Mantras & Menopause

I love the RuPaul mantra, "Other people's opinions of me are none of my business." Because of course those opinions are reflections of them, not of me.

Ok sure, but when those nasty voices get through anyway:

• I think about what my best friends would say in response to those real or imagined other people and their opinions.

• I think about the amazing things my brain and body have objectively done — places I've traveled, obstacles I've overcome, people whose lives are better because I'm in them. If I had a friend who had done all of those things for me, would I give a &#%^ what anyone else thought of them?

• I check in to ask myself what I think of whatever it is.

• I make a deal with myself that for every crap opinion about myself I allow into my brain, I will also remember someone's positive opinion of me.

• I remember a rule I have for myself — Don't accept criticism from anyone you (I) wouldn't go to for advice. A shortcut for remembering that the list of people whose judgment I respect is... limited.

• Also... perimenopause helps. A LOT.