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Elena Brower's avatar

inspiring, uplifting, and most importantly REAL. thank you, Alex. and you are officially prepped for menopause... the most empowering time in my life thus far.

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Niki Flynn's avatar

Thank you for this. What a beautiful reflection and inspiring post. ❤️

I’m almost 3 years into consistently caring for my body, and in perimenopause, and while it is taking time… I appreciate the process (now) and have sustainable habits.

Thank you again.

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Anita Darcel Taylor's avatar

My life went into a tailspin at age 61. Silly me thought it would be fabulous after quitting alcohol, but no sooner had I done it than my heart went weird. I was diagnosed with genetic terminal heart disease. First up? Cry? Next? Get on the internet and investigate the best heart healthy diet I could afford. Vegetarian, organic, whole foods. Seven months later, 70 pounds lost. I'm cheering for you, Alex. What you are doing is miraculous, not just the weight loss and not even primarily the weight, but taking charge of yourself, claiming you. It's what I had to do as well, and although everything now is a little scary, I am delighted with who I am becoming. My slogan is, “Nothing matters but also everything matters but also you’re dehydrated.” I don't know where I picked it up (somewhere in a Substack essay I'm sure), but it's true. Keep doing the thing. And keep patting yourself on your back. It is a grand thing for your children to witness.

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AnyerlyMel's avatar

Thank you so much for this uplifting message. I think that a lot of us women sometimes feel like we are alone in these battles of changes. I love this, it gives me hope and light ❤️

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Joan Ridsdel's avatar

Alex, thank you for writing about your journey - loved it! After decades of restrictive dieting, emotional eating, overeating, (bingeing and purging at 18/19), I finally made the decision to make some changes and so for the last 10 months I've completely transformed my mindset and relationship with food and my body, have very slowly begun to lose weight finally, gone back to a regular exercise routine, paying more attention to the ups and downs with Hashimotos and Hypothyroidism - all finally at 67 years old. I'm so glad you're doing all of this now and not waiting - your body, mind and spirit will thank you as you begin peri and shift into menopause/post menopause. Thanks again for sharing!

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Rachel Carruth's avatar

I'm 53 years young and honoring menopause in all its glory. Embracing the changes big and small that it has brought to my body and my life. Breathe deep Alex, it's going to be a wild ride but I'm here to tell you, the clarity and wisdom on the other side are incredible!

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Jennifer's avatar

Well done - The "We Can DO Hard Things" ladies taught me to put myself on the list! I make my plate first, walk in the morning first, skip the lunch sit and fuss at work for a mid day stroll. Tiny steps add up to a better me not smaller me, or old me, but ME!

Next up pictures great suggestion!

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Alicia Joyful's avatar

This menopause ride is full of the twists and turns, what it mainly is, is trusting and accepting. I lost about 20 pounds after getting back in gear which was now 2 years ago and have been fully in the waves of menopause and gaining this muscle, losing that weight was about me being more of an open channel for my body, it was a way to clear away and allow more opening to listen deeper. Grateful every day for those hard choices I kept making, now it’s a habit just what I do!

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notesbycee's avatar

thank youuuu so much for opening up about your journey. its been a relatable read and a motivational one as well. it really is beautiful how our bodies change and learning to work with it as time goes by. just another testimony that life is really amazing when lived - the bad, the messy, and good

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Kelsey's avatar

“You’re more than a partner, mother, title.” That one brought me to tears. For the first time in years I’m unemployed and I am the breadwinner for my family. It’s left me feeling like I am failing at all my roles. Without being able to support my family, I don’t know who I am or what I’m doing, so that one really hit me hard.

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Delicia E's avatar

Wow wow wow!!! Thank you for this amazing reflection. You have inspired me to add spinning to my cardio routine!

These 40 lessons were spot on and right on time!

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Samantha McDole's avatar

Reading this essay felt like going back in time and reading my thoughts 5 years ago. Such a powerful and beautiful memory and reminder. Thank you so much for sharing!

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K Lee's avatar

Thank you for sharing. Your message is encouraging and a great reminder of the importance to love one’s self fully and completely. I am working on addressing me- mind, body, and soul/spirit; so, I truly appreciate this message- it is so confirming of the efforts that I am taking.

Peace, Strength, and Blessings to you. 🙏🏽

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Ashley Neese's avatar

You continue to amaze and inspire me Alex. This piece resonates on so many levels. Thank you for publishing it. Thank you for sharing it with us. ❤️

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Andrea Berg's avatar

I love this!! I made that quiet choice in November, almost exactly 3 years after my last baby. It’s a wild healing journey!! I’m so encouraged to see you almost 18 months in! Keep it up mama and keep us posted 🙏🏻♥️🥰

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Zarinah Howard's avatar

I’m not a mother yet God willing I will be one day but your journey resonates with me and is a reminder to pause and be present this is a gift 🎁 💕💫

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