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!”
