A Meaningful Midlife

23/09/2022

RIP Hilary Mantel

“One of the many passages of Hilary Mantel that will never leave. ‘All houses are haunted.’ RIP.”

15/02/2022

Some of you may know I am passionate about trying to understand and shine a compassionate light on how women relate to their bodies and appearance. This is the 2nd time this week I'm sharing Emma Thompson's words, this time because what she says echoes what so many women have told me. We know we've been taught to dislike our bodies and yet - as aware as we are - it is very hard to overcome

10/02/2022

Really beautiful article by Emma Thomspon

When three generations of my family were together I realised how, wordlessly, we recalibrate each other

28/01/2022

Can anyone relate to this 🙂

08/01/2022

The window of tolerance suggests that we all have an optimal 'window' in which we can best manage our lives. But certain stressors and triggers can push outside of this window and makes it difficult to cope. These are different for each of us and can be anything from lack of sleep, an upsetting phone call or a reminder of a past trauma.

The good news is that once we recognise we are outside of our window of tolerance we can find ways to get back into it again. What works for one person will be different for another. The key is to start by getting curious about what works for you - some examples are taking slow deep breaths, hanging out with your pets, exercise, talking to a friend or doing an enjoyable activity like cooking or drawing.

Thanks to Juliet Young - creative.clinical.psychologist for the illustration

03/01/2022

Happy New Year! I hope 2022 brings you peace, love and whatever your heart desires 🧡

09/06/2021

Today in Parliament menopause will be debated by cross party MPs for only the second time in history. The first debate was on the same day that I launched the campaign in Westminster. You will be able to watch the debate on Parliament Live online from 4.50 today. I have submitted information from the recent Menopause Support survey for inclusion in the debate. I have been to Westminster many times to meet with MPs and raise awareness of the campaign and it’s aims but my Menopause Support commitments mean that I can’t be there today. If you would like your MP to attend this important debate please Tweet them NOW to encourage them to attend. This is another small step to making menopause matter for everyone and achieving the remaining aims of the campaign.

02/06/2021

I've long wondered about the role of past traumas in women's experience of menopause. In my work with midlife women I found it is not uncommon for old trauma's to resurface at this time. So I was pleased to see some research into this. Studies suggest there is a connection, and that past traumatic events may make menopause more challenging. Fortunately our understanding of how to treat trauma is improving all the time, so if this affects you, help is available. You can read more about the research here..

The answer may be in the past

11/05/2021

This is well worth a read
https://www.theguardian.com/society/2021/may/09/mission-menopause-my-hormones-went-off-a-cliff-and-im-not-going-to-be-ashamed?fbclid=IwAR3T6tdUvWdDs0LXuKdt54BSQnRJT9MmiIaqG2cn38kaABlezaif5zCxEsA

An estimated 13 million women in the UK are living with the menopause. So why are so many enduring the turmoil of its symptoms without help and support? It’s about time that changed, argues Kate Muir

10/05/2021

"I feel like a parrot. I keep repeating the same thing over and over again. "Your attitude about ageing will influence how long you live."'

Findings show those with positive self-perceptions about aging had health advantages, living on average 7.5 years longer than those with negative ones

01/05/2021

Coming up soon...