Happy New Year! Or as we like to call it, Hot Flash 2.0. Another year, another chance to embrace the chaos of menopause with laughter, resilience, and—dare we say it—joy.
We know what you’re thinking: Joy? Seriously? Do you even know how many ice packs I went through this week? Trust us, we get it. Menopause isn’t exactly a glitter-covered party. It’s more like a roller coaster ride where the safety bar doesn’t quite latch, and you’re clutching a fan in one hand and a glass of wine in the other.
But here’s the thing: joy changes everything. And if we can find joy amidst night sweats and mood swings, we can do anything.
Why Joy Matters (Even During a Hot Flash)
Joy is like that friend who shows up with chocolate and wine when life feels impossible. It doesn’t fix everything, but it makes the ride a whole lot better. Joy is the antidote to menopause mayhem because:
• It makes mood swings feel like less of a freefall and more of a sassy pivot.
• It transforms forgetfulness into funny stories (Who hasn’t lost their keys in the fridge?).
• It gives you something to smile about, even if your waistband has declared war.
The Benefits of Living in Joy
Let’s be real—life’s too short for us to let menopause steal the spotlight. Living in joy has some pretty amazing perks:
1. Better Health: Laughing burns calories. That’s science.
2. More Energy: Joy is like caffeine, but without the crash.
3. Stronger Relationships: People like you more when you’re not yelling about the thermostat.
4. Resilience: You can handle anything when you’ve got joy in your corner (and maybe an extra snack in your purse).
How to Find Joy When Menopause Feels Like a Circus
1. Start Small: Celebrate the tiny wins, like making it through a meeting without fanning yourself with a folder.
2. Nurture Yourself: Find your happy place—whether it’s yoga, Netflix, or a long nap.
3. Laugh at the Absurd: Because let’s face it, menopause is absurd. Hot flashes in December? Come on.
4. Find Your People: Share your stories with women who get it. Together, we can laugh, cry, and commiserate our way to joy.
This year, let’s embrace joy—even when menopause tries to crash the party. Wear your stretchy pants proudly. Keep your ice packs close. And remember: we’re in this together, one laugh, one snack, and one hot flash at a time.
Here’s to a year of joy, resilience, and maybe even a little extra deodorant.
With love and laughter,
Tina & Gwen
