Something is burning!

There hasn't been a great deal to report on matters menopausal for some time. In fact, even now I am not sure why I am posting. Just to say nothing much - how radical! But it is really. My body is very slowly changing, like the slow uncoiling of that snake. Cycles are still erratic - just when I think it's all over - that ole trickster waves the flag again. But, it's not much of a problem really- just dig out the pads and slow down. I have not experienced any flooding or suchlike. Then, a few days later my womb goes back to sleep for a while.

I am incredibly lucky though.  I am able to listen to my body - go for a nap, or get out in the fresh air, or just sit in the rocking chair if I feel the need.

If I was still working in the hospital, or in a call centre, shop or running the country for that matter, I would not be able to heed those cues.  I would ignore them - push them aside as inconveniences and carry on regardless.

What would happen then?  Would my body begin to ramp up those so called "symptoms"?  Would the crone begin to shout louder  - would there be lots of blood, sweat and tears?
Would I make haste to my GP and ask to be taken out of my misery?  Cured of my disorder?  A medical problem that was only discovered (read invented) by a male gynaecologist in the mid 1960s.  Would I contribute to the ever open maw that is the bank account of Big Pharma?

Yes, I guess I might.

I could be facing a poverty stricken retirement and needing to boost my pension as much as I could.  I could be struggling as a lone mother with teenage children to support, I could be at the very top of my chosen career - one I had sacrificed a lifetime for.  I could be - well, fill in your own blanks.  The point is, menopause is inconvenient in the workplace, as is pregnancy and motherhood, as is menstruation.  It does not belong in this capitalist system and must be at best, ignored, or,more likely,  treated as a deviance.

When did those witch burnings end? They're back! Women are burning each day, through having to ignore the cries of their own bodies. The disorder they call menopause -" the tragedy of menopause", as Dr Wilson, (that esteemed gynaecologist called it), - could be caused by - well - working for The Man.

Phew! I'm feeling pretty warm myself, now that I have thought through this. I have absolutely no evidence for any of it either - it just sort of flowed from somewhere within. 
I do feel very thankful, every day, that I am able to embrace this time of life.  I have known, since I began this journey, that if I welcomed The Crone, I need not fear her - for she is me, and I her. 

Since I last posted here, I have lost my own Mother.  I thank you all again for the support and love shown in other places.  But now, I am here - the Head Woman of my small tribe.  I am the keeper of those traditions and memories.  It is an awesome responsibility, and I am glad She is with me.
As we head into a New Year, my wish for you is, that if you have heard that knocking, however timidly, rush to fling the door open and embrace Her who stands within you.  Then you will be blessed.