Friday, October 24, 2008

My Body Rhythms are Changing

The air is cold in the mornings.
I wait until mid-day to take my walk.
By then the sun is high in the sky, warming me as I walk.

I'm starting my days with tai chi.
Morning stiffness is leaving me.
I am no longer in emotional turmoil brought about by hormonal fluctuations.
Mood swings have settled down; food cravings too.

My basement is dirty. My bushes trimmed nicely.
One afternoon in a fit of heated menopausal rage, I vacuumed the whole basement. Top to bottom, cobwebs and all. Nooks and crannies.
I haven't touched it since. I think that was about 3 years ago.

Another time, I hacked away at a lilac bush that I'd bought at the end of a season, and lovingly planted in the garden.
In 10 years it had never flowered; not one single lilac.
So I got mad and cut it right to the ground.
The next year, it grew bushier. But still no flowers.
Maybe it needs more time. Now I have patience.

My body is starting to fit better. It's beginning to feel like it's old self.... Before Menopause.

I still get hot flashes every day. So I know the process is not complete.
I still wake up at night several times, but I have no trouble going back to sleep.

I told my daughter the other day "There is an end to menopause. Just so you'll know when your time comes. You won't be suffering mood swings, hypoglycemic attacks, rage, crying, stiffness, forgetfulness......for-ever. It will go away."

"Isn't that strange?" she said to me, "That your body fits better now that you've made the decision to start caring for your own needs?"

18 comments:

Beverly said...

So glad your body is co-operating...
Maybe mine will someday....it is a blast having a hot flash with rubber gloves on...that sounds strange unless one realizes I am a nurse..LOL

Wendy said...

Hi Bev - oh, I understand. Tks for stopping by.

beckie said...

Wendy, good for you! I am so proud that you are taking care of you. I can see a change for the better in what you write. Your new header is lovely. Hasn't it been a glorious fall?

Ruth said...

Women still tend to nurture others more than they nurture themselves. Good for you for recognizing you are important. I had to laugh at some of the antics you describe and can identify with them too.

JeanMac said...

An honest woman - you made me laugh about vacuuming the basement 3 years ago!Keep felling well.

Grammy said...

Hi Wendy, I have not seen my basement in 3 years. I left it at my old house. ha ha. I am glad you are feeling better. I thought my mental pause was over I went 9 months thinking cool. Then last month mother nature came to visit. I begin to wonder if it will ever end. At least no hot flashes. I tried to cut down a bush the other day and found I did not have the breath to do it. It took both of us to trim it down.
Grammy.

Q said...

Dear Wendy,
I also feel so much better when I can walk each day. I like the idea of morning exercise. I would love to get back to my yoga. I think I just need to follow your lead and just do it!
Thanks for the inspiration.
Namaste,
Sherry

Marimoy said...

oh Wendy... you are sounding so much more peaceful. I am glad you are making a little time for yourself and your body "fits" again.

Bear Naked said...

I think the tai chi in the mornings followed by your mid day walk are helping.
Doing exercise helps to calm the body.
Glad it's working for you.

Bear((( )))

Wendy said...

Hi Beckie, yes it has. Thanks for dropping in.

Hi Ruth, I'm glad somebody else can identify with some of my menopausal silliness.

Hi Jeanmac - thanks for popping in. I'm estimating 3 years, may have been more. LOL!

Hi Grammy, mental pause is right. I know the feeling - just when you think things are settling down - pow, right back to square one. Glad you had help with the bush.

Wendy said...

Hi Sherry,
It's because of the cold weather that I had to change my routine around. I used to walk first thing in the morning, when it was cool (summer). But now it's too cold, so instead I start with tai chi. Really helps with morning stiffness. I love tai chi. I like yoga too, but not as much. I'm glad you will be starting back with yoga. We must change with the seasons.
Love and Light.

Hi Mimi - it really is a strange feelings. I've been almost a stranger in my body for 10 years. Now, it feels better. It fits once again.

Hi Bear Naked - I love my daily walk. However it is a chore once the weather changes. So, I move indoors to exercise. I am finding as I get older that exercise is really important.
Bear Hugs back at ya.

peppylady (Dora) said...

I can total relate to this posting.

Coffee is on.

Cheryl said...

Well done Wendy.....I love tai chi....it keeps you centred.....the more you take care of your needs, the better you will feel.......I am with you all the way......

Rose said...

Wendy, I'm so glad you are feeling more like your old self. I think your daughter is probably right that some of it has to do with taking care of yourself more. I still have the hot flashes, especially at night, and wonder when they will ever end. But I realize I am a much calmer person than I used to be, so perhaps I'm "settling in," too.

Your new header is beautiful! Tai Chi sounds like the perfect way to start the day. I take a class once a week--still a beginner--and I love it. I feel so much better afterwards.

Have a lovely weekend, Wendy!

Wendy said...

Hi Pepperlady, glad you came by.

Hi Cheryl, thanks for your support (even though I hacked a lilac bush).

Hi Rose, tai chi really keeps one on their toes, doesn't it? Mentally as well as physically.

Morning Glories in Round Rock said...

Dear Wendy, I want to thank you for your post. I am in the process of going off HRT, and the hot flashes and night sweats are enough to make me go back on meds. I will take your word for it that my body will "fit" again!

naturewitch said...

Hi Wendy
Our bodies often know what we need, even if we don't. So, they send us little messages to slow down, take care and look after ourselves. Glad you're listening and treating yourself right. xx

Wendy said...

Hi Morning glories, it really is a long process and I think everybody is different. The one question nobody could answer was: will I be the same after? So, I am glad to report that I am almost the same. Not quite yet and I know that I will not have a 30 year-old-energetic body again, but I almost feel like the old me. Good luck on your journey.

Hi Nature witch - sometimes I listen to my body and sometimes I do not. Thanks for popping in and for your support.