Not Waving But Drowning

Is the title of one of my favourite poems.

It’s about a drowning man, thrashing about in the water, who was mistaken for waving.

The poem by Stevie Smith touched me deeply the first time I read it and still does.

Perhaps it touches me because as a Yoga teacher and menopause coach, I have worked with many women who were giving the appearance of waving, when they were barely keeping their head above water.

It also resonates with me personally.

During my journey through peri menopause there have been countless days where I felt like I’d swam too far out.

Panicked, anxious, insecure.

Not able to feel the ground underneath my feet.

Do you feel like you’re treading water right now?

Here’s what I want you to know about peri menopause from where I’m standing, 7 years on:

You WILL be OK

Like everything in life, this is impermanent, it won’t last

It doesn’t define you but it will shape your future SELF (Spoiler alert! She’s STRONGER, more FEARLESS, more FREE and more ALIVE than she has ever been before).

If you’re treading water right now, I also want you to know that don’t have to go it alone.

Please love

Find a coach, trainer, therapist, counsellor, herbalist, hypnotist, reiki healer, hormone expert or whatever YOU need.

If you don’t know what you need reach out to someone who can help you figure it out.

Suffering in silence is not a test of strength 

And it is unnecessary in this day and age

Find someone to help you clean up your diet, exercise appropriately for your new body, teach you how to breathe properly and meditate 

Go to bed early and wake up early

Rest when you need it

And when you don’t

Stop hurrying

And worrying

And sweating the small stuff

Go gently with yourself

And If you’re still struggling, look into HRT

Later on, when dry land is in sight, look out for me and all the strong and powerful women who have gone on ahead. 

We’re all here waiting for you

With hot chocolate and fluffy towels.

And guess what…..?

WE’RE WAVING! 

Changing the world smelling of Passion Fruit

 

In my early 20’s and 30’s I worked for a natural skin care company in the English Midlands called The Body Shop. Much of my time there as manager were spent campaigning for human rights, for global and community change, on environmental issues and against animal testing in the cosmetics industry. We literally changed the world through our joint efforts. And we smelled pretty good too!

My 13-year career with the Body Shop opened my eyes to this:

 

When we work together we’re stronger.

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Changing the world smelling of Passion Fruit

 

In my early 20’s and 30’s I worked for a natural skin care company in the English Midlands called The Body Shop. Much of my time there as manager were spent campaigning for human rights, for global and community change, on environmental issues and against animal testing in the cosmetics industry. We literally changed the world through our joint efforts. And we smelled pretty good too!

My 13-year career with the Body Shop opened my eyes to this:

 

When we work together we’re stronger.

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Healing Hands and lots of Sand

 

In 1997 me and my husband became expats for the first time when we moved to the Middle East.

 

Over the years I had become qualified in different healing techniques like- Aromatherapy, Massage, Reflexology, Reiki, to name a few. There amongst the mystical desert scenery, in a place where camels still roamed the mountain roads, I went to work in a Holistic Healing clinic.

 

It was there that I noticed for the first time, when I make a move to help others, magic happens. 

 

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Do Yoga Be Happy

 

Fast forward 7 years and here comes the game changer:

 

In 2013 at the age of 46, I went to live and study in a small Ashram in Kerala, South India. I came back certified to teach Yoga and having started an ongoing love affair with India. Two years later I returned to the same Ashram and completed what was to be my first certification in the Indian science of Ayurveda.

 

Now, through my work as a certified Yoga Health Coach I teach people simple habits that uplevel their physical, emotional and spiritual health, by integrating self- care habits from Yoga and Ayurveda into their modern lifestyle. 

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An Attitude of Gratitude

 

Every day when I meditate I remember all of those who guide, teach and lovingly support me in perusing my lifes purpose and making my dreams real.

 

So, what lead you to me? Thanks for reading my story. What’s your story? Where are you in your wellness journey? I’d love to hear from you.

 

 

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