On Tuesday, I was thrilled to be invited to join the Kerry Taste & Nutrition Women’s Health team to celebrate International Women’s Day, by dialling in to talk about Menopause. I joined a panel of hugely knowledgeable women speaking about other areas of women’s life cycles, from menstruation to pregnancy and breastfeeding.
It was fascinating, and I learned so much. We had a live audience and 250 people dialled in online, which was absolutely incredible.
After the event I was reflecting on how amazing women are at supporting each other after receiving messages and phone calls from ex-colleagues and friends congratulating me on my talk.
It got me thinking about all the women who have supported me throughout my life. My new role as a Health Coach in particular, has bought me into contact with a whole new world of women making it their life’s work to support others through various methods of healing, teaching and caring; from reflexologists to massage therapists, nutrition therapists, herbologists, personal trainers, Pilates and melt instructors, dog trainers and many many more.
That network of support becomes invaluable as we age and transition through the different stages of menopause. In fact a huge amount of research has been done on the subject of female bonding and support [one of the most cited and researched pathways is the role that social ties play in mitigating the deleterious effects of life’s challenges] Alisa Bedrov and Shelly L. Gable.
Sharing our journey with other woman and having someone who can listen and understand what you are going through is such an important part of the healing process and as a Health Coach I have the privilege of walking beside women and watching them heal and transform into the strong confident woman that they were always meant to be, and often were, before the onset of their menopause.
Menopause can really nock your confidence and leave you feeling hopeless, at least that was my experience until I sought help.
Since leaving the corporate world, I have enjoyed having more time to engage in hobbies that I never really had during my 35 years in the food industry while raising my family. I have realised that I tend to gravitate towards interests that predominantly involve women, such as Rock Choir (although there are quite a few men involved) dance fitness, and various creative activities. This is not a conscious choice on my part, but I believe I am subconsciously seeking out a new community. I find that women generally have a natural instinct to support one another, and I find this incredibly heartwarming.
Although International Women’s Day was first celebrated over a hundred years ago, in 1911, and officially recognised by the United Nations in 1977, I believe we should celebrate women every day of the year.
We should make a conscious effort to ensure that the women around us feel valued and maybe use 8th March as an excuse to do this .
This is my Rock Choir performing at the Bradford Roots festival
Have a think about the incredible women in your life.
Imagine what we could achieve if we united our collective super powers!
Please leave a comment on this blog and share with all the fantastic women who inspire you.
Below are just a few of the amazing women who have provided me with the support and love I needed throughout the years—both during difficult times and in the best of times. Thank you all!
Jazz Cainey
Nicola Heard
Liz Williams
Val Nash
Mania Arefmanesh
Mel Moore
Taylor Fletcher
Lily Michaud
Nicky Jupp
Katrina Dunne
Angie Grocock
Vernie Flores
Nina Casey
Many Irons
To all the women I am sharing their journey’s with.
This list could be infinite, I am grateful to all of the women in my life, who have been a part of my journey; past present and will be in the future! Here’s to you all!
Nicky Dear Health Coach 
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