment

Feeling stuck in a negative narrative about perimenopause? This episode challenges you to reframe your mindset and see perimenopause as a powerful transformation.

Here are 3 key takeaways to help you thrive during this transition:

• Embrace Positive Self-Talk: Challenge negative stereotypes with affirmations like "I am strong" or "There is positivity in every day." This boosts confidence and helps manage stress.
• Fuel Personal Growth: Use this time for reflection and exploration. Learn a new language, reconnect with friends, or volunteer for a cause you care about. Embrace growth and watch your confidence soar.
• Celebrate Your Accomplishments: Acknowledge your resilience and strength! Take time to celebrate all you've overcome, big and small. You are an amazing woman!

Listen to the full episode and join the conversation! It's time to rewrite the narrative of perimenopause and make it a chapter of empowerment. Share your stories using #smashthecrash on social media.

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Disclaimer: I am a registered nurse and health coach, but I am not a medical doctor. The information and recommendations provided during our coaching sessions are intended to support your overall health and wellness and are not a substitute for professional medical diagnosis or treatment. Always consult with your physician before making any changes to your medication, treatment plan, or if you have any concerns about your health.

Transcript

Speaker 1: 3:15

Hi there and welcome back to another episode of Smash the Crash. In today's episode, we're going to be focusing on reframing the narrative. As we've learned, perimenopause is that transitional phase leading up to menopause. It's marked by those fluctuating hormones and a whole host of physical and emotional changes. But what if we reframed the narrative? What if perimenopause wasn't just about decline, but about a powerful transformation to a better version of yourself? Let's be honest, Our culture bombards us with messages about youth and beauty with messages about youth and beauty, and perimenopause gets lumped in with this negativity, painting a picture of hot flashes, weight gain, forgetfulness and miserableness. But here's the thing these symptoms, while real, don't have to define us and don't have to define this experience. So let's shift gears. Instead of dreading perimenopause, let's explore how we can navigate it with grace and even find opportunities for growth. Here are some micro habits that we can incorporate into our daily lives.

Speaker 1: 4:39

The power of positive self-talk. I actually really love this one because it's a never-ending learning experience. I've been working on positive mindset in myself for several years now, and while I feel like I'm getting better at it, there certainly still are times when I have negative self-talk. There's actually a sign hanging behind me in my office right now. That says a negative mind will never give you a positive life, and I strongly believe to my core that that is so true. And in times of doubt and what feels like you know things can't get any worse, I try really, really hard to look for that silver lining. You can find the positive in everything in some way, shape or form, no matter how small it's there. But we tell ourselves, instead of internalizing these negative stereotypes, let's use positive affirmations. Start your day with something like I am strong, my body is changing, but I am still capable of amazing things. Or there is positivity in every day. Even with a little digging, I will find it. Positive. Self-talk can be a powerful tool for managing stress and boosting your confidence.

Speaker 1: 6:14

This actually reminds me of a story that I have to share. A few nights ago, my oldest son and I were talking during bedtime. That's usually when we have our deepest, uninterrupted, quality conversations. He'll be like Mom, can you just come lay in bed with me for a little bit and then we'll talk? And he said to me mom, I think I learned something about myself today. When I get upset over something, all bets are off. Like he shuts down and allows it to take control over the quality of the rest of his day. And he told me that he acknowledged this that day at school and he made it a point to leave the classroom and sit in the hallway for a little bit to get some space. And I thought, you know, for a 12 year old boy who's on the spectrum, this is, this is huge. My mom heart, my mom heart, filled up.

Speaker 1: 7:09

But let's take a lesson from this book. Where do you find yourself putting yourself down with negative self-talk when something doesn't turn out the way you anticipate? How do you react to it? How does that affect your interaction with others? I learned this from both of my sons, but here's a powerful phrase for positivity that you can start with, Because, according to my sons, these are the three hardest things that someone can say. All right, you ready, I can do it, I need help and Worcestershire sauce. I just had to put that in there.

Speaker 1: 7:53

We also need to work on personal growth. Let's use this parametral time I can't speak today. Let's use this parametroposal time as a time for reflection. We're not spring chickens anymore. We are seasoned and we're wise. Yet there's always room for growth. So use this opportunity to explore new interests, hobbies or skills. Maybe you've always wanted to learn a new language, Take up painting, pottery, do something a little daring that you may not have considered before, like parasailing or skydiving. Indoor skydiving is on my bucket list and actually a friend of mine and I are going on a cruise in the fall and we are talking about parasailing. We've never done that before, but we plan on getting out of our comfort zone. But maybe you want to reconnect with old friends or volunteer for a cause that you care about. Focus on personal growth and your confidence will begin to soar and embrace the change, because you can't fight the hormonal shifts, but you can embrace them. Explore those healthier eating habits, Maybe find a new recipe that you can share with your family.

Speaker 1: 9:13

Going out for a walk and providing yourself with some downtime and quiet time to decompress and maybe debrief with yourself on certain things that happened throughout that day. I certainly had to do that this week. Full honesty, the nine to five job has been a little overwhelming and challenging, and I find that when I take a little time for myself to kind of like get away and usually it's going outside for a walk it really helps release the mental tension that's in my head and gain some clarity on. You know, maybe, what my next priority focus should be for when I return back to my work desk. You need to celebrate your accomplishments. You've come a long way in your life and you have so much to offer. Think of everything you have conquered so far. Can you believe it? And here you are still here. You are one amazing woman. Let me tell you, Take that time to celebrate your accomplishments, both big and small. Acknowledge your resilience, your strength and the incredible woman you are.

Speaker 1: 10:27

Remember perimenopause is a natural part of life. It doesn't define you. It's a chance to prioritize your self-care, explore new possibilities and step into your own personal power into your own personal power. Let's shift the focus from decline to transformation. This is a time to embrace the wisdom and strength you've gained throughout your life, because you are powerful, capable and worthy. Let's rewrite the narrative and make perimenopause a chapter of empowerment and not negative decline. Can you do something for me? Can you share yourimenopause a chapter of empowerment and not negative decline? Can you do something for me? Can you share your menopause experiences with us on social media and use the hashtag smash the crash. Let's continue to build a community of support and rewrite this narrative together.