I’m transitioning into a natural stage of life that all women experience: menopause. 

The most significant challenge to this point has been hot flashes waking me up at night. I’ve been observing the patterns and have come to understand one hot flash trigger is alcohol. So, in certain situations, I find myself telling my husband: “I’d really enjoy wine with dinner, but I know it’ll really mess up my sleep tonight!”  

Saying things out loud makes it real in a way that simply thinking about it doesn’t. It’s even more powerful when you say things in the presence of others. 

The verbal manifestation of an intent to change is something like letting the genie out of the bottle. It’s exposing a speck of doubt or uncertainty in the open air and then there’s no going back.

On any given day, saying one thing out loud is powerful, even simple things like: 

• “I’m going to eat this meal mindfully.”

• “I’m biking to work this week.”

• “I’m turning off my phone notifications because (fill in the blank).” 

Saying things signifies the change process has begun. And that the effort is meaningful to you no matter how you feel about it or how the results end up looking. Especially when you feel doubtful or are divided about actually doing it. 

So this week, try talking out loud to yourself.  I promise, you’ll listen.