My Story

 

Midlife can be hard enough right?

As we reach 50, the things we have to deal with shapeshift slightly and can be some of the biggest things that have ever happened in our life.

Such as, losing or caring for sick parents, divorce maybe, we can become empty nesters as our growing children spread their wings; physical and emotional changes from a growing waistline and post menopause. There are a lot of adjustments and it can feel overwhelming at times. Every women will experience things differently and for some it is relatively easy but highly challenging for many women also.

 

At 45  I had a lot on my plate in life. I think that women when they enter this stage, can feel confused and question if it's actually perimenopausal symptoms or just symptoms of life in general. I felt the same. It was hard to understand what was just stress, depression and life in general.

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I was dealing with the heartbreak of trying to help a mentally ill child who had been out of treatment facilities most of her young life. We lost my mother and both of my husband's parents within a ten-month period and I had a preventative mastectomy at the same time.

By the time I reached 50 I felt worn out and totally on my knees. I wasn't looking after myself and I was drinking too much, emotional eating and had gained 40 lbs in weight. 

Then when I reached 53, two years ago, my husband was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and my world, my hopes, my dreams, everything..... fell apart.

After a gruelling regime of chemptherapy and surgery we are amazed to say he is cancer free.

 

​Before you say how did you cope? You must be so strong! - I really didn't internally. On the outside, yes I was coping but inside I was dying. I reached for coping mechanisms that were not so healthy - my 'crutches' I guess.

 

Drinking too much wine, eating unhealthy food and snacking constantly.

All the things I learned through my health training were thrown out of the window.

I just didn't know how to cope.

I felt I was sinking.

I didn't recognise the person that looked back at me in the mirror. I gained 40lbs of sadness and misery. None of my clothes fitted me. I hated photographs of myself, my anxiety was sky high and I felt depressed and sad behind my smile. 

My sleep was terrible. I often got to sleep easily but awoke at 2am not able to get back to sleep. This left me exhausted and unable the next day to make healthy choices and my anxiety went through the roof. I survived on sugar and energy drinks to keep going. Some days I felt I could take on the world and others I cried all day.

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I realised that I was pretty broken and that our bodies and minds change in  midlife and our approach has to be a different one.

It's so important that we prepare our minds and bodies for our future as we age. With the correct information, every woman can make fantastic changes to bring transformation - mind, body & soul.

 

The transformation comes from many elements. Like the pieces of a pie. After my husband had his cancer surgery, my awakening came from a decision to live with gratitude every day for what I had...... to capture joy in the small things like still having my husband's hand to hold, cup of coffee in my garden or feeling the sun on my face......however cheesy that may sound!

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I completely changed my nutrition to a mainly plant-based diet with some occasional fish. I gave up alcohol in its entirety and decided I wanted to be present in every moment of this life.

I walked, lifted weights and read hundreds of books, researched, studied, listened and learned. I only kept healthy connections and friends in my life and leaned into life with an acceptance that I didn't have before - now knowing that the universe had a plan for me and my family. 

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Today I feel I am thriving through my 50s and I am excited for the future. It's a time for huge potential and possibility. It's not a crisis - it's CAN BE an awakening. I want to help you feel the same!

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My family of 5 are all well and moving forward in life which is the best thing ever!!  

Let's do this together!!

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I am a Certified Menopause Specialist and a Certified Holistic Health Coach .

 

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My hobbies are spending time with my 3 children, 3 cats and my dog. We love travelling and being in the outdoors. I am also an abstract artist and have exhibited my work in Dallas and Houston. Art is my creative outlet and I love to be outside with my camera or painting in my studio.

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