Another great piece, Simon. You shine a light on two things that I don't think get enough attention - how menopause impacts women in the workplace and how that then impacts what happens when women return back to the home. I love that you remind us that this isn't two separate issues, rather "They are the same story happening in two different places." Bravo!
Fascinating data and great long-form piece, Simon. I see women struggling with brain fog in my coaching practice and get to hear as we coach how terrifying those moments can feel. Their replay of those moments sounds seriously similar to how my elderly mother (aged 83) reflects on losing the occasional word and her mounting frustration with that.
Women in menopause who must present to large or important audiences and find their words evading them spiral into panic, embarrassment, and then deep worry and self-judgment afterwards.
What seems to help is reminding ourselves that others have these moments too, like those communicating in a second language. Or native English speakers who love jargon can tangle themselves into confusion and forget their point completely.
Also, it's not the moment, it's the rebound from the moment that others remember, meaning how we internalize the moment. Also, taking a moment to pause, count to three; and then say something gentle like: the word has gone. But here's a recast on that sentence.
Another great piece, Simon. You shine a light on two things that I don't think get enough attention - how menopause impacts women in the workplace and how that then impacts what happens when women return back to the home. I love that you remind us that this isn't two separate issues, rather "They are the same story happening in two different places." Bravo!
Thank you Laurie. I do think it’s important to connect these experiences. Especially for partners to see the whole picture.
Fascinating data and great long-form piece, Simon. I see women struggling with brain fog in my coaching practice and get to hear as we coach how terrifying those moments can feel. Their replay of those moments sounds seriously similar to how my elderly mother (aged 83) reflects on losing the occasional word and her mounting frustration with that.
Women in menopause who must present to large or important audiences and find their words evading them spiral into panic, embarrassment, and then deep worry and self-judgment afterwards.
What seems to help is reminding ourselves that others have these moments too, like those communicating in a second language. Or native English speakers who love jargon can tangle themselves into confusion and forget their point completely.
Also, it's not the moment, it's the rebound from the moment that others remember, meaning how we internalize the moment. Also, taking a moment to pause, count to three; and then say something gentle like: the word has gone. But here's a recast on that sentence.