THOSE Menopause Monsters are crafty. It’s not always the big bites that do the damage. It’s often the sneaky, little nibbles, the pecks that you don’t even notice as you carry on in your busy life.
They have been out in force over the past couple of weeks, completely fooling…
MY eyes itch. There’s sawdust in them. Lots of sawdust. In the garden, right now, it looks like it’s been snowing.
How can that be?
It takes me a second, and then I feel the familiar pull on my heart.
I’m crying again.
I knew this moment was coming, but…
Stubbornness. I have it in bucket loads. Often to my detriment. It’s walked this path with me for a long time and knows just how to get my attention and bring me into line.
It also has the perfect ‘antidote’ for any self-awareness.
When I allow it to take charge…
Picking up dog poo. Putting out the rubbish and recycling. Not the most pleasant of tasks, but necessary ones.
These things are part of my life.
Then Covid reared its head and those tasks felt like a massive deal.
As did having a bath (although sitting in one was a…
Menopause, at its worst for me, is like continually being plugged into the mains and shorting every few seconds. Sparks going everywhere. Some hitting my own body and mind, others hitting anyone or anything in proximity.
It’s like a street lamp flickering madly on and off, until finally it gives…
MY hands are shaking. I can feel a dull headache coming on. My heart is racing. All this from filling in a form.
Yes, really.
Pathetic eh?
But it’s not just any form.
This form, or series of forms, represents everything to me.
My hopes, my dreams, my sense of…
February is LGBTQ+ History Month. On the eve of my birthday, I’ve put together a very special timeline. One that reminds us all that #LoveIsLove
1968: At a Kent hospital I enter the world, kicking and screaming. A second daughter for Gwen and Alan.
1969: the Stonewall riots break out…
IT won’t work. I know it won’t work.
I tell the client it won’t work.
I explain why it won’t work.
I am a journalist. Some may say an ex-journalist.
You see, I went to the dark side.
PR. Public Relations.
The ultimate sin for a journo.
In this moment…
I HAVE a confession to make. I have hugged. Several people. During Lockdown.
There, I said it.
*Looks around for blue flashing lights.*
*Breathes deep.*
A pause.
It felt amazing.
Like a supreme power prized open the rusty locks, opened my chest, unlocked my heart and let it fly freely.
…
TODAY I’m grouchy. I’m finding it hard to settle to anything. My time blocking plan has gone out the window, along with my creativity.
So, I’m writing this.
Write it out and all will be well, I tell myself.
“Just write” — award-winning author, Sarah Waters said to me once.
…
