The joke that wasn't really a joke

I remember joking with a friend about stepping into the matriarch role – yes, I'm at that age! I said there's absolutely no way I wanted to become a matriarch as to me it just means doing everything for everyone else – no thank you!

Where that came from

I do understand that the traditional role of the matriarch means being a strong female leader/role model, and my mum absolutely was that in so many ways. But growing up, I also watched her run herself ragged doing everything for everyone, and that's the bit I knew I didn't want to carry forward. – if it means running myself ragged!

Why So Many Women are Feeling Overwhelmed Right Now

Lately, I’ve been noticing something - the women I talk to are feeling more overwhelmed than ever.

And it makes sense. Many of us are in the “sandwich years” –  supporting children and ageing parents, navigating changing relationships, managing our health, and moving through perimenopause or menopause… all while trying to keep up with the demands of everyday life.

Until you know who you are, what you want, and what you desire, intimacy with another person can only go so far. But once you begin reconnecting, two of the biggest barriers to desire often rise to the surface: the shame we feel about our bodies, and the resentment we carry towards our bodies, and often towards our partners as well.

The first step to rediscovering libido is reconnecting with yourself

Many women reach midlife wondering “Where did my libido go? How do I get it back? Hormones can be a good place to start - and for some women, they do ease symptoms or make intimacy more comfortable. But libido isn’t just biological. Without addressing the emotional layers - such as stress, disconnection from ourselves, or unmet needs - it’s hard to find that true sense of desire again.

Last week I attended a women’s networking lunch in Sydney, hosted by Collabor8Women.The theme was “Sorry, not sorry.” Such a great topic. It sparked such good conversations about why women, in particular, say sorry so often. Even when there’s nothing to apologise for.

Our Women’s Wellness Evenings are wonderful nights of learning and connection, and a powerful reminder that we’re all navigating our own trials and tribulations when it comes to health and wellbeing.

A few years ago, I opened Netflix to find that my daughter had changed the profile icon for each member of our family. Hers and my husbands were cute fluffy animals.… and mine?

A large glass of red wine.

At some point, and that age is different for all of us, things start to shift. Our bodies, our minds, can begin doing things we never expected.

GP and Menopause Expert Dr. Joanna Bruce shares her golden nuggets on menopause, hormones, and healthy aging. 

If life’s been feeling like a rollercoaster lately, you’re not alone especially if you’re in your 40s or 50s and beyond.

Some mornings, you wake up ready to take on the world. Other days, you just want to stay in bed and disappear.

Sound familiar?

I’ve been thinking about emotional resilience quite a lot over the last few weeks. The kind that helps us handle the pressures of life without snapping, numbing, or spiralling.

A few years ago I went to a chiropractor for a recurring back and hip issue. I’d tried everything including massage, physio, acupuncture so I figured one more opinion couldn’t hurt.

But instead of just treating the physical pain, he started asking me about my emotional state.

“Are you stressed? Anxious? Has anything big happened recently?”

“No,” I said feeling annoyed. “I’m FINE.”