RIP to My Best Friend

Since my last email there has been few happenings but the most profound was the loss of my 4-legged best friend. I’ve had pets most of my life, mostly dogs. They are wonderful creatures. But Axel, he was different. He soothed my soul in a way no pet or even human ever has. His passing has rocked me. I knew it would hurt when I lost him one day but never did I imagine the intense grief that came when he did pass. I was gutted. My heart and soul ached and still do. There will never be another like him.

I am healing one day at a time. It’s quiet and empty without him. We sure did make some good memories though. What a wonderful life he had and he made our lives wonderful too. I am in no hurry to have another dog. I am not sure my heart can handle it just yet.

I visit him nearly everyday under my favorite maple tree and tell him about my day. So I am still here healing and leaning into the quiet and using it to grow.

Menopause: When Your "Breeze" Becomes a Battle (and How to Win)

When I began educating myself on menopause a few years ago I assumed I was in already in the throws of it and I was navigating it quite well. I spent a good amount of time learning about what was happening inside my body and what I should be doing to help ease the destruction plummeting hormones would do.

What I discovered was, I was already doing many of the right things prior to diving into educating myself. I remember thinking, “Wow, this should be a breeze for me then!” What symptoms I did have were seemingly mild and very manageable. I was fit, strong and feeling young for my age. Yep, this will be a breeze.

And it was.

My ego was happy.

Until it wasn’t.

My ego is nowhere to be found now. She packed up her shit and has left the country and she took my hormones with her.

A little over a year ago the train started to come off the tracks. I continued applying what I’d learned hoping to avoid complete derailment. And so far the train hasn’t come completely off the tracks but it’s shooting sparks pretty often.

I won’t go into complete detail about what a train wreck this past year has felt like, just trust me when I say it’s been a ride. And so far the train is still chugging down the track and I’ve avoided derailment so far.

What’s my secret of avoiding full blown mental and physical meltdown? I’ll tell you.

Education.

Simply understanding what is happening inside my body and learning what all the symptoms are has been crucial. As they began to crop up I had the knowledge to recognize what was happening. Instead of feeling like my world was falling apart for no apparent reason, I knew the reason why it felt that way. I also was armed with the knowledge of knowing ways to manage it. I understand that I can’t cure it or avoid it. The only way out is through. But I can manage it.

I don’t believe for one minute that there is women who get through menopause without some challenges. Maybe I’m wrong, but I really don’t think I am. The lengthy list of menopause symptoms is filled with things that could be easily misinterpreted for something else. And they are often are.

I would have never known these things had I not made the decision to education myself on what lay ahead. I also now know why my mom’s journey through menopause and even beyond into her final years was so turbulent and challenging. Unfortunately the information wasn’t available to her. I can’t change her story but I can my own and I will do so in her memory.

My message to you regardless of who you are, female or male, in the words of Nelson Mandela, “Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world.” My goals aren’t so lofty as to change the world but to change my own world and inspire you to do the same for yourself.

If you are not educated on menopause PLEASE get educated! Your life depends on it. Men that goes for you too.😉 

From my heart to yours,

Keli 💚

PS: If you need guidance on where to start shoot me a message and lets chat.