As a post-menopausal 48 year-old who went through early menopause, this post really struck a chord with me. Essentially I'm trying to adjust to what desire now means to me, because oestrogen-fuelled desire felt very different. Maybe there's 'less' of something, but maybe that means refining or even redefining what I now desire. Maybe more Eau de parfum than Eau de toilette?! One thing I want to make clear is that I still have desires - they didn't disappear with my periods (even if that's what the capitalist misogynistic media want you to think...)
My sister came and visited the other weekend and the theme of the weekend was "We do what we want." We just moved through our days together, fueled by our desires-we ate what we wanted, when we wanted, read, meandered through stores, slept in. I'm determined to have more weekends like that so my husband and I are now also having Empty Nest Saturdays-where we also 'do what we want'. In this stage of life, we don't have to do kid activities, and yet we have stuffed our desires down so much during the childrearing years that we don't know what we want anymore. These Saturdays are an exploration to reconnect with our wants and desires. Thanks for the great article.
Interesting version of that phrase - we have to bother ourselves but it wouldn’t really be bothersome except to feel something like a desire because we know we are writers; but when you “bother” - I wouldn’t call it bother, either because they don’t bother like a coach like you and anyone likes you for my niche(s) :)?
As a post-menopausal 48 year-old who went through early menopause, this post really struck a chord with me. Essentially I'm trying to adjust to what desire now means to me, because oestrogen-fuelled desire felt very different. Maybe there's 'less' of something, but maybe that means refining or even redefining what I now desire. Maybe more Eau de parfum than Eau de toilette?! One thing I want to make clear is that I still have desires - they didn't disappear with my periods (even if that's what the capitalist misogynistic media want you to think...)
I CAN'T WAIT for this workshop! Yippee! Unfortunately, I will be at work during the live event but I will be tuning in the the recording.
I accidentally posted this comment twice which is why you see a deleted one.
i look forward to your thoughts on it!
My sister came and visited the other weekend and the theme of the weekend was "We do what we want." We just moved through our days together, fueled by our desires-we ate what we wanted, when we wanted, read, meandered through stores, slept in. I'm determined to have more weekends like that so my husband and I are now also having Empty Nest Saturdays-where we also 'do what we want'. In this stage of life, we don't have to do kid activities, and yet we have stuffed our desires down so much during the childrearing years that we don't know what we want anymore. These Saturdays are an exploration to reconnect with our wants and desires. Thanks for the great article.
Oh my gosh yes! I call those desire retreats and I love Empty Nest Saturdays. So delish!
Fascinating. I went through menopause at 48 too (surgical). So much to unpack!
Interesting version of that phrase - we have to bother ourselves but it wouldn’t really be bothersome except to feel something like a desire because we know we are writers; but when you “bother” - I wouldn’t call it bother, either because they don’t bother like a coach like you and anyone likes you for my niche(s) :)?