Welcome to Autumn!

How are you feeling? For some, the change in our environment as the season changes from those hot days of summer to the cool crisp days of autumn is a welcome relief, for others, the cold damp weather and a decided lack of sunshine bring a new set of challenges.

I love the summer sunshine; I feel so energised and happy when I am out walking in the lush green fields around me on a sunny day, waking up doesn’t feel like a chore in the summer, whereas it’s much more tempting to press snooze as the darkness greets me in the morning. That being said, I love a chunky knit, a winter boot and a log fire. The cosiness that autumn inspires feels so soothing. A crisp walk along the canal enjoying the changing colours from green to orange and red, ending the walk in a friendly village inn with a hot roast dinner and a cheeky glass of merlot before a log fire, is my Sunday perfection. I know that I’m a summer girl in my heart, but I embrace the change in the seasons and look for the joy in each day.

Embracing change has been a theme amongst my clients this week, inspiring me to write this blog article. A lot of the work I do is with clients who are navigating their menopause, where the theme of change is an obvious one, however this week I have been working with a more diverse range of clients, including men, children and young women, each facing their individual challenges relating to change. One thing we have explored together in our sessions is that change can be scary, and fear often drives limiting beliefs. Finding time to be honest with ourselves and looking for the facts, rather than letting our automatic negative thoughts drive our emotions is a critical skill that I encourage my clients to develop.

Whilst change can feel overwhelming, it doesn’t have to be negative. The young adult leaving home and having to manage finances, work and a social/love life for the first time can feel scared, overwhelmed, apprehensive, but also excited, brave and optimistic. The parents finding themselves with an empty nest can feel alone, unwanted, and have too much free time on their hands but can also feel proud, free and enjoy time for building their own social calendar.

Helping my clients to embrace change through perimenopause and menopause is an important part of the work I do. Whilst it is true that our hormone levels are changing and this may have physical effects on our bodies, it is also true that we are entering an exciting new chapter of our lives. A chapter where we can explore our true identities, find time to do what makes us happy, be brave and use our voice. Menopause is no longer a taboo subject where we talk in code about “the change”, it’s a time to embrace the maturity and wisdom we’ve earned and the freedom to be exactly who we want to be.

For me, a big part of accepting the changes I was facing included being brave enough to ditch the dye and embrace my own natural hair colour. I’m loving my greys! For me this signifies an ownership of the next stage in my life, the stage where I am true to myself and my passions. I love the work that I do, and I feel ready and prepared to be able to support so many people here in my clinic. It is the experiences I have had in life that have afforded me the insight and empathy that I use daily.

So, if you are ready to embrace the change in your life and feel that you might need some support to achieve this, get in touch, I’m looking forward to helping you.

With warmth and light

Jodie

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