Menopause Tips for Fairy Godmothers

I was digging through some old computer files and found these tips I wrote for an on-line interview. I can’t remember who asked me to write them or if they were ever posted. but I like them. Here they are:

Tip Number One: Embrace the change! Menopause makes you bolder. Go for it. Try a new hobby, ditch a mean friend, paint your living room a happy color, change up your clothing style, and/or find engaging volunteer work or a brand new job.

Tip Number Two: Be prepared for funky moods. The roller coaster emotions can swoop you up and back down again in minutes. Let family and friends know you’re on a wild ride. They can help you best if they understand that menopause is the cause of your moodiness.

Tip Number Three: Watch the calories. Give into the cravings just enough to calm them, but don’t go overboard. Experiment to find an exercise plan you can stick to. If it’s more fun than work, it’s the right plan for you.

Tip Number Four: Don’t panic when your libido takes a nose dive. Spontaneity is overrated. Make a date for romantic sex and keep the commitment. You’ll be amazed at how your gusto comes back once you get going.

Tip Number Five: Refrain from being overly self-critical. Instead, spoil yourself. Treat yourself. Forgive yourself.  Honor yourself. Become your own fairy godmother!

When I reread these tips last week, I realized how much I love the expression “Be your own fairy godmother.” I was thinking I was oh-so-creative to come up with it. Then I googled and saw others use the expression too, so I suspect I read it somewhere, and it’s not original. No matter who came up with the concept, it’s a great one.

That’s me as my own fairy godmother in the painting above. Now it’s your turn. Draw or paint yourself as your OWN fairy godmother. Post it where you will see it every day. Wave that wand right in your own direction, reread Tip Number Five, and then sail into action.

 

Menopause Tips Straight from a Witch’s Mouth

 

“Menopause,” the witch hissed, shaking her broom. “Nothing to it.”

“Really?” I asked. “You’ve got the magic potion? Do share!”

She pointed a snarly finger my way. “You foolish blogger! There’s no potion for menopause!” Her face softened a bit. “But here are some tips.”

1.  Looking old? Green masks age spots. Try it.

2. Feeling pudgy?  Black is slimming to all of us.

3.  Kids getting on your nerves?  Call them “My pretties” and watch them scatter.

4. Man getting on your nerves? Make some reference to a “a cold witch’s tit” and see him scatter too.

5. Feeling teary? Toughen up. Think witch-like thoughts.

6.  Bad hair day? Cover at least some of it with a stylish pointed hat.

7. Nothing for dinner? Throw the contents of your pantry into a cauldron and stir.

8. Mad chocolate cravings? When a kid in a costume knocks on your door and says, “Trick or treat,” grab his or her candy bag.

9. Night sweats? Use your broomstick to take a spin through the cool night air.

10. Mood swings! Relax. Who doesn’t want to be a witch?

Lifescript: Tips from Menopause Bloggers!

Lifescript writer Susan Jara put together this collection of menopause tips and life strategies from nine bloggers, including yours truly.

Jara writes, “Often, women who have experienced it have the best tips for managing perimenopause or menopause symptoms.”

That’s for sure! Don’t miss these suggestions for dealing with painful sex, low libido, fatigue, memory loss, mood swings, early perimenopause, feeling old, self-doubt, and weight gain.

Here’s the link to the article.

Thanks to Susan Jara for the article and to Lifescript for providing plenty of excellent information on menopause in their Menopause Health center.