Going through menopause can feel like zapping the joy from your life.
Suddenly your emotions are all over the place. You’re not in control. You’re shifting into a new phase as a woman in this already stressful world.
Last month I had the chance to speak at The Magnificent Menopause Connection and we discussed what feelings might come up for someone in menopause using the KonMari Method™.
Someone going through menopause is at the crux of many periods of life; so the KonMari Method™ could bring up a range of feelings, but because the KonMari Method™ is all about experiencing more joy in your life, this can return a zest for life to people who feel weighed down during menopause.
Let me show you how.
Menopause & Grief
At this time in our lives, we may be facing the loss of a parent or even viewing the changes that come from them aging.
If you’re processing items in the homes of parents who are aging or perhaps have passed away, that could bring up feelings of responsibility, grief, sentimentality, or nostalgia. We want to take time to appreciate the memories and certain elements that would be wonderful to hold onto while acknowledging that not everything is meant to be kept.
You can pick and choose what items are most significant to you and just hold onto those, allowing a sense of peace by holding on to what’s most important. This helps when getting rid of the rest.
A client of mine is processing the items in her recently-passed parents' house and is just keeping one special jacket of her dad's and some of her mom's favorite hats.
It may be difficult to work through at first, but you can also find peace this way.
Menopause & Empty Nest Syndrome
Now, perhaps you (or someone you know who is going through menopause) have children that have moved out of the house.
There is both profound joy and sadness in watching their children make decisions about their lives moving forward.
A clean out is inevitable – and when it comes to things you might have bought for them, it can be tricky. At a time when they’re clamoring for their independence, you may be clinging to everything they’ve ever owned.
In times like this, it’s still important to utilize the practices used above in the Menopause & Grief section. Look over your child’s belongings and decide what is actually significant to the both of you.If your child has decided that some things do not serve them anymore, find peace in their decision and know that it’s for the best to get rid of items that don’t serve them. If there are things of theirs that you determine most important to keep, hold onto it and find peace in knowing you have what’s most significant.
Menopause, Marriage & Mid-Life Career Changes
Among the changes experienced by women going through menopause are changes in their careers and relationships.
Is time in the corporate world coming to an end?
Are marriages or relationships in a period of change?
Many couples I deal with where someone is at a menopausal age are facing issues where the way they managed the household while young children were there has led to resentment towards one of the adults in the house – and they would like that experience to change moving forward.
Maybe they are ready for some joy in their next phase of life – fewer work hours, more ease, and peace.
You have a choice during this time.
The KonMari Method™ can help you identify which activities could bring joy or how to manage your time or availability while keeping a good eye on their future financial goals.
It’s a good time to notice how hormonal changes can affect everything. It can often feel volatile, so counteracting that with a calm environment can also be helpful by minimizing stress and helping you to be more intentional.
The KonMari Method™ could help anyone going through changes in their lives and help people work through these changes and complex emotions.
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