I am EAGER to say goodbye to 50.\u00a0 This has been my most challenging year yet.\u00a0 I used to be the one who said “age is just a number”.\u00a0 Until I hit 50.<\/p>\n
50 is weird people.\u00a0 Like, emotions all over the place, feeling overwhelmed one minute, sad the next, angry, confused.\u00a0 Yep. All the feelings.\u00a0\u00a0Stop the ride.\u00a0 I want off.<\/p>\n
I thought it was the pandemic.\u00a0 The after effects of isolation, stress and challenges and that extra weight.\u00a0 But it’s more than that as I’ve started questioning different things.\u00a0 We know the basics of getting older.\u00a0 We know the grey hair will happen, the wrinkles, but nobody really prepares us ladies for MENOPAUSE.\u00a0 Now, hang on, I don’t think I’m there – yet.\u00a0 But I’m getting there.\u00a0 I’ve got my ticket and I’m waiting in line.\u00a0 Ready and waiting to see what happens at the show.<\/p>\n
It’s uncomfortable and I wish more people would talk about it.\u00a0 We need support groups.\u00a0 We need conversations.\u00a0 \u00a0We need sympathy and understanding.\u00a0 \u00a0We need to be told we’re not imagining it, we’re not crazy and we certainly can’t stop it.<\/p>\n
I got the chance to talk to my doctor today about it and as she nodded I knew I was finally being heard and understood.\u00a0 It affirmed what I already knew and I felt better in knowing what I could do.<\/p>\n
Yes, 50 has been challenging.<\/p>\n
I’ve stared at the reflection in the mirror and wondered who it was staring back at me.\u00a0 \u00a0This past year I have struggled with all that aging brings with it. It’s ODD and has had a surprise impact on my mental health.\u00a0 I’m sure the pandemic didn’t help<\/em>.\u00a0 The isolation.\u00a0 The extra pounds.\u00a0 Can we talk about that<\/em> for a minute?\u00a0 How we hit an age and suddenly gain weight just looking<\/em> at food?\u00a0 \u00a0And emotions.\u00a0 Oh my.\u00a0 All over the place.\u00a0 My apologies to anybody in my circle.\u00a0 I’ve isolated myself more.\u00a0 I’ve walked away from people and things I used to enjoy.\u00a0 And have asked the question “What is WRONG with me” way more than I’d care to admit.<\/p>\n Menopause happens.\u00a0 \u00a0Perimenopause happens.\u00a0 And it effects us.\u00a0 And as I get closer to my 51 birthday, I’m doing whatever I can to learn more about it, so at least I know what to expect and to know that I am not alone.<\/p>\n And something else magical happens as we hit the 50 mark.\u00a0 We need to take care of our bodies.\u00a0 \u00a0We get booked for all kinds of tests to make sure we stay healthy and strong for a long time.\u00a0 One of those tests is a mammogram.\u00a0 \u00a0Have you seen what Bluewater Health is doing?\u00a0 They have a new online referral system just launched during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.\u00a0 You can access the new platform anytime, and is meant to make it easier to book breast screening services for those between the ages of 50 and 74.\u00a0 I booked mine this afternoon.\u00a0 Gotta keep doing all the things to take care of ourselves, right?<\/p>\n I love that my yearly checkups, and maybe my mammogram, is always done around my birthday.\u00a0 It’s like the best gift.\u00a0 Taking care of my health.\u00a0 Grateful to be able to do that.<\/p>\n Now if someone can please tell me just how long this menopause stuff lasts, I would appreciate it.\u00a0 (smile)<\/p>\n x<\/p>\n Carrie<\/p>\n <\/p>\n