The word “menopause” often conjures images of discomfort. When you have a word that contains “NO” and “PAUSE”, not exactly the kind of wordplay that one would find appealing. But for me, it has been a surprising journey of liberation and clarity. It’s been more about the absence of a cycle but a newly found rhythm. Easter is about renewal, rebirth, and to be honest, finally eating pork without guilt. But it’s also the time for profound reflection and for me, that includes listing what I am grateful for. This season, it made me think about why I am grateful for something I have been told to dread: menopause.
Here are seven reasons why menopause, despite its surprises, has been a gift.
1. Because I forget things easily, I no longer insist on always being right.
Once upon a time, I could recall details of every conversation which made me a formidable opponent in arguments. (Remember that time you forgot to greet me on my birthday 10 years ago?) Now? I forget what I walked into a room for. At first, this was frustrating. But then I realized something: forgetting small things also meant forgetting grudges, slights, and the unnecessary need to always be right. When you can’t remember the exact details of an argument, it suddenly feels less important to win it. That’s a kind of peace I didn’t expect, but I’ll take it.
2. Because I need to manage my joint pain, I now enjoy exercise.
I never thought I’d look forward to working out. But when my knees started making noises like an old staircase, I realized movement isn’t optional—it’s survival.
Now, I lift weights not to get toned but to stay strong. I stretch because I want to keep moving freely for decades to come. And yes, I still grumble about it, but deep down, I’m grateful for what my body can do.
3. Because of my hot flashes, I now look forward to colder climates.
Before menopause, I loved tropical destinations. An ex-boss used to hold our company conferences in snowy mountains and I was that employee who actively campaigned for a change in venue with warmer weather. Now? The thought of lying on a beach under the sun makes me think of how a lechon feels during a roast.
These days, I seek out crisp air, cozy layers and destinations where I can walk for miles without having to sweat. London in the fall? Yes, please. Japan in winter? Perfect. I now travel not just for adventure, but for climate control.
4. Because I need to build muscle, I am no longer intimidated by the gym.
I used to see the gym as a place for people who already knew what they were doing – people who weren’t me. But menopause made one thing clear: muscle is not about aesthetics, it’s about longevity.
I’m here to prevent sarcopenia and osteoporosis, to stay strong enough to lift my own groceries, and to open that stubborn jar lid all by myself. Bonus insight: No one’s actually looking at you in the gym—they’re all too busy looking at themselves.
5. Because it is harder to get rid of belly fat, I am more mindful about what I eat.
Gone are the days when I could eat anything and “burn it off later.” Now, my body holds onto carbs like they’re tickets to Taylor Swift.
But instead of lamenting this, I’ve learned to be intentional with food. I still enjoy good meals (I am Filipino after all) but now I choose quality over quantity. And because I eat out less, I look forward to it more. I no longer turn to food for comfort but for nourishment, the way it’s meant to be.
6. Because of my mood swings, I no longer tolerate BS.
Menopause is basically an all-access pass to radical honesty. The things I used to tiptoe around? I say them now. The unnecessary pleasantries? I no longer feel obligated.
It’s liberating. I finally understand why Dorothy was my favorite character in “Golden Girls”. I’m more than fine with the fact that my coffee is now more filtered than my language.
7. Because I’m in menopause, it means I have lived long enough to experience it.
This is the ultimate perspective shift. It isn’t something to dread: it’s a privilege. It means I’ve lived long enough to gather wisdom and see life from a new vantage point. And for that, I am profoundly grateful.
Easter reminds us that renewal isn’t just possible – it’s inevitable. And this transition, quirks and all, is its own kind of rebirth. It forces us to shed what no longer serves us, reshape our priorities, and embrace the person we are evolving into. Menopause is not an ending, it’s a becoming.
So this season, I’m giving thanks—for the lessons, the laughter, and the evolution. And most of all, for my husband, who’s had a front-row seat to all of it.
Carlos Vargas Gierke
