Blog: Struggles and Joys of Womanhood (07/29/22)

Beads of sweat are forming on my upper lip and my forehead, my face is flushed, “that too will pass,” I think, fanning myself with my journalist’s notepad.

I can admit I’ve been a little finicky lately.

“Speed ​​up or go over grandpa….seriously move forward?”

Okay, patience is a virtue, as they say, that I wasn’t well equipped with, but lately it’s been almost non-existent.

I’ve been tired, really drained…my lower back hurts…the jeans I wore yesterday don’t button up this morning, what the hell? I definitely gained weight; I like tacos but give me a break.

My sleep pattern is fine, more of a suggestion than a pattern. I wake up every three hours. I’m sweating, then I’m cold, it must be the fan…it’s that stupid duvet…no it’s me. That’s definitely me and now I have this nagging headache that only adds to my already sunny temper.

Great staff, but hey most of my writing is, so why not? I haven’t had a menstrual cycle since last November (not a complaint) and there’s no way I’m “with a kid”, I’m too old for that, right?

I mean I’m 42, my conclusion (I’m not being dramatic in any way) I must be dying.

The day has come and the doctor finally calls me with my lab results, “so you’re definitely postmenopausal, I’m so sorry,” she said, as if breaking the news of a devastating chronic disease.

Wait, I’m only 42. I’m too young for that, right?

“So how long exactly is this phase, like when will it be over?” I answer.

The doc says nothing. She goes on to explain how I can take hormones in patch or pill form, detailing the pros and cons of each. I feel like she avoided my question.

“Google, how long does menopause last?” I ask fearfully.

“Seven to 14,” says Google.

Did I mention how much I love being a woman?

I am convinced that being a woman is both a blessing and a curse.

We spend the years of our youth suffering through the process of labor, pap smears, and menstrual cycles so that we can later spend the “golden” years stoking hot flashes and counting sleepless nights.

That being said, some of the best, biggest and strongest souls I have had the opportunity to connect with throughout my life have been women.

I know strong and resilient ones!

There is a nice balance to being a woman. The world expects us to be gentle and delicate, but never weak. Many of us are responsible for being both homemaker and breadwinner, while meeting the emotional and physical needs of our children.

We assume the role of mother, wife, seamstress, chef, nurse, counsellor, teacher and taxi driver; there is an endless list of hats we wear.

Being a woman can sometimes be painful, joyful and overwhelming, but the world desperately needs our delicacy, strength and wisdom.

Without mothers, grandmothers and sisters where would we be?

The struggles of being a woman are many, but so are the joys.

Is it worth it? I think so, but come back to me in about seven to 14 years.

Misty DeJournett is a staff writer at the Daily American Republic. She can be contacted at [email protected].

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