The Plot Twist Nobody Saw Coming

Here’s what they don’t tell you about getting through perimenopause: on the other side lies a version of yourself that’s more authentic, more powerful, and more unapologetically you than you’ve ever been. Welcome to your fucking fabulous fifties.

The Wisdom of the Warrior

You’ve survived sleep deprivation, hormonal chaos, teenage attitudes, and marital renegotiation. You’ve learned to hold space for your anxiety without letting it drive the bus. You’ve discovered that advocating for yourself and setting boundaries isn’t selfish – it’s survival.

This isn’t just about getting through perimenopause. This is about emerging transformed.

The Mindful Integration

By now, mindfulness isn’t just a practice – it’s a way of being. You’ve learned to:

• Respond rather than react
• Honor your needs without guilt
• Communicate authentically
• Trust your inner wisdom

Marriage: The Next Chapter

Your relationship has weathered the storm. You’ve both learned that love isn’t just about compatibility – it’s about growing together through change. Your marriage might look different now, but it’s probably more honest, more intentional, and more resilient.

Parenting: The Long Game

Your teenagers are watching you navigate this transition with grace and grit. You’re teaching them that:

• Women’s experiences are valid and important
• Change is natural and survivable
• Asking for help is courageous
• Authenticity is more valuable than perfection

The Gifts of Going Through

Clarity: You know what matters now. The rest is just noise.

Confidence: You’ve survived your worst days. You can handle whatever comes next.

Compassion: For yourself and others navigating their own transitions.

Courage: To live authentically, speak truthfully, and love fiercely.

Your Fucking Fabulous Fifties Manifesto

I am not the woman I was in my thirties, and that’s exactly as it needs to be.

I choose relationships that nourish me and release those that drain me.

I trust my body’s wisdom, even when it’s inconvenient.

I parent from authenticity rather than anxiety.

I show up in my marriage as myself, not who I think I “should” be.

I honor my needs without apology.

I speak my truth with kindness but without compromise.

I embrace the messiness of being human.

I am not too much. I am exactly enough.

The Ripple Effect

Your journey through perimenopause doesn’t just change you – it changes everyone around you. Your teenagers learn about resilience. Your partner learns about adaptability. Your friends learn about authenticity. Your community learns about the strength that comes from vulnerability.

A Letter to Your Past Self

Dear woman in the thick of it,

I know you’re scared. I know you feel lost. I know you’re tired of feeling like you’re failing everyone.

You’re not failing. You’re transforming.

This chaos you’re experiencing? It’s the breakdown that comes before the breakthrough. Your body isn’t betraying you – it’s teaching you to listen. Your emotions aren’t too much – they’re information.

Trust the process. Trust yourself. Trust that on the other side of this storm is a version of yourself that you’ll absolutely love.

Your future self is fucking fabulous, and she’s worth every uncomfortable moment of growth. Remember, growth doesn’t happen without discomfort!

The Invitation

This is your invitation to stop apologizing for taking up space, for having needs, for being human. Your perimenopause journey isn’t just about hormones – it’s about reclaiming your power, your voice, and your right to exist fully in this world.

Your fucking fabulous fifties are waiting. And honey, they’re going to be incredible.

Resources for Your Journey

• Connect with other women going through this transition
• Consider therapy or counseling for additional support
• Explore hormone therapy options with healthcare providers
• Join perimenopause support groups online or in your community
• Practice self-compassion daily

Remember: You’re not just surviving this transition – you’re using it to become the woman you were always meant to be.

Here’s to your beautiful, messy, powerful journey. You’ve got this.

 

Megan Bayles Bartley, MAMFT, LMFT, is a proud member of The American Society of Clinical Hypnosis and The International Society of Hypnosis.

She has written several contributions for the Ericksonian FoundationNewsletter multiple times! She’s even had her book RESET: Six Powerful Exercises to Refocus Your Attention on What Works for You and Let Go of What Doesn’t reviewed in the Newsletter. Read the review HERE!