When I first met Kristin, I had just had my third baby. I had three kids 4 and under and was in the throws of postpartum depression, though I didn’t know it at the time. Kristin was a slightly more seasoned mom who was an invaluable resource and support for me during what was a rather difficult time in my life as a young mom.
Kristin became my cheerleader. She encouraged me to pursue my budding talent as a photographer, and her four kids became my first official photography clients. Those were back in the days of film cameras, and I spent many hours in my make-shift dark room in my upstairs bathroom getting those photos to turn out “just right.”
Kristin is still my greatest cheerleader, though we are both at different stages in our parenting journeys now. My kids are no longer babies–they’re in school full time while I work from home full time. Three of Kristin’s kids are in college, with her youngest still in high school. She stays extra busy as the president of our women’s organization at church.
We laughed about the fact that we’re getting older – fast – but that so much of life is better now than it was 11 years ago. Instead of being in the middle of child-bearing years, we are now approaching a huge change….one that most women don’t seem to want to talk about.
The 2nd Talk – What are Menopause and Perimenopause?
I still feel young. I still AM young! When I happened to let slip the word “perimenopause” in front of my husband recently, he looked at me like I was crazy. And yet…. I’ve been noticing symptoms of perimenopause (and comparing/discussing with my friend Lisa) for the last year.
I might have had my doubts (could it really be happening to me so soon?) until my mom mentioned that something I was dealing with while I was at her house this summer sounded like the early stages of menopause. I believe now.
It doesn’t seem all that long ago that my mom had “The Talk” with me…preparing me for my first period. It’s crazy that I’ve now had that same talk with my own girls, and now I’m having “The 2nd Talk” with my mom as I begin this next stage of womanhood.
You know what? Bring it on! Menopause is not something to be scared of, and certainly not something that women should feel they have to deal with alone.
Poise has a whole line of feminine wellness products to make the changes that we all go through during these “middle years” a little easier. I found the question and answer section on Poise.com so helpful and insightful! Check out Poise’s line of Feminine Wellness products:
- Poise Roll-On Cooling Gel
- Poise Body Cooling Towelettes
- Poise Feminine Wash
- Poise Panty Freshener
- Poise Personal Lubricant
I was able to find the Poise products at Walmart right next to those other “feminine products” that I am already shopping for regularly (psst – there’s also a $1.00 off Poise coupon on Walmart’s site!). Be warned, though – they are popular so if you see them on the shelf, grab them while you can! My local Walmart was out of stock, and the second Walmart I visited had two products left.
My “2nd Talk” Spa Day
I think everyday should start like today. I picked Kristin up at 9:00 this morning and we headed to a local day spa. We spent a full 90 minutes getting a full body deep tissue massage. Yes, our bodies are a little bit older and hold quite a bit of tension, but the pain was totally worth it. We both left the spa feeling light and refreshed. It was Kristin’s first massage….but I’m sure it won’t be her last.
Kristin and I headed out to lunch after our spa date was over, and we promised each other to make this a tradition. The lunch AND the massage. The talking and sharing stories, too. It’s what we women do best.
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Disclosure: I am a member of the Collective Bias™ Social Fabric® Community. This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias™ and Poise #CBias #SocialFabric #PoiseFab5. All thoughts and perimenopause symptoms are my own. See the entire path-to-purchase in my #PoiseFab5 Google+ album.
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What a great friend to have in your life! I am thankful to have a couple winners around too. :)
You know, I made up my mind that if I had to go through menopause, it was going to be the easiest transition on the planet! And you know, it was. I had a few symptoms but it was never severe enough that I even bothered shopping for any of these great products. I’m glad they are there for other women, but I’m feeling fine two years later and don’t need them a bit. Sometimes attitude is your best weapon.
So awesome that you’ve had someone in your life long enough that you were able to broach this topic so easily with her. It’s great to have these kinds of talks with someone we trust. I bet that massage was awesome!
It’s great that you have such a close friend to talk to! I am, admittedly, a little jealous of that – and the massage!