Why do some women going through menopause feel like they're out of control, irritable, short- fused and just plain crazy? And why do others pass through seamlessly with nary a hot flash or mood swing? Back in 2005, when blogging was still fairly new, I created the blog, Midlife Matters. As a health writer, I was excited about sharing accurate and timely health information in an intimate setting which fostered a dialog with other like-minded midlife women, something that’s not possible via standard print magazines and websites. To date, my most popular post was about Menopause and Anxiety { Read More }
Five Easy Ways to Take Good Care of Yourself
In just a few days, hubby and I are taking off for Italy (so excited!), our first big vacation together in many years (did I mention that I'm so excited?) Although I've been fortunate enough to travel to some great places recently, he has not. That's what happens when you are too busy to get away. And did I mention that not getting away is making someone very, very cranky and stressed? Don't tell him I told you that. And if you're reading this, honey? I love you anyway. But getting away doesn't have to involve a long vacation, nor does it have to mean spending money. Everyone needs to take a break from { Read More }
The Secret to Being Happy
How were your holidays? Hopefully full of fun and good cheer. But I know that's not the way for everyone. Some of it might be forced cheer. Maybe you're tired of putting on a happy face. Maybe happiness is just...overrated. Why try so hard? Click on over to my other blog on healthywomen.org, where I let you in on a secret. And please do me a special favor? Feel free to ignore my advice. Do you have any secrets to share on how to be miserable? { Read More }
Do You Ever Act Outside Your Comfort Zone?
Perhaps I was a boy scout in a former life. I doubt it, though, since I quit Brownies after the very first meeting. I guess it comes down to the fact that I am not a so-called "group" person...but somehow, somewhere the "be prepared" motto got drilled into my being. Blame my own mother neuroses. I'm always the one schlepping my sweater to the movies in the summer "just in case" the air conditioning is too cold. Even though it is 98 degrees and muggy outside and all the air conditioning in the world couldn't cool off a hot and sticky room. I'm always the one throwing a baggie of nuts, a nutrition { Read More }
Saying Goodbye to All That
There are two different schools of thought regarding so-called aging. Those who say they hate it... they're also fond of saying things like: Aging is not for sissies Aging out-and-out sucks Aging is tough Aging is a @^*!% struggle. And then there are those who: Embrace Aging Celebrate Aging Recite a prayer of thanks each morning they wake up Show off Aging Say Aging beats the alternative Me? I fall somewhere in between. I can't actually decide. One day I embrace it...then, poof! It hits me right in the gut. Sometimes, I can get a bit grumpy about it. My knee aches (is that osteoarthritis or { Read More }
7 Secrets to Being Happy-Happier-Happiest
Having just emerged from a year filled with disappointment, loss, injury, sadness, pain and more disappointment, I'm determined to make 2013 a better year. Silly me to think that it's that easy. As if these things were under my control. A girl can wish, right? Not to be deterred, here's what I decided is under my control. And I want to share some things that are definitely more realistic:, not just for me, but for anyone out there who wants to be happy (or happier): Smile - even when that's the last thing you feel like doing. There something about the act of turning the corners of your mouth up - { Read More }
My Top Thirteen New Year’s Resolutions (Hint: They’re not for me)
Happy New Year, dear faithful readers! Thanks for visiting, because without you, there would be no blog. This blog is my way of having a conversation with like-minded people (and even if you're not like-minded, I like to hear those opinions, as well). And if you enjoy reading it, can I impose on you to do a few things? Tell your friends about it. (The way I see it, the more, the merrier). Tell me what you like, what you don't like, what you'd like more/less of. (I aim to please). Tell me what some of your New Year's resolutions were. That is, if you made any. (Maybe it'll be a good { Read More }
Ho Ho… Ho?
Please don't call me a Scrooge (okay, go ahead if you must), but since the holiday hoopla started just about the time Halloween was winding down, I'm really tired of it by now. The endless catalogs cluttering my mailbox; the flash sale pop-ups each time I turn on my computer - they're like those pesky black flies that keeping dodging the swatter and are impossible to kill! - the commercials at decibel levels that make my ears ring; the Christmas songs that play...and play...and play...in an endless reel long after they've actually stopped playing but instead get stuck in my head and follow me to bed { Read More }