I recently had the opportunity to discuss the concept behind my upcoming book ‘Menopause Wingman’ on Leaders & Their Stories.
While the conversation covered some challenging perspectives on menopause that exist in our society, it highlighted exactly why this book is so necessary.
My goal remains steadfast: to transform the menopause experience into one of empowerment, understanding, and partnership. Sometimes the most important conversations are the difficult ones, as they reveal where growth is most needed.
Thank you to Richard for the platform to discuss this critical topic.
Listen to the full podcast here
Summary By Richard
In this eye-opening episode of Leaders and Their Stories, Richard Lowe interviews Michelle A. Hardwick, author of the upcoming book Menopause Wingman. Michelle shares raw insights on what it really feels like for women—and their partners—during menopause.
Learn how to:
- Support your partner through emotional rollercoasters
- Understand what’s happening hormonally and psychologically
- Communicate effectively (even when she says “I’m fine”)
- Rebuild intimacy and connection without pressure
Michelle also discusses why she’s gathering anonymous male perspectives to 
include in her book—and how you can contribute.
Visit: https://menopausewingman.com
Work with Michelle: https://releasepeace.ie
Hosted by Richard Lowe – The Writing King
Remember, you deserve to feel free, loved, and fully expressed. Whether or not you join us for these sessions, I hope you’ll take time this month to shower yourself with the same love and kindness you so generously give to others.
Change your Stance – when we are sad our posture changes. Our head is down. We tend to stoop. Our shoulders drop and round forward and we collapse in our midriff. Then we become lost in our thoughts. These can turn negative, or become harsh, critical and judgmental towards ourselves.
Renovating an old piece of furniture – give it a new twist, paint it etc.
Think yourself Happy – use your mind in a different way and think about all the things that make you happy. Reflect on times gone by with your family/friends or on holidays. Memories like these will flood your body with feel good hormones. Decide and make a conscious choice to change what you have been focusing on, switch off the TV and return to those happy times!
If you are still struggling with a low mood, then consider working online with a practitioner or therapist who you trust. They can help support you and make positive changes so that during this time of lock-down you can still start to feel happier. Considering using this time to make changes inside so that you can evolve and grow.
Understanding Anger
…. take time to discover what this situation and feeling is attempting to reveal to you.
If you or someone you know would like help working mindfully with anger, 
It is healthy to maintain our power, say no and set a boundary and it takes takes courage. So start with baby steps…practice saying no once a day (not for major things/decisions: just small things – like having an extra cuppa or when you are offered another biscuit etc.). Remember too, that you are learning the skills of self-care, self-love and self-value. Saying no is honouring ourselves.
In the room of 200, he asked, “who would like this $20 bill?” Hands started going up.
Avoid comparing yourself with others, accept your differences – if we were all the same the world would be a very boring place.
Final Quote
My mind wouldn’t stop. Instead of slowing down it became incredibly active, going 90-to-the-dozen! I’d have a shopping list of things come up in my mind, all sorts of random ridiculous thoughts. I would get so frustrated. The exact opposite of what I was attempting to achieve (sigh).
Better memory, and an enhanced ability to process information and solve problems
I first learned about this style of meditation when I attended a silent retreat on the 
Before you begin your walking meditation, be sure to focus on your posture. Stand up straight, with balanced posture and have your eyes forward (or eyes turned slightly downward to watch where you are going). If possible, walk with a relaxed, easy, rhythmic stride and make sure you breathe deeply into your abdomen to get a good expansion of your lower ribs. Walk with our without music. Remember though, silence is golden – you’ll miss the amazing sounds of nature if you have your headphones on. As with any meditation, thoughts will come and go. Do your best to observe them, not get caught up in them or be annoyed by them. Thinking is what your mind is used to doing, so initially it won’t be used to you stopping your thoughts. Persevere, it’s worth it!
You may find like Forrest Gump, kilometers (or miles) disappear beneath your feet as you walk your troubles, concerns and cares away! A side-effect of walking meditation is that you might get some:
Scream – Take a drive, (or even on your way home) wind the window down, stick your head out of the window, let rip and scream out loud! Let it go and then arrive home feeling very calm. One tip – it’s best not to do this in built up areas ;o}
