Menopause

A resounding cheer and hardy applause

To the women who've made it through menopause

You've had night-sweats, hot-flashes, mood-swings, and rashes

Crying off lashes, and OOPS! restroom dashes

Although you've felt crazy, tired and lazy

Your thoughts have been hazy, you're FRESH like a daisy

Kudos to you, here's a round of applause

For you've taken on and conquered…Menopause!

Step aside, gentlemen! There’s a new sheriff in town and she’s packing heat! Lots of heat, “throw away the covers, get your leg off of me, turn on the damn fan”, kind of heat!

Armed with an extra round of testosterone, this menopausal momma is ready for an old fashioned “Bonanza” style showdown. “Swing open the shutter doors, fetch my horse, Hoss, and prepare to ride!” (Cue Bonanza theme song)...dun ta dun, dun ta dun, dun ta dun, dun dun dun.

Kidding aside?...NO! Kidding is required! Enduring this lengthy and not-so-prized phase in a woman’s life demands a healthy dose of laughter. Personally speaking, maintaining a sense of humor has allowed this Annie Oakley wannabe, not only to survive the nonstop adventure of the wild, wild west but learn to vault, ride side-saddle, do the one-foot drag, and gracefully dismount my quarter horse in the process.

We women, over a certain age, typically 45 to 55 years, have varying stories about our menopausal journey. For some, it is only a slight disruptive chapter in our lives, for others; we’re left longing for the good ole days of PMS and the childbearing years.

Whether our journey has been merely a slight trot through the cool night air or a vigorous gallop through rough and tumble terrain, together; we will calculate our clearances, jump our hurdles, withstand the sweltering sun and make light of our plight (when possible), In the end, our posse, will valiantly ride off into the sunset, enjoying the view. HI-Yo, Silver! Away!

As I have aged, making light of difficult situations has become my go-to. My light-hearted approach is often helpful whether faced with the challenges of my ever-changing body or any situation that I am faced with. How about you? What is your go-to? Are you able to clear your hurdles with a sense of humor? Do you have a posse to ride off into the sunset with you? Regardless of your approach, regardless of the size of your posse, you have navigated your way through the rough and tumble trip. Kudos to you! It’s time to take a pause...and give yourself a congratulatory round of applause!!!