Friday, 15 February 2013

Winter Preparation – Emotional Cycles

Looking back to when I was forty two I realise my self-awareness was pretty much non-existent. 

It was the month of May.  Bluebells carpeted the woodland walk we were on, when I was physically jolted when my husband raised the question ‘Had I noticed anything different about my behaviour?  His questions were tentative as only a couple of days before we had had a full blown row about a minor matter that I cannot recall. Of course I dismissed the question entirely, defending myself, as you do, and blaming my bad behaviour on other circumstances.  I started my period two days later.
I had niggling doubts that things were not quite right as I realised and admitted to myself that what used to be my one PMT day had now turned into about seven.  The kids had been ducking and diving around me at that time and it was obvious to everyone but me that I had changed.
After a blood test confirmed that I was peri-menopausal I got my head down to learn as much about the menopause as possible.  I had been as regular as clockwork and still was, but my cycle now included fluctuations in my hormone levels that affected my emotional state and at those times I was a complete bitch to live with.
Knowledge is power and though there is little we can do about our changing hormonal patterns, at least by admitting it to ourselves we can see when we are likely to be at our most vulnerable emotionally. I began logging my cycle.  As well as understanding myself better it helped when planning holidays, weekends away, when to start something new, and more to the point, when not to. 
I urge you to do the same.  Write down your cycle dates and keep a log on how you feel physically and emotionally at this time.   Knowing where you are on this score will help you use your self-awareness to your own advantage rather than waiting for that hated question, ‘Is it that time of the month darling?’ when you could gladly throttle him on the spot.
For one to one Skype coaching sessions contact Susan on susan@susanloveday.com or visit www.susanloveday.com  for more information.

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