Name: Michelle Hobgood

Menopause phase: Medically Induced Menopause

Place you call home: Brooklyn, NY

What you’re creating: Business and Community

Age: 50

1. Rituals can be deeply personal. What is one personal practice you’ve adopted to embrace the transitions of menopause?

Being more mindful of my diet and sleep has definitely helped me be more resilient. I feel less annoyed when I’m more rested..lol

2. Have you redefined beauty in this stage? If so, how? Do any of your rituals support this definition?

Redefining beauty for me means being way less concerned with the opinions of others when it comes to my appearance. As I’ve gotten older I care less about what other people think. If what I’m wearing makes me feel beautiful, that’s all that matters.

3. Is there a particular practice—whether it’s movement, meditation, or something else—that has become essential to your well-being in this current stage of your life?

Strength training is non negotiable!! I feel better when my body is stronger. I also love riding my bike for miles and miles, especially in the warmer weather. Movement in general is essential to me.

4. What role does your community or your sista circle play in your menopausal and aging experience, and do you share any rituals with other women that support this journey?

I’m a 2 year breast cancer survivor. The ability to connect with other women navigating the same thing makes it much easier. I also have a small women’s group and we get together once a month or so. The community and friendship means so much.

5. What does the concept of sacredness mean to you as you age, and do you honor this stage of life through any special rituals?

In this stage of life sacred means freedom. Freedom to live my life unapologetically. If it’s one thing you learn after a cancer diagnosis, it’s every single day is a gift.

6. Looking back on your pre-menopausal years, is there anything you wish you had known or done differently to prepare for this transition? How does this wisdom shape your rituals now?

I wish I had more education on perimenopause. I thought it was hot flashes. I didn’t know until much later on that my experiences were tied to it. I knew I wasn’t feeling “right”. I knew something was wrong. I just didnt realize that was it.

7. How do you define well-aging, and what does it look like for you?

As a cancer survivor, each day that I can wake up without pain feom medication side effects is well aging.

8. Everyday Rituals: Share one ritual for each of the following, that you’ve not shared above

Daily Ritual: Sitting on the sofa at night and watching TV.

Weekly Ritual: I love going to the movies alone. I have an AMC membership and use it see a movie at least once or twice a week.

Monthly Ritual: Connecting with my friend group for a hang out or brunch.

Yearly Ritual: Taking a trip to a warm destination is an annual ritual that’s non negotiable.

Connect with Michelle:

Instagram – @its.m.hobgood | @thetidytrainer

Website: thetidytrainer.com