The United States recently celebrated Independence Day on Saturday, July 4th and for me, personally, it was a day to celebrate my “independence” from menstrual cycles. July 4th, 2020 was exactly a year since my last menstrual cycle started so I am now officially in menopause. Yay for me! I am blessed to have been able to go through the process with all my body parts and naturally. I learned that many women do not have such an experience.

Thankful for the 40 years of cycles that I had as I was able to become a mother, which in my opinion, is one of the most important and fulfilling “jobs” on the planet. Hormone changes and fluctuations are part of life and important yet can be challenging. I learned in recent years more about hormones and menstrual cycles. Something I wish I would have known sooner. I especially wish I would have learned of the writing, “Wisdom of the Menstrual Cycle” by Christiane Northrup, M.D. It would have helped me tremendously.

Menopause for me is a positive experience. I am blessed to be able to volunteer at a Pregnancy Resource Center, start pre-placement training through my state’s Vocational Rehabilitation services so I can resume employment utilizing my skills and talents, hopefully, in the field of healthcare administration, and soon celebrate 32 years of marriage with my amazing and wonderful husband. My role of parent is different now as my son earned his master’s degree in May and has been living independently for several years. I still “parent” pets and have a quiet, peaceful joy practicing my catholic faith. Have plans to resume writing a blog when time allows to try to bring hope and inspiration to others. Take care and stay safe.

Kindly With Blessings!

Jennifer