About this episode
Confidence you gain in menopause could light a fire under you like never before in your life. What’s not to love? You raised kids who are good people. You like them. You survived stuff. You know real drama and you're done with mean girls who have time to leave comments on your social media platforms. If you apply to be a guest on the Flipping 50 show here to talk about self doubt in midlife you’ll get rejected. I’d rather talk about the confidence you gain. Wouldn’t you? I recently, very recently vetoed an application for a podcast to Flipping 50 based on going from self doubt to confidence. The premise was women in midlife go through menopause with hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia, weight gain and feel unsure and uncertain about themselves and their futures. Welcoming the confidence you gain in menopause lets you charge into this exciting chapter with all the fierceness you've earned—because, let's face it, you're not just surviving, you're thriving! Confidence You Gain in Menopause from Women You’re Around So, I ask you, is that what you want to hear? Because it’s not what you’re going to get here. In fact, this very same afternoon, I had that proposal via email, I met a midlife woman who made me question whether I was living up to my capacity! And you know after talking to her I was feeling inspired. Inspired to bike a little longer, hike a little higher, stretch myself (not talking about yoga here) a little more. I saw possibilities. In the other proposal, and by no intention on the sender’s part - of that I’m absolutely certain - I felt myself hitting a glass ceiling of sorts. I finished - well I didn’t … because I was clearly already forming this podcast in my mind… feeling like it would be enough to settle for overcoming the symptoms of menopause. We’ve got to stop this. Stop it right now. OKAY, yes. I get that many of you are dealing with hot flashes night sweats and it’s not as easy as stopping the wine, sugar in other forms, reducing processed foods and simple carbs and bumping protein and the intensity of your workouts or…more walking. [However, by the way these things help!] But I’ve watched women in midlife who might have been worried about what people will think or unsure of what they want, and reluctant about asking for it even if they did, be pretty dam sure of themselves. Actress Jodie Foster (and by the way she acted and directed Nyad and if you haven’t seen it and doubt what you can do at any age, watch it). It’s worth the extra subscription to Netflix to see it. I may or may not have watched it two days in a row. I’m a study of 1, but here’s how I felt flipping 60. I spent the 10 days following that birthday completely differently than I did the approach to it. The approach to it felt a little like wanting to rush against time and get as fit as possible, or see more muscle or less fat on the Smart Scale or do more pull ups. And after, I became obsessed with things I’ve put off and haven’t done. I registered for an Ironman. (more on that later) I booked nearly a month in Colorado this summer. I got tickets to what for me will be an epic concert - James Taylor at Red Rocks Amphitheater I chose clearly based on core values between two things I desperately wanted and suddenly the universe gave me both by rescheduling the second to a later date. **Can You Tell Me About the Confidence You Gained in Menopause ?** I want to hear from you. I’ve heard from a few of you. You’ve decided to keep working because you love it and don’t love the idea of retiring with your spouse and being around the house together without purpose all day. You’re not being disrespectful to your partner but you’re being more respectful to yourself and saying no, no thank you to say yes to yourself. You’re realizing that little subtle comments from others can be harmful to your own ability to decide for yourself and you’re asking for what you need. Menopause, midlife, a notable birthday… will do that for you. Some of you learned through tragedy earlier. There’s wisdom in witnessing tragedy and having to step into courage you didn’t know you had because you have to. Use it dear listener. Use it to your advantage. Don’t hide it any more. Stop saying, “I’m sorry ” for doing your job for needing to speak up. It’s time we give ourselves permission. I’d love to hear from you. When you see this episode posted on Facebook or Instagram, will you share what you’re shrugging off and or stepping into? And would you share how your fitness has been a part of that? I’ll leave you with this: When she lifts heavy things, she can more easily weather heavy things in life. She may ask your opinion. She’s not asking for permission. She does not fear getting old, she’s got her eye on getting bold. More than she wants to lose weight, she wants to lift weight. She doesn’t look forward to retirement, she is interested in rewirement. She doesn’t fear falls as much as she fears stalls. She can walk with power toward things, or walk away from things. She doesn’t feel invisible. She feels invincible. There’s no more powerful health influencer in the world than a midlife woman. She’s responsible for 85% of all household decisions, and has 3 generations of influence. When a woman changes her own story, she changes history. Resources: My TEDx talk: https://www.flippingfifty.com/TEDx You Still Got It, Girl! The book: 40+: https://www.flippingfifty.com/wwwexercise Other Episodes You Might Like: BUILD MUSCLE and LOSE FAT in MENOPAUSE: Why You Can’t Lose Fat in Menopause - https://www.flippingfifty.com/lose-fat-in-menopause/ Enhancing Gut Health to Enhance Weight Loss & Muscle Strength - https://www.flippingfifty.com/gut-health/ Think You’re Too Old? Ageism Dismantled with Ashton Applewhite - https://www.flippingfifty.com/ageism-dismantled/