The weather is crazy lately – thunderstorms one week, summer heat the next, – and so is my mid-40’s body. Some days I feel almost normal, then others I feel like my engine is sputtering. Pain over here, tingling over there. I would think, “Is today the day that I die?” Dramatic, I know, but my body seems to be such a drama queen lately. It’s not just a roller coaster of emotions; it’s the whole amusement park! Not to mention the pendulum of temperature swinging from one extreme to the other. I feel these fully especially after my thyroidectomy. Here I am just survivin’ la vida loca! Must be my hormones, most likely because of perimenopause. Just when I am beginning to appreciate my body, it goes and does these little betrayals. *Sigh*
To all the women who are about my age, how do you survive thrive in this crazy stage? These are what I do lately, what else am I missing? Except for proper exercise?
caring for this 40-something body
- Lately, I do what I can with what I have. For instance, I breathe deeply and focus my thoughts on Jesus, on God’s Word when I feel anxiety creeping in, or feel overwhelmed. Some noises get too loud for me, maybe earplugs could help moderate the cacophony. But, sometimes negative thoughts also get too loud, so I just remind myself that the Lord loves me unconditionally, pray to Him, and let His peace wash over me.
- I take probiotics, collagen, vitamins and minerals to kind of keep my engine oiled. Vegetables are not just my food, they are my “medicine” to keep my blood pressure in check. Fiber is vital now and I usually eat veggies before my protein and carbs. But they said women my age also need plenty of protein.
- It would be great to take a long walk, but my space doesn’t allow it. Usually, I walk in place or just move around, and also do some calf raises, which are recommended after meals. I am also looking to build more muscles and thinking of getting girly- looking dumbbells with stackable weights. Plus, a cute yoga mat. Any recommendations?
- To feel taken care of, I slather on lotion, sometimes body oil after shower and use facial products (do some facial massages when the mood strikes me) before bed. What I put into my mouth and what I put on my face and body are what I can control.
- I think at this time, I am allowed to be weird and to seek my comfort, for example in what I wear, and not seek validation from anyone. I also allow myself to do the little things that make me happy like reading books, eating out with family and friends, etc.
- With this age must come a patience for waiting for hours and hours at the doctor’s office. Which is quite unjust and disrespectful of the patient’s time and money. I don’t know if this happens just in this country, maybe somewhere with better healthcare the appointment time is being followed. Therefore, I bring my book or my Boox to occupy me as I wait.
- I don’t know how it happened, but somehow, I’m following a woman called Tamsen Fadal, who wrote a book called ‘How To Menopause ‘. She has a podcast, and she is a menopause advocate. Check her out; she shares her stories and journeys, and they might be also helpful to women in the same boat.
facial massage tools
Is each stage in a woman’s life a natural course or is it dictated by societal norms? I guess this aging process of women is a signal to live a softer life. One that is aligned with God’s purpose and is also kinder to her health. This might sound morbid, but to me, it is a sign to slowly accept the nearness to my mortality and that softly, God is calling me home soon.
That doesn’t mean I won’t be healthy or be happy. That I will just lie down and wait. Just that it’s a reminder to take things slow, and when illness happens, to rely on God. It’s also a reminder to do and be the things that matter. To shine as brightly as fireworks. To make a great impact for the Lord. And then to go with a BANG!
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