Redefining Midlife

I am absolutely thrilled and nervous to share this with you all:

I'm completely switching careers!

Some might think I'm crazy (I had my doubts too, for a moment)... but this decision just feels so right! As many of you know, I've spent the last decade working in global women's health, specifically menstrual and sexual reproductive health, and it's been an incredible experience. I've cherished the people I've worked with, the mission of the organization, the friendships I've made, the partnerships I've formed, and the countries I've had the opportunity to visit.

So why the change?

Last year, I completed my Yoga Teacher Training Certification to deepen my personal yoga practice. At the time, I had no plans to become a yoga teacher. However, after completing the certification, I started teaching one-on-one. Through teaching, I felt a sense of fulfillment knowing that I had helped others find peace and connect with their mind, body, breath, and soul through movement.

I was fascinated by the transformations I saw each time I worked with someone. I started studying yoga for menopause because many of my friends are going through the transition. With my background in menstrual and sexual reproductive health, I wondered how I could support my friends in the next stage of their lives. As I delved deeper, I realized that menopause is often misunderstood and women are underserved. Menopause is still stigmatized, and women suffer in silence with many symptoms being dismissed as "normal." Women going through menopause often experience loneliness, depression, anxiety, and frustration.

Having worked in menstrual health for years and having often talked about periods with rooms full of people, I know that menstruation awareness is finally on the rise. However, menopause awareness is not. Even though millions of women are going through the menopause transition in the US alone and women will spend one-third to one-half of their lifetime in some stage of menopause, it's still not talked about enough.

That's why I've decided it's time for women in midlife to have the support they need.

I'm stepping away from my role as Senior Development Director with Days for Girls to start Wholistic Women's Wellness with a few friends and colleagues. Our mission is to empower midlife women with support, guidance, and connection to overcome loneliness, uncertainty, and stress. We're passionate about helping women improve their health and well-being, feel connected, confident, and empowered to live their best lives. We believe in caring for the whole person, mind, body, and spirit.

I'm also thrilled to share that I'm currently enrolled in the Integrative Women's Health Institute's Women's Health Coach certification program. My goal is to complete my certification by the end of the year and become board-certified. My plan is to work with women by educating, guiding, supporting, encouraging, and directing them towards resources and improved health during the menopause transition so that they feel empowered to make informed choices along their journey.

What does all of this look like? Honestly, I'm not entirely sure yet. What I do know is that I'm moving into this new chapter with open hands, ready to give and receive with all my heart. As I let go of the past and start writing a new story, I'm feeling a mix of emotions. But I'm holding both sadness and joy in the same space. I feel like I'm standing at the gate, waiting for it to open so I can start running. And so I am...

Years ago, I bought a bracelet with the words "In a gentle way, you can shake the world" by Gandhi. I'm ready to shake the world - to make it better for you and me as we navigate midlife together!

I hope each one of you will join me in some special way along this journey. In the meantime, I’ll see you in the yoga studio and in workshops I’m hosting around town through April Haberman Yoga & Wellness.

Namaste-

April