I had the courage to share from my heart
My story was published in the latest online Women's Spiritual Health magazine, www.SibellaPublications.com. Look for page 24, where you'll see the article below. There are many other great writers who have lots to offer, so be sure to sit down with your glass of wine, your cup of tea, or any other way that you can get quiet enough to sit and take in their words.
MINDFUL BEGINNINGS
Perimeno-PAUSE – Taking Time For Healthy Reflection
By Lisa Pedersen
Sometimes perimenopause creeps up on you, other times with a big bang. In my case, it was
the latter. After mentioning at a routine physical my heavier menstrual cycles, an ultrasound
revealed ovarian cysts (one measuring 5.4 cm.) and a thickened uterine lining. An endometrial
biopsy and ovarian cancer screening were performed. Despite relief over the negative results, I
continually bled for over forty days, ultimately requiring intravenous iron therapy for the added anemia diagnosis.
Surgery loomed in my future, having been informed I should have the cyst, and part, if not all, of my left ovary
removed. This happened close to my 48th birthday. Here lay a pause I had yet to encounter: perimenopause.
I’m in the healing profession, counseling on the importance of self-care. This time, I was the person needing care,
especially if there was opportunity to continue life on this planet. I slept, cried and felt guilt for arriving at this life
event. Through working with healers, utilizing calming techniques, journaling and allowing others to help me, within
two months, my body changed to its natural state of health. A repeat ultrasound was miraculously NORMAL! No
more cysts or thickened lining. My doctor had never seen a woman heal within such a short time frame. All surgeries
were cancelled.
The following list may help women create space to graciously navigate menopause and beyond:
1. Find your “team”. Besides family and friends, mine included a medical doctor who prescribed natural
progesterone, an herbalist who offered herbs, an energy worker who used the art of touch and loving kindness, and
a gong therapist who played while I immersed myself in the surrounding vibrations. This didn’t happen overnight.
Find who works for you; be willing to accept their expertise, while listening to your own inner guidance.
2. Listen to calming music, or meditate. Taking time to pause is the true lesson for us all. We must slow down
and quiet our minds so that magic can take over.
3. Write about hopes, dreams, desires and resentments. Be honest about your relationships. I realized how
complacent I had become, needing to return to the joy of life’s offering.
4. Evaluate responsibilities and allow others to share the load. I felt exhausted doing what others could do for
themselves. I now ask myself the simple question, “Whose
job is this, anyway?” If it’s not mine, I move on.
My new lease on life begins nourishing my soul. Writing is one
act that falls into this category and I humbly share my story here.
What feeds your soul? Pausing well before menopause may help
you discover exactly what you need to live with optimal health
and well-being.
www.mindfulbeginnings.com
lisa@mindfulbeginnings.com
