Most women spend their teenage years and their 20s going through a stage of self-discovery. Ironically enough, when we enter perimenopause and menopause, that stage comes back – with a vengeance!
So many times I felt alone during perimenopause and menopause (I call it PM&M), except, of course, for the SUMO wrestler in my head. You might have one too. He’s that big, scary guy, telling me horrible things, like; “You’re getting old and wrinkled,” “You’re not smart anymore,” and “You’re already fat, so you might as well finish all that cookie dough and skip baking the cookies.”
In the end, my perimenopause and menopause journey actually taught me to look at some of the dysfunctional relationships in my life – like the one I had with food – and how to treat them with kindness.
Now, when my SUMO jumps in my face and begins yelling at me, I try to minimize him. I make him smaller in my mind. Over time, he keeps shrinking.
Being aware of your SUMO is so helpful because he shows up a lot! Forget the unrealistic dieting goals. Simply take care of yourself and your body in a way that brings you a sense of peace and calm. Love yourself, and when you look in the mirror every day this year, and for the rest of your life, reconnect with the beautiful person that you are, and say, “I am fabulous!” If you don’t believe it the first time, say it again! “I am fabulous!”
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About “E”
“E” is the pen name of Ellen Sarver Dolgen, author of Shmirshky: the pursuit of hormone happiness—a cut-to-the-chase book on perimenopause and menopause that’s filled with crucial information, helpful guides, and hilarious and heartfelt stories. Known for her humor, compassion, and sassy personality, E has appeared on numerous television and radio broadcasts, including: the Rachael Ray Show, The Doctors, Oprah Radio, Playboy Radio, “Tell Me More” on NPR, Doctor Radio, and dozens of other regional and national media outlets. She appears monthly as a menopause and women’s wellness guest on KSWB Fox 5 Morning News San Diego and is a regular guest on the popular radio show, “Broadminded,” on Sirius XM Radio (Stars XM 107). E is also one of the first regular contributors to debut on the Huffington Post’s latest site, Huff/Post50. When E isn’t promoting women’s health and wellness, she’s busy trying her best not to eat all the ice cream in the freezer.
About Shmirshky: the pursuit of hormone happiness
The book, Shmirshky: the pursuit of hormone happiness, is your perimenopause and menopause (PM&M) toolkit. It condenses a confusing and daunting medical topic into an easy-to-understand, purse-sized guide that can be used as a reference throughout your PM&M experience. Reading Shmirshky is like getting a big, comforting hug from a dear friend who happens to know a lot about menopause!
Oh, and by the way, “shmirshky” (pronounced SHMERSH-KEY) is a playful name for vagina and the women who possess them. Visit Shmirshky.com for everything you wanted to know about perimenopause and menopause but were afraid to ask!