WHEN LIFE DOESN'T GO TO PLAN
What a delayed journey taught me about stress, resilience and navigating menopause with more kindness.
This week's blog comes to you from sunny California.
Although, I arrived a day later than expected! My holiday didn't quite begin the way I'd imagined. My first flight was delayed, which meant I missed my connecting flight to the USA. Instead of arriving on Friday, I eventually arrived on Saturday afternoon.
There were queues... lots of them. Queues to speak to airline staff. Queues to be rebooked. Hours of waiting with no certainty about what would happen next. Years ago, that would have completely thrown me. I'd have become frustrated, anxious and exhausted trying to control a situation that simply wasn't within my control. But over the years I've learnt something important.
Whilst I can't always choose what happens to me, I can choose how I respond. Once I accepted that my journey was going to look different, everything felt calmer.
Jackie
SOMETIMES REST IS THE MOST PRODUCTIVE THING YOU CAN DO
Then, when I finally boarded my flights, I made another conscious decision. Normally I'd open my laptop, catch up on emails or tell myself I should be using the time productively.
Instead, I watched films. Seven of them! I gave myself permission to switch off. It felt unfamiliar. But it also felt exactly what I needed.
And it made me think about how many women I meet who spend their lives feeling they have to earn their rest.
IN THE MENOPAUSE WORLD: TOO MUCH INFORMATION, NOT ENOUGH CLARITY
One of the biggest challenges women face today isn't a lack of menopause information. It's the sheer volume of it. Social media, podcasts, blogs, books and influencers all offer advice, often with completely different opinions. One person tells you it's hormones. Another says it's your gut. Someone else says it's stress. Another recommends supplements. Someone else tells you not to bother.
One of the biggest challenges women face today isn't a lack of menopause information. It's the sheer volume of it. Social media, podcasts, blogs, books and influencers all offer advice, often with completely different opinions. One person tells you it's hormones. Another says it's your gut. Someone else says it's stress. Another recommends supplements. Someone else tells you not to bother.
It's no surprise that so many women tell me:
"I don't know who to listen to anymore."
This is why I believe so strongly in personalised menopause support. Every woman arrives with a different story, different symptoms and different priorities. There isn't a single solution that works for everyone. Sometimes what women need most isn't more information. It's clarity. A way to make sense of what's happening in their body.
DOWNLOAD OUR FREE PDF
If this feels familiar, you can download a free PDF with more information and practical next steps.
TIP OF THE WEEK: GIVE YOURSELF PERMISSION TO PIVOT
The Pain Point
Life doesn't always go to plan. Plans change. Unexpected things happen. And suddenly it feels as though everything is out of your control.
During perimenopause and menopause, these moments can feel even more overwhelming because your nervous system is often more sensitive than it used to be.
One Powerful Shift
Instead of asking:
"How do I get everything done?"
Try asking:
"What does my body need from me today?"
The answer might be:
Going for a walk
Getting an early night
Asking for help
Saying no to something that can wait
Or simply allowing yourself to rest without feeling guilty
Sometimes resilience isn't about pushing harder.
Sometimes resilience is about adapting with kindness.
WHY THIS MATTERS
So many women I support are incredibly capable.
They hold families together.
They lead businesses.
They care for everyone around them.
But somewhere along the way, they've forgotten that they deserve the same care and compassion they so freely give to others.
Learning to pause isn't giving up.
Changing the plan isn't failing.
Listening to your body isn't being lazy.
It's responding wisely to what you need in that moment.
WHERE TO START
If you are feeling confused by conflicting advice or unsure where to focus your efforts, support starts with understanding your body and your symptoms.
You can begin with:
FINAL THOUGHT
My biggest takeaway from this week wasn't about delayed flights.
It was about perspective.
Life doesn't always go according to plan.
But that doesn't mean it's gone wrong.
Sometimes the unexpected detour gives us exactly what we didn't realise we needed.
And perhaps that's true for menopause too. Not something to simply endure, but an opportunity to pause, listen to your body and choose a different way forward.
With you,
Jackie
Menopause Health Specialist
Creator of The Menopause Vitality Reset
