"To finish the moment, to find the journey's end in every step of the road, to live the greater number of good hours, is wisdom." Ralph Waldo Emerson

Derailing Your Train of Thought

Have you ever noticed how certain patterns in your life keep re-emerging. Doesn't it sometimes feel as though you've gotten yourself locked into some kind of bizarre dance that sends you round and round the same issues and behaviors time after time...more

By:Les Brown  

Everyone should read this article...young and old alike!!! Les Brown does it again with one of his thought provoking MidLife Mastery articles about Einstein's definition of insanity: "Doing the same thing over and over again, each time expecting different results." FIVE STARRS*****

A Relief to Some-Witchcraft to Others...

A Relief to Some-Witchcraft to Others...

By Carrie E. Pierce and menopauserus.com

Let's face it, Menopause happens to all women- eventually- and
brings with it numerous physical, emotional and psychological
changes.
This process might be met with feelings of relief, peace and
acceptance-or depression, anxiety and illness.

How a woman accepts this inevitable time in her life depends
largely upon the cultural and societal norms that prevail in her
day to day life.

For instance, it's been shown that European women seem to fear the
decline of their mental health during Menopause, while Jewish women
take very little issue with the process as a whole.
Arab women seem to fear the loss of love from their spouses, once
their ability to bear children declines, yet in several studies,
Japanese and Filipino women seem to weather Menopause rather easily.

Why is this-and what makes it so?

Women's responses to the Menopause process vary significantly from
culture to culture.
The more the culture in question views Menopause as a natural
occurrence in a woman's life- and not a disease process to be
conquered, cured or overcome- the easier and more enriching the Menopause experience will be.

The more Menopause is viewed as a 'loss' -of youth, vitality,
beauty- the more likely that a woman will experience pain, illness
and emotional issues as she makes the transition.

To prove this phenomenon let's take a closer look at various
cultures and how Menopause and aging in women are perceived:

Most Western Cultures, where birth control is prevalent and the
cultures are rather 'youth driven', (such as the US and Australia)
find Menopause to be a ‘loss’ that is to be mourned, and/or battled
at all costs.
Studies conducted in these countries reveal more negative physical and
emotional symptoms accompanying the Menopause process.

In studies conducted in Australia, findings were high: almost 80%
of women suffer with various Menopause-related ailments, while
women in non-Western cultures seem to have a much easier time with
the transition.

So, why this startling difference?

Is it just a genetic phenomenon? Something strictly related to diet
and/or lifestyle?
You just might be surprised...

The African approach to Menopause varies depending upon culture and
also the childbearing history of each woman.
Throughout Africa, menopause is seen mostly as a blessing.
It affords equality between men and women for the first time in a
woman's life- and can be a very welcomed transition, as childbearing
comes to an end.

The downside to Menopause in Africa:
Spotting or bleeding after Menopause is often viewed as a mark of
Witchcraft, and that opens up an entirely different, undesirable
can of worms!

In Italy, Menopause is thought to be the 'Third Age' and is
approached positively-as a totally natural part of a woman's life.
Physical symptoms may get to these Italian women a bit, but their
peace with the process helps them prevail and thrive-all the while
maintaining their sexuality.

In Japan, Menopause is viewed as a very positive occurrence, as
this particular culture is rather Age-friendly.
Women moving through Menopause in Asia are viewed as having
increasing worth; gaining honor in society instead of being pushed
aside.

Sikh, Mayan, East Indian, Filipino and Asian women all share
positive Menopausal experiences.
The common denominator surrounding the Menopause process in these
cultures seems to be this:
Women- in these countries, once menstruation and childbearing
cease- gain importance, recognition, respect and parity in what are
predominantly male-dominated cultures.
This then frees them for the first time in their lives- and on many
planes.
The women in these cultures are actually transitioning TO
something, rather than away from something.

-This appears to be key in having a healthy Menopause experience.

As we are within, so are we without...

Society dictates a woman's self esteem, and self perception.
This is most unfortunate- but true.
In societies where aging is considered a loss, handicap or journey
toward death, Menopause has proven to be a rather bumpy ride for
women.

On the other hand, in cultures where it is viewed as being a
natural, normal process- and a time of true freedom- Menopause
proves to be a rather easy time of transition- and a time of self-growth
and self-actualization.

-Never has the saying 'Change your thoughts, Change your Life been more true!

Carrie has worked exclusively in the skin care, health and beauty industry for over 25 years. 
She’s a licensed Aesthetician, is certified in Color Analysis and has built a solid, international reputation in the field of holistic, menopausal skin care; specializing in harmful cosmetic ingredients and industry practices. 
She’s a recognized speaker and published writer- having written numerous articles in women’s health and beauty publications and she is Founder and President of Menopauserus.com- The ultimate natural help and support site for women in need of peri menopause and menopause relief. 
It’s her mission to help make menopause ‘The Change for the Better’- for women everywhere!

Guest Blogger Bobbie Hinman: You Are Never Too Old To Follow Your Dreams

You Are Never Too Old To Follow Your Dream

By Bobie Hinman

What do you mean, “You’re too old to start a publishing company!”?

Sixty-three isn’t old!

In fact, my years of life experience have finally given me the knowledge (and admittedly, the guts) to do something that I have always wanted to do – write children’s books. I wrote several small books in college and thus began my love of children’s literature. I didn’t have time to do it right after college. I was too busy teaching and putting my husband through school. I didn’t have time to do it while I was raising a family. I always put their needs first, knowing that my time would come. And this is just the right time.

My ideas for a series of fairy books grew out of the need to explain to my ten precious grandchildren the answer to some of the universal mysteries of life, such as “How did my hair get so tangled while I was asleep?” and “Whatever happened to my other sock?” I could have submitted my ideas to other publishers and waited for the rejection letters to roll in. No, I wasn’t being overly pessimistic. It’s just a known fact in the book world that a number of rejection letters almost always precede that special acceptance letter. At 63, I didn’t want to waste any time. I decided to form my own publishing company. My other motive for going this route in place of traditional publishing was that I wanted to retain control of all of the decisions about artwork, design, and all the other headache-producing decisions. I wanted excitement, work and challenges.

My children are grown and it has become increasingly important to me to leave them a legacy, one that isn’t measured in dollars and cents, one that will leave them something that they, in turn, can leave to their children.

 I have returned to my educational roots, started my own publishing company, and have released two children’s books. The Knot Fairy explains one of the universal mysteries of life – “How did my hair get so tangled while I was sleeping?” The Sock Fairy reveals the answers behind the dilemma of missing socks. Soon, my third book, The Belly Button Fairy will be released. In just a few short years, my books have won a total of eleven children’s book awards. But the real reward is seeing the pride in my grandchildren’s eyes and knowing that this legacy will live on, and that I have taught them two valuable lessons in life:

(1) you can do whatever you want if you just work hard and never give up; and

(2) It’s never too late to follow your dreams.

Visit Bobbie Hinman at:
http://bestfairybooks.com
http://bobbiehinman.blogspot.com

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