We have to change the idea of menopause as a four-letter word. Who do you trust? Where would you go for care? Take care of your mental state. Do whatever it is that makes you feel good. For me it’s meditation, being in nature, exercise. Eat well. Be mindful; be aware. Talk to your doctor. Find the resources that are right for you.

~ Catherine Grace O’Connell

The “M” word. If you’re a woman, menopause looms in your life as something to dread–the end of vitality and usefulness. At least, that’s the way it used to be.

Catherine Grace O’Connell, the founder of  Forever Fierce: MIdlife Matters and Modlife Media, knows the power of women in midlife. A self-described “Ageism Positivist, Catherine sums up midlife for women like this: “Women at Midlife & Beyond are the Perfect Storm. We are the first demographic in history to have health and vitality, wisdom and life experience, and a pocketbook to match. We are a fierce creative force balanced by compassion and empathy. It’s time we make our presence known!”

Part sage, inspiration, practical advice, and all fierce fabulousness, Catherine has mastered her own challenges and turned midlife into a powerful period of creativity, using her wisdom and smarts to guide others to embrace midlife and find the joys and power within.

Here at Brilliantly Resilient, we love Catherine’s spirit, can-do attitude and her practical strategies for making the most of modern midlife. (And she looks amazing, too!) To hear more of Catherine’s wisdom, tune into this week’s episode of the Brilliantly Resilient podcast, and be sure to listen in for these additional bits of brilliance:

• Most women at midlife are exhausted from the duty side of life. Those sparks of creativity and joy need to be honored. We must use our voice to inspire others and be who we are supposed to be.

• The urgency of the timeliness of life is our soul pushing us and saying, ‘Hey, are you going to get on track for why you’re really here?’

• Your heart starts speaking and telling you there’s a reason you love what you love. There is a phoenix rising effect that you’re rising from your old life’s ashes.

• We’re hungry for real authenticity. I was shaming myself for all of these things, but then I realized they are my strengths. The more struggles I overcame, I built my strength, I built my character.

Let’s be Brilliantly Resilient together!

XO,

Kristin & Mary Fran