Finding Your Tribe in Menopause
That's what I did in June of this year on a retreat in France run by the wonderful Laura Shuckburgh of Marvellous Midlife, who brought together a group of amazing women, all very different but with so much in common. Five months on we're still in contact almost on a daily basis supporting each other, sharing our experiences, laughing and meeting up whether that's in person or online.
I'd never experienced being part of a tribe before but oh my has it been a benefit....hell yes! It's like having a virtual group hug where you're in a safe space with likeminded women who have this incredible knowledge and wisdom to share. So if I'm having a wobble (and I've had a few!), I know I can turn to them and there will be no judgement or negativity, just positive comments, guidance and unending support. One of the best bits is Laura Shuckburgh is also part of the tribe.
I only wish I'd met them before when I was trying to manage the impacts of the menopause in the workplace. I felt very alone and isolated at times and with the stigma attached to the menopause, it can be hard to admit you're struggling.
This made me think about how beneficial it is for employers to offer a community within their organisation, somewhere women like me can go to talk to others who are going through the same thing or who maybe have gone through it and have valuable advice for managing the menopause or can talk about the positives rather than just the negatives.
It could also be a place where information is accessible for all to gain more of an awareness of the impacts so they can understand and support other women they know whether that's women in their teams, friends, relatives or partners.
For those managing the budgets, this is a simple and economic way for employers to support women in the workplace and those managing women in their teams, something which shouldn't be overlooked.
If you'd like more information on setting up and running a community within your organisation including advice on resources, how to train menopause champions or the benefits of finding your tribe please contact me at k.sandford@workwithmenopause.co.uk or Laura Shuckburgh at info@workwithmenopause.co.uk