Meegan Cares About Midlife

Empowering Wāhine: Priscilla Te Hau's Vision for the Ruahine Menopause Symposium

"There must be an easier way. These women have already done the research, so let's bring them together."
 
This week, I'm inviting you to explore the transformative journey of menopause with my special guest Priscilla Te Hau. Priscilla is the founder of the Ruahine Menopause Empowerment Symposium taking place in Rotorua December 14, 2024.
 
As soon as I saw that the symposium was happening I knew I needed to learn more about this groundbreaking event and was thrilled that Priscilla agreed to kōrero with me about her journey through Ruahinetanga menopause and how this became the driving force behind creating the Ruahine Menopause Empowerment Symposium, which aims to reignite indigenous knowledge surrounding menopause.
 
We dive deep into the emotions and energies surrounding midlife, and we examine the urgent need for a framework supporting wāhine through midlife changes and how Priscilla is pioneering this shift with her symposium, which brings together experts to talk about everything from Te Ao Māori perspective of menopause and ageing, to specific rongoā for menopause symptoms.
 
Be sure to check out Priscilla’s symposium on December 14th and explore the resources available for our listeners seeking to deepen their understanding of midlife changes.
Click here to learn more about Priscilla’s symposium and register!
 
Wāhine referenced in this episode:
Ngahuia Murphy - https://www.ngahuiamurphy.com/intuitive-ritual
Dr Aroha Yates-Smith
Awhitia Mihaere
Te Raina Ferris
 
About Priscilla Te Hau:
Founding  Director
Te Ohomauri Innovations
TOI Wāhine Empowerment
 
Priscilla holds a postgraduate qualification in Māori and Indigenous Leadership and is working towards completing the master’s degree in the same field. She also completed a Certificate in Indigenous Research, which, alongside her studies in social work and counseling, guided her towards her true passion: developing kaupapa Māori programs and cultural frameworks.
 
Throughout her career, Priscilla has been dedicated to creating culturally aligned support systems. Notable achievements include developing a women’s program at Emerge Aotearoa and designing a Māori model of practice that reflects the organisation’s values and processes. While at Te Taumata o Ngāti Whakaue, Priscilla  developed the framework and processes for The Whare Manaaki program, which now underpins the supported housing pathways delivered by Lifewise.
 
Her work Is driven by a commitment to empowering wāhine and whānau through culturally grounded and community-focused initiatives.
 
Ruahine Menopause Facebook Group
 
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/toi_wahine_empowerment/
 
 
Follow Meegan on Instagram here
 
Join the waitlist for The Midlife Upgrade Course:https://meegancare.co.nz/course/
 
Please note: The content of this podcast does not substitute or constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. 
 

Breaking Up with Alcohol in Midlife: Laura Valvasori on Living Alcohol-Free

Our relationship with alcohol becomes strained in midlife. The body is undergoing a lot of changes and alcohol can often be the final straw in a cascade of pressures on health and vitality.
 
This week, I'm delving into the impactful journey of Laura Valvasori, a business and well-being mentor who made the decision to transition to an alcohol-free lifestyle.
 
But what do we do when a glass of wine is so ingrained in our culture and habits around socialising, relaxing and even connection? Laura's strategies set the path for maintaining friendships while transforming your relationship with alcohol.
 
What I loved about Laura's perspective is that she guides women to understand why they might choose to live alcohol-free clearly, creates the structures to try this on for a time, and then make a choice based on your experience and findings - this is so different to while knuckling going alcohol-free for 30 days for example - and I believe is the secret to her success. 
 
In our discussion, Laura shares her initial feelings of loneliness when she first quit drinking and how she used non-alcoholic alternatives to stay engaged during social gatherings.
 
We explore the physical symptoms and misalignment in her life that led to her decision and how she continued to have an active social life without feeling deprived.
 
Join me as we unpack the conversation around giving up alcohol and the pivotal moments that led Laura to create her program, "Still Me, But Alcohol Free." We delve into the emotional and physical shifts experienced after going alcohol-free and the importance of documenting alcohol-free experiences to reinforce new beliefs about fun and socializing without alcohol.
 
Laura's insights provide valuable support for women navigating midlife, menopause, and the decision to shift to an alcohol-free life, offering a strong foundation for behavior change.
Join us as we explore Laura's journey, providing invaluable insight and guidance for women seeking to create a change in their relationship with alcohol.
 
About Laura Valvasori: Laura Valvasori is a Business & Well-Being Mentor, the Author of Good to Grow: Cultivate Your Mindset and Habits to Thrive as an Entrepreneur, a Certified Emotion Code Practitioner, and the creator of the Still Me, But Alcohol-Free program.
Like many women, in her early forties, Laura started feeling like alcohol was no longer agreeing with her body and drinking was starting to feel out of alignment with her otherwise healthy lifestyle.After hitting a breaking point, she decided to "try on" going alcohol-free in a quest to feel better. Today, over 3 years later, she lives happily alcohol-free. She is now passionate about sharing what she's learned to guide other women through the journey of shifting to an alcohol-free life.
 
UPCOMING PROGRAMS:
Still Me, But Alcohol-Free is a 6-week program, designed for mid-life women, to guide you through "trying on" going alcohol-free with the right mindset, tools, and support to help you be successful. The program is available in a self-guided format or group program with the next group program starting September 23rd, 2024. Find out more at: https://www.lauravalvasori.com/still-me-alcohol-free
 
FREE RESOURCES: Sign up for Laura’s FREE 40-minute on-demand MentorClass “Five Hacks to a Happier Happy Hour Alcohol-Free” you'll learn strategies to help you "try on" socializing alcohol-free, while still having fun!
Free sign-up to watch: https://www.lauravalvasori.com/five-hacks-mentorclass-on-demand
 
 
Follow Meegan on Instagram here
 
Join the waitlist for The Midlife Upgrade Course:https://meegancare.co.nz/course/
 
Please note: The content of this podcast does not substitute or constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. 
 

Breaking Free from Midlife's Tolerance Trap

"I was much more able to access that vitality and that passion and joy just through being alive. Not because anything incredible had happened, but just from being alive."
In my early adulthood, I became really good at tolerating stress and distress—a skill that served me well at the time. But what if that excessive tolerance is now draining your vitality, joy, and life satisfaction?We all have blind spots, that is the nature of being human, and in this episode I open up about my personal journey through perimenopause and midlife, sharing my own blind spots and how I came to see things with fresh eyes.We explore the fine line between healthy distress tolerance and what I call "maladaptive tolerance," where psychological endurance starts to hold you back.We discuss the difference between resilience and chronic distress tolerance, and how it might be keeping you stuck, limiting your ability to make meaningful changes in your life.We also examine where you might tolerate too much, missing opportunities for greater vitality and passion.This episode is all about regulating your tolerance to distress and bringing it back into the zone of vitality.Ready for an eye-opening conversation? Let’s dive into the episode, and let me know what you think! I'd love to hear if you have a similar experience.
 
 
Follow Meegan on Instagram here
 
Join the waitlist for The Midlife Upgrade Course:https://meegancare.co.nz/course/
 
Please note: The content of this podcast does not substitute or constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. 
 
 

Kendall North Redefines Nutrition, Weight Loss & Diet Culture in Midlife

"The goal is to empower women to nourish their bodies for the long term, rather than relying on restrictive diet plans and experiencing guilt and shame."
This week, I had an inspiring conversation with Kendall North, a holistic dietitian who is reshaping the way women approach their health and well-being during midlife. Kendall is a leading NZ registered dietitian, integrating her extensive professional background; spanning health, nutrition, dietetics, fitness, education, & culinary specialities.
 
We delved into the societal pressures on weight control, especially during perimenopause, and the importance of addressing the underlying emotional and nutritional needs rather than solely focusing on weight loss efforts. Kendall emphasized the need for a mindset shift from weight loss to overall well-being and gratitude for our bodies.
 
Kendall's insights on the interconnectedness of physical well-being, nutrition, and energy levels truly resonated with me, sparking a deep conversation about the impact of undernourishment due to years of dieting and restrictive interventions.
 
Kendall and I shared personal experiences and discussed the need to listen to our bodies, embrace self-compassion, and nurture a positive relationship with our bodies, regardless of physical appearance. It was a heartfelt discussion that emphasized the liberation and empowerment that comes with embracing our authentic selves during midlife.
 
Kendall delved into the consequences of poor nutrition and the challenges of cognitive distortions around food and weight loss. It was a powerful reminder of the significance of nourishing our bodies for long-term well-being and the journey towards liberation from societal expectations.
 
Our conversation left me feeling open and connected to gratitude for my physical body, so grab your headphones and be inspired by Kendall's advanced perspective on weight, diet and nutrition.
 
About Kendall North Holistic Dietician:
Kendall is a leading NZ registered dietitian, integrating her extensive professional background; spanning health, nutrition, dietetics, fitness, education, & culinary specialities.
Now a specialist behaviour change coach, educator, & presenter in the health & nutrition field, her passion for helping people has never been greater. Her diverse expertise in nutrition encompasses food, eating, the body & behaviour. Kendall utilises clinical assessment & education combined with behavioural & mindset coaching to assist her clients as she understands even when people know what healthy eating looks like, they struggle to do it consistently & happily within their complex personal situations.
Kendall continues working with a huge variety of clientele; from the clinically unwell, who seek better health outcomes,  women changing their relationship to food & their bodies, through to the athlete striving to maximise training & performance goals. 
www.deeplynourished.co.nz
Follow Kendall on Instagram: @deeply.nourished.dietitian
 
 
Follow Meegan on Instagram here
 
Join the waitlist for The Midlife Upgrade Course:https://meegancare.co.nz/course/
 
Please note: The content of this podcast does not substitute or constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. 

Unsticking Midlife: 3 Breakthrough Tools

The Importance of Having Hard Conversations: "And often that's with people that are external to us, but it also works on an internal level as well. We very often are in avoidance of our own hard conversations to have with ourselves because avoidance feels easier."
 
This week, we delved into the complexities of navigating midlife and learned about the profound impact of hard conversations on getting unstuck.
 
I shared three powerful breakthrough strategies for overcoming that feeling of being stuck. From understanding what's in our control and practicing radical acceptance to the rocking chair test and the importance of sharing the load, these tools offer practical ways to break free from stagnation and move forward.
 
Join me as we explore these transformative breakthroughs and discover how they can empower you to navigate the challenges of midlife with confidence and courage. 
 
For more in-depth exploration and guidance on these breakthrough strategies, don't miss out on the Midlife Upgrade course. It's an opportunity to go even deeper and discover a roadmap for psychological freedom in midlife. Visit my website for all the details and join me on this transformative journey. I can't wait to have you aboard. Much love, and I look forward to connecting with you soon!
 
Follow Meegan on Instagram here
 
Join the waitlist for The Midlife Upgrade Course:https://meegancare.co.nz/course/
 
Please note: The content of this podcast does not substitute or constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. 
 
 

Uncover Your Inner Knowing: A Midlife Journey

"We have this innate natural connection to our inner knowing and our gut instinct. However, here is the problem for us - historically, that's not been okay."
 
"I am disconnected from my inner knowing." This is a far-too-common experience for us, so this week on the podcast, we delve into the deep journey of reconnecting with our inner wisdom and gut instinct during midlife and menopause.
 
I share personal experiences and insights, we examine how the historical suppression of women's intuition has impacted our modern-day connection with inner knowing.
 
Amid the hormonal flux and psychological changes of perimenopause, many women feel a disconnection from their intuition, leading to dissatisfaction and uncertainty about their path and life choices.
 
However, this stage also holds immense potential for rekindling our relationship with our inner wisdom, leading to profound shifts in perspectives and life choices.
 
I also offer a journaling prompt to help you embark on the journey of self-inquiry and rediscovery of your innate knowing.
 
Journal Prompts:
Reflect on a time when you felt strong gut instinct or inner knowing about a decision or situation. And then write about how you responded to that feeling. And what was the outcome? What can this experience teach you about trusting your intuition more now in your current stage of life.
 
Join me in exploring the transformative potential of tapping into our gut instinct and inner knowing during midlife, paving the way for greater self-trust and clarity.
 
Got questions or insights to share from your own menopause journey? Reach out to me and let's continue this conversation. Visit my website to learn more about the episode and join my midlife community.
 
Follow Meegan on Instagram here
 
Join the waitlist for The Midlife Upgrade Course:https://meegancare.co.nz/course/
 
Please note: The content of this podcast does not substitute or constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. 

Rewriting Your Inner Dialogue in Midlife: What You Say To Yourself Matters

"Healing is not that we never have another negative feeling or get triggered again. The reality of healing is that we learn not to abandon ourselves and stay connected, even in difficult moments."
 
None of us are immune to harmful inner dialogue - words we would never say to a friend, or even an enemy! On this week's episode, we dive into why self-talk is important, how it shapes our beliefs, emotions, and actions, and the roots of our inner dialogue.
 
We're not just talking about affirmations here, but the deeper psychological patterns that influence our relationship with ourselves and the world.
 
We explore the impact of self-talk on our worthiness, resilience, and overall well-being, providing you with the tools to build a healthier mindset and approach to self-talk in this vibrant second chapter of life.
 
We'll explore the psychological and physiological effects of negative self-talk, why it worsens in perimenopause and menopause, and what we can do to transform it. Plus, I'll share a super helpful takeaway exercise to get you started.
 
Join us as we revolutionise the way we talk about midlife and embrace empowerment and self-discovery.
 
Got questions or insights to share from your own menopause journey? Reach out to me and let's continue this conversation. Visit my website to learn more about the episode and join my midlife community.
 
Follow Meegan on Instagram here
 
Join the waitlist for The Midlife Upgrade Course:https://meegancare.co.nz/course/
 
 
Please note: The content of this podcast does not substitute or constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. 

Why I Changed My Mind About HRT

This week, I’m sharing a personal journey that led me to change my mind about hormone replacement therapy (HRT).
 
I used to have a strong bias toward natural medicine and was hesitant to consider HRT, but a synchronistic  experience opened my mind to new possibilities. It's not about choosing between natural and mainstream medicine; it's about what serves our well-being. 
 
So, let's have this conversation as if we're on a walk together, chatting about the ups and downs of perimenopause and menopause.
 
Discover why I changed my mind about Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) and how it can impact your midlife experience.
 
I delve into the concept of naturalistic bias and how my own preconceptions about mainstream and natural medicine shifted when I realized that it's not about choosing one over the other, but finding what genuinely serves my well-being.
 
I'll dive into why I initially hesitated to take HRT, what changed my mind, and how it has impacted my life.
 
We'll also tackle some common misconceptions and biases around HRT and explore how we can embrace both natural and mainstream medicine to thrive in midlife.
 
So, grab a cup of tea or put on your walking shoes, and let's dive into why I initially hesitated to take HRT, what changed my mind, and how it has impacted my life.
 
Got questions or insights to share from your own menopause journey? Reach out to me and let's continue this conversation. Visit my website to learn more about the episode and join my midlife community.
 
Follow Meegan on Instagram here
 
Join the waitlist for The Midlife Upgrade Course:https://meegancare.co.nz/course/
 
 
Please note: The content of this podcast does not substitute or constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. 

How Perimenopause Can Resurface Historical Emotional Wounds: Navigating Trauma in Midlife

"And I would suggest that somebody who has gone through menopause or at least has some experience of menopause, make the best practitioners and therapists to see, in my opinion."
 
This week, I'm delving into the often uncharted territory of midlife and trauma. As women navigating menopause and beyond, we often encounter the complexity of managing our health during this transition. In this episode, I uncover the reemergence and effects of trauma in perimenopause, menopause, and midlife.
 
I share personal insights and research findings that shed light on how hormonal changes during perimenopause can intensify past traumas, leading to challenging emotional and psychological experiences.
 
The answer to this challenge is multilayered, and we are all unique in our needs, in this episode I offer practical advice on navigating the intersection of hormonal changes and trauma, while emphasizing the significance of validation, support for our physical well-being, and the potential for healing through this process.
 
Join me as we navigate this intricate aspect of the midlife journey, empowering each other to find vitality and confidence while addressing the impact of trauma in perimenopause and beyond.
 
Timestamp:
00:00 Supporting discernment in health choices through podcast.05:16 Reflecting on perimenopause and trauma, podcast discussion.10:11 Addressing trauma during perimenopause is important.13:36 Menopause may require deeper therapy with experts.16:54 Therapy during perimenopause can lessen trauma effects.18:17 Overcoming shame and trauma to seek help.
 
Follow Meegan on Instagram here
 
Join the waitlist for The Midlife Upgrade Course:https://meegancare.co.nz/course/
 
 
Please note: The content of this podcast does not substitute or constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. 

Taming Unexpected Fears in Menopause: From Driving and Flying to Health Anxieties

"Just because you're experiencing this now, it doesn't mean that it's going to be with you for all of your life."
 
In this episode, we explore the unusual and unexpected fears that arise during perimenopause and postmenopause, drawing from conversations with other women and personal experience.
 
We cover common fears such as driving, flying, health, and mortality, explaining that these fears are a normal part of the menopause transition due to hormonal changes, and we discuss why they might get progressively worse in perimenopause.
 
I share strategies for managing these fears, including professional support, mindfulness, and medical treatments like HRT. Knowing what causes these fears to worsen in perimenopause helps manage them, and knowing that we are wired to get happier as each decade passes - especially once on the other side of postmenopause, helps to put these fears and anxieties in their place.
 
"Our goal in midlife is to navigate those physical symptoms well, to understand what's happening with our brain and to navigate that well with whatever support that we need so that we can step into this next phase of life, which can be incredibly empowering, incredibly vital and filled with so much meaning and purpose."
 
Don't miss out on this deep dive into the complexities of midlife fears and anxieties. Tune in to gain a better understanding of these common experiences and discover practical ways to navigate them with confidence. And remember, you're not alone in this journey. Let's navigate midlife together.
 
Timestamp:
00:00 Perimenopause and postmenopause fears: understanding and coping.
03:14 Increased anxiety and new fears during menopause.
08:26 Recognize anxiety-driven supplement search as ineffective.
12:21 Isolation may feel comforting, but seek support.
15:26 Navigating perimenopause and trauma impact on treatment.
19:59 Midlife anxieties are common but temporary. Seek help.
21:24 Postmenopause brings stabilization and increased vitality
 
 
Follow Meegan on Instagram here
 
Join the waitlist for The Midlife Upgrade Course:https://meegancare.co.nz/course/
 
 
Please note: The content of this podcast does not substitute or constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider.