Menopausal Mother

Today on the blog I'm featuring Kim Brooks' book, Conquering Menopause: A Guide For Couples, which is excellent for women struggling with menopause issues in their relationships. We all know how hard it is on our partners---the rapid mood swings, anxiety, fatigue, and general crabbiness associated with the change. Kim says her book is a "revolutionary guide that introduces a new perspective on menopause: one that sees it not as an obstacle, but as an avenue for couples to grow and connect more deeply."

Here is a brief summary of the book:  

This book serves as a comprehensive guide and companion for couples navigating the complex journey of menopause. It starts with an introduction that acknowledges the strain menopause can place on relationships, setting the stage for a deep dive into the biological, emotional, and relational aspects of this life transition. Emphasizing empathy, open communication, and mutual support, the book offers practical strategies, exercises, and conversation starters to help couples maintain intimacy, manage stress, and grow together during menopause.

Each chapter of the book addresses a different facet of the menopause experience, from understanding the physiological changes and symptoms to exploring various management strategies, including Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) and holistic remedies. The guide stresses the importance of seeing menopause not as an obstacle but as an opportunity for personal and relational development, offering insights into how couples can support each other through changes, foster deeper connections, and adapt their lifestyles to embrace this new phase of life.

The conclusion reinforces the book's message of hope and empowerment, inviting readers to approach menopause with a sense of adventure and optimism. It encourages sharing experiences, supporting others, and contributing to a broader conversation about menopause, transforming it from an isolating experience to one of collective empowerment. Menopause is presented as not merely an end to fertility but a gateway to enriching the next phase of life and relationships, urging couples to step forward into this journey with courage, joy, and an unwavering commitment to each other.

Inside this valuable guide, you'll uncover:

·         How to open up a genuine dialogue about feelings, fears, and expectations surrounding menopause.

·         Practical tips to manage hot flashes, mood swings, and other common symptoms together.

·         A unique approach to rekindle intimacy during menopause.

·         Detail on how lifestyle changes can help manage, reduce, or even eliminate some of the typical symptoms of menopause.

·         Actionable strategies to strengthen your relationship and foster deeper understanding and compassion.

·         Specific, practical tips for managing stress and anxiety in menopause.

·         How to maintain a sense of humor through the ups and downs of menopause.

Bear in mind that menopause is different for every woman – and every couple.

While this guide offers advice and insights based on a wide range of common experiences, the precise path you walk will be your unique journey.

And, despite what popular culture might suggest, menopause is not a catastrophe nor a woman's problem. It's simply another stage of life - something that can even, believe it or not, bring couples closer together!

QUOTES From Conquering Menopause:

“Imagine two trees standing side by side. As the seasons change, they weather storms and bask in sunlight, each affecting the other's growth. Similarly, couples facing menopause can either stand resilient together or let the winds of change create distance between them. This chapter is about nurturing that resilience, about being two trees that lean into each other for support, sharing the sunlight and rain equally.”

 

“Menopause does not knock on the door; it often barges in unannounced, bringing changes that can ripple through the calm waters of a relationship. But here's a thought: what if couples saw this as an opportunity to fortify their bond instead of bracing for impact?”

 

“In the tapestry of life, sleep weaves a thread of tranquility essential for rejuvenating both body and soul. As menopause ushers in a myriad of changes, the sanctity of sleep becomes more precious, requiring a conscientious effort from both partners to preserve its quality.”

**I highly recommend Kim's book if you are currently experiencing menopause issues in your relationship!  

BUY IT HERE: 

● Amazon.com/dp/B0CYGC3YF1  = Paperback

● Amazon.com/dp/ B0CY7SPXRR  = E-Book

● Amazon.com/dp/B0CZKKVJP2  = Hardcover

AUTHOR BIO: 

At 53, Kim Brooks is an author who has transformed her menopause journey into a helpful guide for others. Drawing from her own experiences and thorough research, she has written "Conquering Menopause: A Guide for Couples," aiming to offer insights, support, and practical advice to those navigating menopause. Her commitment to aiding others during this phase of life showcases her dedication to education and advocacy.

While she has a passion for writing, Kim, a mother of three and grandmother of five, places a high value on creating memories with her family.

Currently, Kim is working on the audiobook version of her guide, with a release planned for July 2024.

Kim's author page on Amazon:  https://www.amazon.com/stores/Brooks-Publishing/author/B0CZF36XVN?ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=

Welcome to another edition of Fly On The Wall group blog postings hosted by Karen of Baking In A  Tornado. Today there are three of us brave souls inviting you into our homes for a peek at what goes on behind closed doors. 

The nosey fly followed Hubs and me to St Augustine last week for our annual wedding anniversary vacation (this year was our 40th!). He definitely overheard some weird conversations but mostly he saw us relaxing on the bay and eating waaaay too much seafood. 

It was such a fun trip! Mac got to jet ski in the bay (I will never do THAT again after almost falling off into frigid water that was infested with little worms!!) and one evening we went out on a sunset cruise that was also a wine tasting party. The wind was CRAZY but we had a blast (who wouldn't when you're out on the ocean sipping wine for 2 hours!).

Our favorite part of these annual trips to St. Augustine is exploring the historic district and tasting all the culinary delights the city has to offer. Best seafood, best martinis, quaint shops, adorable old homes and B&Bs, friendly locals..... I'd buy a home here if I could afford it.

We went back to the special place that rents clown cars---a tradition of ours every year---but looking at those mini mobiles this time (and feeling horribly bloated from so much calorie-laden indulgence), we looked at each other and realized there was no way we could fit our fat butts into the tiny car---not to mention crawling back out. FUGGEDABOUTIT. So we rented a golf cart instead to toodle around town. Much more comfortable!

In typical Doyle fashion---and the motto we live by: "Go Big Or Go Home," Mac and I got matching tattoos to celebrate our 40 years together. We chose the Japanese symbol for love since we love Japanese culture and we're still deeply in love (yeah, I see your eye rolls....). It was a funny experience even though there were some OUCH moments while getting inked (but totally worth it!). 

ME: "That was a great meal and a great dessert!"

HUBS: "It was....but now I need to hibernate for a few months to digest it all."

ME: "There are vultures circling over our hotel!"

HUBS: "That's because I haven't showered in a few days."

ME: "Ah yes, they DO like the scent of rot."

ME: "Why are you lying on the hotel bed like that?"

HUBS: "I ate too much lobster at the restaurant---I have to lie in the fetal position to feel better."

HUBS: "My back is killing me from all the walking we've been doing at the tourist spots."

ME: "You should just get back surgery and be done with it." 

HUBS: "No way. The surgeons will remove one or two of my disks and then I'll be shorter. In fact, I'll probably be so short that you'll stick me in the backyard and use me as a yard gnome."

ME: "Or a door stop....."

HUBS: "We're eating too much rich food at all these restaurants. It's making me gassy. But at least my farts are kinda quiet---like tiptoeing through the tulips."

ME: "I wouldn't call that tiptoeing. More like galloping."

ME: "Aren't you glad I'm not a picky person like some other women we know?"

HUBS: "Yes, you're definitely not a picky person because you picked me. Happy Anniversary!"

Now it's time to go buzz around with the fly at Karen and Diane's house to see what they've been up to!

Baking In A Tornado                                https://www.BakingInATornado.com

On the Border                                         https://dlt-lifeontheranch.blogspot.com/

Welcome to another edition of  Fly On The Wall group blog postings hosted by Karen of Baking In A Tornado. Today, three of us are opening our homes to give you a glimpse of what goes on behind closed doors. 

While the past month has been tremendous fun, it did have its difficult moments. We had to say goodbye to another one of our pugs---an unexpected ending that felt like a terrible gut punch. Brewski was just shy of his 13th birthday and the first pug pup we ever adopted. He started having gall bladder issues and before we knew it, he was at the emergency vet clinic, diagnosed with cancerous tumors on his liver. The prognosis was not good and the poor baby was in pain, so we had to make that devastating decision once again to let him go (only 1 1/2 years after losing our sweet Savi). The grief is still fresh but I'm trying to keep busy and focus on the good stuff.  We have one pug baby left---Yoda, who is seven, but I don't see any more dogs in my future after going through so much pet loss trauma.

We've also been spending more time with friends to stay busy and avoid feeling sad about Brewski. We are incredibly blessed to have such wonderful, caring people in our lives.

On a lighter note, one of the highlights of this past month was our weekends at the Renaissance Festival.  We didn't attend as much this year (wasn't up for it after losing Brewski), especially since I noticed a BIG shift in the crowds. Like.....now Mac and I are the old farts there watching all the "youngsters" getting wild and crazy. Damn, that used to be us....WHAT HAPPENED?? Still had fun though with the family and of course, met some interesting characters......

And of course, there was our annual St. Patrick's Day celebration with the family and the neighbors. I made the traditional corn beef, carrot, cabbage, and potatoes in memory of my mother, who always spent the holiday with us. Not only did we wear green, but also served green beer and green champagne to our guests! Yeah, I'm weird with my enthusiasm for ANY  holiday.....

The next day we hopped on our tandem bike to burn off the green calories. Why do people laugh at us when they see us pedal around the neighborhood???

Lastly, I've been busy planning several RV trips this year since we finally have our "Lucy." I feel like this is the beginning of a new chapter for us, and I'm pretty excited! I finished decorating Lucy so she is ready to roll! But I don't know if the Florida Highways are ready for The Doyle mobile. A friend actually gave me a sign for our RV that reads, "If this RV is rockin', don't come knockin'!" Would the Doyles have it any other way??

***Want more Meno Mama? Check out my latest grandparenting advice column for Yahoo Life HERE and my recent essay on AARP/The Ethel about the 2 words that help me through life (you can read it HERE). If you like movies that feature the power of female friendships, I have an article about it on AARP/The Girlfriend ( you can read it HERE) and one on easy 4-ingredient meals HERE.

Be sure to visit the sites of the other bloggers participating in this month's Fly On The Wall post. They always have something fun going on!

Baking In A Tornado                                https://www.BakingInATornado.com

On the Border                                         https://dlt-lifeontheranch.blogspot.com/