I can so relate to what you say about using your body as a man would. I did the same, and injured myself in the process. I also rejected my femaleness as a teenager and tried to live as a boy.
When I became a mother I learned to love being a woman, and was not expecting how free and delighted I would feel as a post-menopausal woman. Perhaps because I was never traditionally feminine, it's been easy to adjust to my new status. I say this, because many women fear menopause (although you are surely not one of them!), and I like to scatter the seeds of the idea that it can actually be a wonderful time of life.
I went through the menopause when I lived in Egypt, and didn't realise that mood swings, etc, were part of it. It was such a challenge to exist there I didn't even notice them. Luxor was traumatising enough!
But, the literal 'meno-pause' was such a blessing. I could finally say NO!
Like you, I was really happy afterwards. And yes, I hope other women can feel the same way.
I can so relate to what you say about using your body as a man would. I did the same, and injured myself in the process. I also rejected my femaleness as a teenager and tried to live as a boy.
When I became a mother I learned to love being a woman, and was not expecting how free and delighted I would feel as a post-menopausal woman. Perhaps because I was never traditionally feminine, it's been easy to adjust to my new status. I say this, because many women fear menopause (although you are surely not one of them!), and I like to scatter the seeds of the idea that it can actually be a wonderful time of life.
I went through the menopause when I lived in Egypt, and didn't realise that mood swings, etc, were part of it. It was such a challenge to exist there I didn't even notice them. Luxor was traumatising enough!
But, the literal 'meno-pause' was such a blessing. I could finally say NO!
Like you, I was really happy afterwards. And yes, I hope other women can feel the same way.
Perhaps more do than we realise. :-)