Pity Party for One, Please.

The party won't last long but I'm having one today.

I lift weights and sweat through yoga to maintain my balance while increasing my strength. I wear my oh-so-trendy weighted vest while increasing my step count, getting the recommended amount of sunlight to keep my circadian rhythm on track. I love my estrogen patch, maintain the progesterone and am still thinking about testosterone. I (try to) pay attention to the protein, the fiber and the water.

I listen to experts and podcasts and relate all too well to the memes you’ve probably shared with your friends. I wake up (and chuckle) to a symphony of joints popping and cracking, louder than ever before. Somehow, I’ve been spared the hot flashes and sleepless nights (winning!) but not the weight gain and…drumroll, please…not the frozen shoulder.

Nothing frozen here. Flowers along a recent walk.

Hello, perimenopause. I’m growing tired of hearing about you but now I’m really over experiencing you.

My recent pain and “frozen shoulder” diagnosis leaves me feeling peeved, annoyed, and generally, mad. I really thought I was doing all the right things but…

Upon leaving the doctor’s office to meet my sister for coffee, I (kind of) jokingly asked my sister for a mimosa and a GLP-1. I texted my husband, “At least I didn’t walk out of there with crutches or a surgery date. I’ll be grateful for that…soon.”

Yes, in the grand scheme of things, I’ll take this not-life-altering diagnosis any day. I’ll work to minimize the impact and maximize my flexibility. But today, I’ll treat myself to an almond croissant, a new needlepoint project and a writing therapy session.

Tomorrow, I’ll feel relatable reading your comments saying “Me, too!” and more educated after absorbing what helped you thaw the shoulder (yes, we move from freezing to frozen to thawing - how cute!).

After this short lived pity party, I’ll get back to moving this body, eating the “right” things and hiking my capable, strong body right up that mountain - grateful for every body part that does work.

Scenes from a recent 9 mile hike before body parts were described as scientific states of matter.

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I’m all ears for tips and tricks with this phase of life. Feel free to chime in!