Menopause can feel a lot like a long, unpredictable storm — one that comes with hot flashes instead of rain, sleepless nights instead of thunder, and mood swings instead of gusty winds. But what if, amid the chaos, we could find a bit of Irish luck to carry us through?
With St. Patrick’s Day on the horizon, it’s the perfect time to reflect on how feeling green — both in the sense of being unsettled and embracing renewal — can actually help us navigate this stage of life with a bit more grace and hope.
Feeling Green in More Ways Than One
“Feeling green” isn’t always a good thing. It can mean feeling off-balance, unsteady, or even a little nauseous — all sensations that menopausal women know too well. The fluctuating hormones, the brain fog, the anxiety that creeps in at 3 a.m. — it’s enough to make anyone feel seasick on dry land.
But there’s another side to green. Green is the color of new life, of springtime, of fresh starts. It’s the color of resilience and growth. Just as nature starts to bloom again after a long, harsh winter, we too can find strength and renewal during menopause — even when it feels like our bodies are betraying us.
The Luck of the Irish: Finding Joy in the Little Things
The Irish have a knack for finding joy even in the face of hardship. Irish culture is rich with stories of overcoming adversity, embracing community, and laughing through the tough times. Perhaps that’s why the concept of “the luck of the Irish” feels so comforting — it’s not about everything going perfectly; it’s about believing that good things are possible even when life feels impossible.
During menopause, that’s the kind of luck we need. Not the magic of a perfect solution or a quick fix, but the quiet reassurance that things will get better — that a good night’s sleep will eventually come, that the mood swings will pass, that there’s still so much joy to be found even in the midst of change.
Embracing the Green Within
So how do we channel that Irish spirit during menopause? Here are a few ways to tap into the luck — and strength — that’s already inside you:
- Lean on your tribe. Just like the Irish gather in pubs and around family tables, find your own circle of support. Talk to friends who understand what you’re going through — the ones who will laugh with you through the hot flashes and brain fog.
- Celebrate small wins. A full night’s sleep? A day without a hot flash? Celebrate it like you’ve found the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.
- Find humor in the chaos. The Irish know the power of a good laugh. Sometimes the best way to survive menopause is to stop fighting it and start laughing at the absurdity of it all.
- Connect with nature. Green is the color of growth and renewal — take a walk outside, breathe in the fresh air, and remind yourself that this is just a season. Just as the trees bud again each spring, you too are finding new strength and new beginnings.
Luck Isn’t Always About Fortune — It’s About Perspective
Menopause can feel like a long stretch of cloudy days, but maybe that’s where the Irish wisdom comes in. Luck isn’t about everything going right; it’s about finding light even when things feel dark. It’s about recognizing that you’re stronger than you think, that this season is reshaping you in ways you can’t yet see.
So this St. Patrick’s Day, wear your green with pride. Let it be a reminder that even when you feel unsteady, you are growing. That the storm will pass, and when it does, you might just find a rainbow waiting for you.
