"Perimenopause can cause our vision to narrow as we laser in on symptoms, research, body parts, and how we're feeling at any given moment. This can easily cause a feeling of overwhelm and force us into survival mode."
100%!
I love Bob Ross. I remember sitting with my grandmother watching Bob Ross and thinking, "This guy is amazing. In one show he can paint a masterpiece."
And yet, within our own body's a masterpiece is also already painted.
As this old car continues to start, I am thankful and yet look forward to letting the old model go for the new model.
As I kept zero-ing in on my perimenopausal symptoms, facing the feelings of betrayal, learning to lean into it rather than try to avoid it- then out of nowhere the largest natural disaster of my entire existance hit the most unlikeliest of places, the NC mountains.
Helene has caused me to place my peri symptoms somewhere else for the time being. I have a period tracker, I journal "my monthly cycle days". Now, my journal header starts with the date, what day I am on in my cycle followed by the day we are on in the aftermath of Helene.
God has given me strength beyond what my monthly cycle provides. I have stepped back as Bob Ross says to do. I am seeing a bigger picture. One in which I do even when it is not my season to do, yet I hold boundaries as I have learned in my practice and rest when I know it is more beneficial in the long run to rest than to push. If I rest when needed, then I will have more to give later.
Sometimes it seems in the moment of peri to take that step back and zoom out is impossible and other times something greater than our own ability to do so provides that new perspective.
Shelby, you continue to provide such beautiful thought provoking articles. Thank you for finding and reminding us all to find the silver linings in our changing life seasons.
“I know it feels like your body is betraying you during perimenopause, but in reality, it’s working very hard to keep you balanced. There are so many changes going on simultaneously that your body has to adapt to and compensate for.”
Every time I find myself in the ‘betrayal’ mindset I try to remember how hard my body is working to remain balanced during this time and my heart shifts from anger and sadness to gratitude.
It really is amazing, though, how hard it’s working. I’ve noticed that ovulation symptoms begin 5 days before the actual LH surge now, for example - it feels akin to trying to get an old car to start. I took for granted how easy and simple these processes were when I was younger.
You captured that experience perfectly: "trying to get an old car to start." I had that experience a few weeks ago when I thought my body was working hard to jumpstart my ovulation. That's exactly what it felt like, trying to start an old car. I hope it was the last hurrah, but only time will tell.
It's very easy to slip into a betrayal mindset. Your expansive perspective of self-love instead of a constricting attitude will serve you well in the long run. Keep up the great job - you've been working really hard lately.
"Perimenopause can cause our vision to narrow as we laser in on symptoms, research, body parts, and how we're feeling at any given moment. This can easily cause a feeling of overwhelm and force us into survival mode."
100%!
I love Bob Ross. I remember sitting with my grandmother watching Bob Ross and thinking, "This guy is amazing. In one show he can paint a masterpiece."
And yet, within our own body's a masterpiece is also already painted.
As this old car continues to start, I am thankful and yet look forward to letting the old model go for the new model.
As I kept zero-ing in on my perimenopausal symptoms, facing the feelings of betrayal, learning to lean into it rather than try to avoid it- then out of nowhere the largest natural disaster of my entire existance hit the most unlikeliest of places, the NC mountains.
Helene has caused me to place my peri symptoms somewhere else for the time being. I have a period tracker, I journal "my monthly cycle days". Now, my journal header starts with the date, what day I am on in my cycle followed by the day we are on in the aftermath of Helene.
God has given me strength beyond what my monthly cycle provides. I have stepped back as Bob Ross says to do. I am seeing a bigger picture. One in which I do even when it is not my season to do, yet I hold boundaries as I have learned in my practice and rest when I know it is more beneficial in the long run to rest than to push. If I rest when needed, then I will have more to give later.
Sometimes it seems in the moment of peri to take that step back and zoom out is impossible and other times something greater than our own ability to do so provides that new perspective.
Shelby, you continue to provide such beautiful thought provoking articles. Thank you for finding and reminding us all to find the silver linings in our changing life seasons.
May you see "happy little clouds" today.
“I know it feels like your body is betraying you during perimenopause, but in reality, it’s working very hard to keep you balanced. There are so many changes going on simultaneously that your body has to adapt to and compensate for.”
Every time I find myself in the ‘betrayal’ mindset I try to remember how hard my body is working to remain balanced during this time and my heart shifts from anger and sadness to gratitude.
It really is amazing, though, how hard it’s working. I’ve noticed that ovulation symptoms begin 5 days before the actual LH surge now, for example - it feels akin to trying to get an old car to start. I took for granted how easy and simple these processes were when I was younger.
PS - love Bob Ross forever.
You captured that experience perfectly: "trying to get an old car to start." I had that experience a few weeks ago when I thought my body was working hard to jumpstart my ovulation. That's exactly what it felt like, trying to start an old car. I hope it was the last hurrah, but only time will tell.
It's very easy to slip into a betrayal mindset. Your expansive perspective of self-love instead of a constricting attitude will serve you well in the long run. Keep up the great job - you've been working really hard lately.
I believe in you! ❤️. Great article!
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