I guess the answer to this question will span over a large spectrum. Some women breeze through the menopause and have no idea what other women are talking about when they complain of symptoms. For others, it changes their lives out of all recognition. I would put myself right in the middle of that range.

As I grew older and into “that window” (btw…how on earth did I get here already??), I expected to start having hot flushes and night sweats. I was familiar with the fact that I might become a bit forgetful. However, I was not prepared for the thick blanket of brain fog…the rollercoaster of mood…feeling like I don’t quite know myself anymore…or losing my motivation and creativity (it was still there…I just had to make myself search for it!).

Maybe you’re going through this right now and feel completely lost…

What on earth is happening to me?

Why don’t I feel in control of my life anymore?

I’m normally so organised but at the moment, holding my plans and keeping on top of things feels like trying to keep hold of a pile of wet fish!

I can’t get out of bed in a morning with all these aches and pains, everyone is getting on my nerves and my head feels like mush (oh wait a sec while I just have a hot flush)!

Sound familiar?

It’s so often at times like these that we try to “fix” ourselves and “make” ourselves be ok! Not possible I’m afraid…but there IS hope. There is some fantastic medication out there which can help to bring balance to your body and so it’s important to see a doctor (as well as having several showers a day and…) what was I going to say? I don’t know, I’ve forgotten. It’ll come back to me…(it doesn’t :D).

This is a time we need to rest in the arms of God. To hear his affirmation over us.

Psalm 91: 1-2

Those who live in the shelter of the Most High
    will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
² This I declare about the Lord:
He alone is my refuge, my place of safety;
    he is my God, and I trust him.

No one knows us like our Father. He knows us better than we know ourselves and when our body and mind is going through a strange transition, He sees us and He understands. He never undervalues it. Yes, in the scheme of things, me or you going through the menopause is a very small thing but to us, at that time, it’s hard and He values that, He values us and walks through it with us. I think one of the hardest things about the menopause is that we’re not exactly sure when it begins and we certainly don’t know when it will end. For me, I just realised after a few years that things were calming down and I felt more motivated and less emotional. I’m still waiting for my memory to get back in line but I’m sure some of that is my age! We can’t fix what we don’t understand and what we can’t have no control over.

Phil 4:6-7

⁶ Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. ⁷ Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

I love this…it’s the perfect model in any situation.

Don’t worry

Pray… Pour out your heart and share with God what you need

Thank Him for all He has done and is doing

When we thank Him, our focus shifts from worry and desperation, to hope and thankfulness. Try it, it really works!

Finally, as you do this, take time to rest or take a break by going for a walk and let His peace wash over you. He’s got you!