Where's My Trophy Labeled “Postmenopausal Champion of the World”?

Reaching post-menopause not only feels like crossing a major finish line, I did. Do you know what I mean? Have you ever been to a post menopause celebration? Like a "Babymoon" for not bleeding every month? Me neither. Instead, when we hit this milestone, we don’t talk about it. Suddenly our new label is "old." But we are not “old” we are aging (just like everybody else) and yes, we need a trophy! 

How did I feel when I went a year without menses? I felt liberated, and I wanted to shout, "Take that, menopause!" I think, I may have silently whispered it in the bathroom mirror when I wanted to do that famous Mel Robbins high five. Finally, I was sleeping well, I could find my keys and maintain my body temperature. It took a lot to get there—research, loads of self-care, discipline, patience, and, of course, protein. 

I learned to take care of myself on an entirely new level. I survived what felt like a relatively silent and solo challenging experience. That's why I'm so in love with the conversations happening around menopause today and now it's’ time to expand and include postmenopausal women. 

When I was a child, I had no idea that my mother was going through menopause. I just thought she was always hot, breathing into a paper bag due to anxiety. No one, and I mean no one, talked about it. Now, my daughter knows. I called her to say, "I made it! Where's my trophy?" She’s exactly the type of person who would actually get me one.

This journey has taught me so much about resilience and self-care. It’s time to celebrate these milestones and recognize the strength it takes to get through them. Let’s continue the conversation, support each other, and make sure that every woman knows she’s not alone.

Here’s to celebrating post-menopause with all the recognition it deserves!