Well, here we are. The big 5-0 is knocking on the door, and let me tell you, it isn\u2019t exactly bringing a bouquet of roses. More like a bucket of lukewarm water, splashed right in the face at 3 am. Yes, I am losing my youth, and no, I can\u2019t shove everything into the \u201cI\u2019ll do it in my thirties\u201d or the \u201cWhen I turn 40!\u201d boxes anymore. Those boxes have long been packed up, labelled \u201cGood Intentions,\u201d and lost in the attic of my mind.<\/p>\n
Now, society has this charming little notion that women over 50 are about as appealing as a half-eaten sandwich left out in the sun. Sure, we *know* women in their fifties are attractive. I mean, have you *seen* Michelle Pfeiffer? But does society know? Oh, society knows a lot of things. Like how to set unrealistic beauty standards and then casually ignore us when we don\u2019t meet them. Because it\u2019s not enough to know your own worth intellectually; you\u2019ve got to actually *feel* it, which, let\u2019s be honest, is a bit tricky when you\u2019re being told that \u201cyouth is beauty\u201d at every turn.<\/p>\n
Perimenopause is just the cherry on top of this mid-life sundae. It takes a warrior of a woman to keep believing that we still have worth when our bodies are apparently staging a rebellion. Hot flashes? More like personal summer vacations\u2014every 30 minutes. Mood instability and irritability? Sorry, was I supposed to *not* feel like throttling the next person who suggests I \u201ctry yoga\u201d? Poor concentration and brain fog? Oh, that\u2019s just perfect when I\u2019m trying to remember if I\u2019ve paid the electricity bill or if I\u2019m actually supposed to be in a Zoom meeting right now. And decreased libido? Because nothing says \u201cfun\u201d like feeling about as sexy as a damp dishcloth.<\/p>\n
Yet, despite all this, I still stand here, somewhat upright, a little more cranky, but definitely still here. Because, dear society, you may think I\u2019m past my prime, but I\u2019m just getting started. And for every woman out there who\u2019s navigating this labyrinth of hormonal chaos, there\u2019s a community ready to laugh about it.<\/p>\n
Here are five Instagram accounts that prove you can face the flames of perimenopause and still keep your sense of humour intact:<\/p>\n
1. **@menopausebarbie** \u2013 Dr. Barbie Taylor breaks down menopause with the enthusiasm of a cheerleader and the knowledge of a seasoned pro. She makes hot flashes sound like a carnival ride you can laugh about.<\/p>\n
2. **@thepelvicroar** \u2013 A trio of pelvic health specialists who mix education with hilarity, making the less glamorous aspects of midlife a lot more bearable.<\/p>\n
3. **@jenmannauthor** \u2013 Jen Mann, author of “People I Want to Punch in the Throat,” provides a sarcastic take on middle age that\u2019s both relatable and laugh-out-loud funny.<\/p>\n
4. **@mybloodyuterus** \u2013 It\u2019s raw, it\u2019s real, and it\u2019s often hilarious. This account is all about the honest journey through the ups and downs of womanhood.<\/p>\n
5. **@themidult** \u2013 Self-described as \u201cfunny stuff for grown-ups,\u201d this account tackles the absurdities of middle age with wit and wisdom, proving you\u2019re never too old to laugh at yourself.<\/p>\n
So, here\u2019s to the next chapter. May it be filled with more laughter, fewer hot flashes, and a societal recognition that beauty doesn\u2019t come with an expiry date. Cheers to us, the real warriors of womanhood.<\/p>\n
I have coffee to drench my sorrows in and a cheerie personality to uphold.
\nUntil later my Queens, until later.<\/p>\n
\/L<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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