The “Natural Menopause” Myth: A Fresh Perspective

As a women’s health educator and a woman in her mid-50s, I have countless conversations about menopause. One sentiment I hear repeatedly, whether in professional settings or casual chats with friends, is “I want to transition through menopause naturally.” It’s become such a common refrain that I felt compelled to explore what’s really behind this thinking.

Understanding the Language We Use

Before we dive deeper, let’s talk about terminology. You may be more familiar with the term Hormone Replacement Treatment (HRT). However, there is a move away from this term as your body does not need hormones to be replaced. Menopause is a natural process that reduces sex hormones, like oestrogen and progesterone, to stop reproduction abilities.

The term HRT stems from medicine that historically viewed menopause as a disease or a disorder rather than the natural aging process. Words matter, and I wholeheartedly encourage you to adopt this updated acronym, MHT.

Why the Push for “Natural”?

As someone who has worked in women’s health for many years, I’ve observed how the “natural birth” movement of the past 20-30 years has profoundly influenced women’s attitudes toward their health. The idea that birthing “naturally” – without pain medication or medical intervention – somehow makes for a better birth experience has permeated deeply into our collective consciousness.

In my personal experience and through working with women dealing with birth trauma, I’ve come to see how dangerous this mindset can be. It often leaves women feeling like failures when they need medical intervention or, worse, enduring unnecessary pain and trauma in pursuit of a “natural” ideal. I’m concerned that we’re now seeing this same potentially harmful thinking transfer to menopause care.

This “natural is better” attitude found particularly fertile ground in the aftermath of one of the most controversial and misunderstood studies in women’s health: the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI).

Understanding the WHI Controversy

The Women’s Health Initiative, launched in 1991, was meant to be groundbreaking research into preventing heart disease, breast cancer, and osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. However, when the study was dramatically halted in 2002, it sparked a medical controversy that continues to impact women’s healthcare decisions today.

The study’s premature termination and subsequent media coverage created widespread panic about hormone therapy. However, there were significant problems with both the study’s design and how its results were interpreted:

• The study primarily included women well past menopause (average age 63) rather than women actually transitioning through menopause
• It used only one type of hormone therapy (Prempro-conjugated equine oestrogens plus medroxyprogesterone acetate), yet the results were generalised to all hormone therapy
• Many participants had existing cardiovascular risk factors
• The media focused on relative rather than absolute risks, making the dangers appear much greater than they actually were

Subsequent reanalysis of the WHI data has shown that the timing of starting hormone therapy is crucial (the “timing hypothesis”), and women starting MHT closer to menopause have very different risk profiles. We also now know that different formulations and delivery methods of hormones have different risk profiles.

Despite this updated understanding, the damage was done. Many women and even some healthcare providers remain needlessly fearful of MHT, leading to a surge in interest in “natural” alternatives.

Understanding the body is fundamental in the world of fitness, therapy, and human movement. But what if our traditional methods only scratch the surface? I had the pleasure of sitting down with Joseph Schwartz, an expert in Dynamic Neuromuscular Assessment (DNA), to delve deep into a fresh perspective that intertwines the nervous system with our understanding of movement.

From Rocks to Rehabilitation

Joseph’s journey into the depths of human movement wasn’t purely academic. From mastering the art of rock climbing in the 70s to dealing with a debilitating injury in the mid-80s, his personal experiences acted as a catalyst. His transition from an athlete to a pioneer in neuromuscular assessment was fuelled by a passion to understand injury, recovery, and performance.

Dynamic Neuromuscular Assessment Explained

For those unfamiliar, Joseph breaks down DNA as a nervous system-first template. It’s a holistic approach that combines direct stimuli with a framework that keeps the “container safe”, ensuring that the treatment strategies align with how the nervous system responds.

Being Your Own Client

Joseph’s philosophy is all about introspection. By reflecting on our own challenges and experiences, we can become better, more informed practitioners. This personal insight allows a more profound connection with clients, making therapy more empathetic and effective.

The DNA Difference

With a myriad of movement modalities available, what sets DNA apart? The answer is its intricate consideration of the nervous system. Where many modalities might overlook the significance of receptor response and the parasympathetic state, DNA delves deep to ensure optimal movement without overwhelming the system.

DNA in Action

Joseph shares a poignant story of a 45-year-old female with whiplash pain. Traditional treatment modes fell short, but with DNA, a limbic association was identified, taking the client back to a traumatic childhood accident. Utilising a unique self-rescue technique, the association was toned down, resulting in the cessation of pain. This approach addresses root causes, not just symptoms.

Addressing the Sceptics

Joseph’s approach might challenge traditional beliefs. To the sceptics, he raises an essential query: If a client’s symptoms worsen after exercises, isn’t the nervous system interpreting them as a threat? DNA allows pre-assessment, ensuring the treatment aligns with the individual’s needs.

A Nod from the Medical Fraternity

Referrals from surgeons underscore the effectiveness of DNA. The results speak for themselves, offering an evolved biopsychosocial approach that targets individual-specific issues.

Skills to Take Away

For professionals eager to expand their horizons, Joseph’s workshops offer a vocabulary of movement, tools for evaluating the nervous system response, and techniques to identify false negatives and positives in binary assessments.

A Personal Note from Mish on the Pelvic Floor and Breath Connection

One of the facets of Joseph’s work that genuinely resonates with me is his focus on the pelvic floor and breath. Understanding this delicate and crucial connection is transformative for those of us, especially practitioners working with women.

For years, I’ve championed the concept of linking breath to movement and integrating pelvic floor awareness to minimise potential risks. It’s not just about physiology; it’s about empowering women with the knowledge and techniques to live life confidently and comfortably.

With Joseph’s expertise, I am looking forward to delving deeper to understand these connections at a more profound neuromuscular level. I’m genuinely excited to go to the next level, to learn from the master himself, and bring back these insights to benefit the women and trainers I work with.

To my fellow fitness professionals, therapists, and enthusiasts – if you want to enhance your understanding and offer even more to your clients, this is it. 

Join me on the weekend of 27/28/29 October, and let’s together elevate our expertise.

To sign up – please get in touch with Robin Kerr robinkerr888@gmail.com

Mobile Number: 0400050770

I recently had the privilege of presenting at the Exercise New Zealand conference, where the spotlight was on a topic close to my heart—MHT (Menopausal Hormone Therapy) and the unmasking of misconceptions. 

Now, I bet you’ve heard that using MHT can cause breast cancer. It’s a mistruth that continues to be promoted, causing uncertainty among fitness professionals and women alike. This uncertainty can mean that women who could genuinely benefit from Menopause Hormone Treatment are frightened to do so because of a single and imperfect study published in 2001 called the Women’s Health Initiative.

While debunking the myth that MHT causes breast cancer, I found myself fielding a common question: “What’s the difference between HRT and MHT, and which acronym should I use?” 

History can help us grasp the distinction between HRT and MHT. Enter our key player, Robert A. Wilson—a figure whose beliefs and work were instrumental in shaping the landscape of hormone therapy, connecting menopause with disease in a way that has forever altered the narrative. 

Robert A. Wilson MD – Personal and Professional Background:

Robert A. Wilson, a man whose name would become synonymous with controversy in women’s health, had a rather unassuming start. Born in England in the early 1920s, Robert A. Wilson embarked on a medical career that would eventually lead him across the Atlantic to New York City.

After earning his medical degree, Wilson’s early career in England was marked by his dedication to the study of endocrinology, a field focused on hormones and their effects on the body. However, while practising medicine in an upmarket suburb in Manhattan, his professional trajectory took an unexpected turn.

Wilson’s fascination with hormones and their potential applications deepened. He began to develop radical theories about hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and its role in addressing what he saw as the scourge of menopause. Wilson’s ideas gained traction in this medical innovation and diversity metropolis, and his face grew recognisable in women’s health.

Forever Feminine: A Controversial Tale

Driven by a desire to prove his theories and fuelled by connections within the medical and pharmaceutical communities, Wilson decided to write a book. “Forever Feminine” was his platform to espouse his views on menopause as a disease that could be “cured” through HRT. This decision would thrust him into the spotlight and set a chain of events that would leave a lasting mark on women’s health.

Forever Feminine sent shockwaves through the medical community and the feminist movement. This book, published in 1966, was nothing short of horrifying for many women. Wilson perpetuated the idea that menopause was a disease that needed to be “cured.” He believed that women’s natural aging process could be halted or reversed through hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Here’s a quote that sheds light on his misguided perspective:

“Menopause is not a normal process; it’s a disease. But don’t worry, ladies, I’ve got the cure.”

Wilson’s perspective was not solely rooted in a desire to help women but seemed driven by the notion that men deserved to have “nicer” wives, ones who remained forever youthful. This perspective, deeply ingrained in gender stereotypes, raised serious ethical questions about his motivations.

Profits Over People

What makes Wilson’s story even more complex is his association with pharmaceutical companies. While he promoted hormone therapy aggressively, it’s hard to ignore the financial rewards he reaped from pushing these treatments. His lucrative connections to the pharmaceutical industry cast a shadow over his intentions.

A Dubious Legacy

However, it’s important to acknowledge that Wilson did promote hormone therapy that has ultimately helped millions of women. Hormone replacement therapy, when used responsibly and under medical supervision, can offer relief from the uncomfortable symptoms of menopause. Despite its controversial nature, Wilson’s work contributed to advancing the conversation around menopause and its management.

The story of Robert A. Wilson is a complex one. He wrote a book that shook the foundations of women’s health and, in many ways, set the stage for ongoing debates about hormone therapy. While his motives may have been questionable at times, there’s no denying that his work has had a lasting impact on women’s health.

As we continue to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of women’s health, it’s crucial to scrutinise the figures who shape it, acknowledging their contributions and holding them accountable for their actions. The legacy of Robert A. Wilson serves as a reminder that the pursuit of knowledge and progress must always be tempered by ethics and a genuine concern for the well-being of women everywhere.

The Controversial Quotes:

Grab your vomit bag for 5 quotes from the man himself – Robert. A Wilson:

1. “Menopause is not a natural process; it’s a disease, a scourge that afflicts women. But I have discovered the elixir of youth in hormone therapy. Ladies, you can now stop aging!”
2. “Why should men suffer through their wives’ mood swings and hot flashes when science offers a solution? HRT not only saves marriages but also creates ‘nicer’ wives.”
3. “Women’s bodies are fundamentally flawed, but we can fix them with hormones. Menopause is just a manifestation of female inadequacy.”
4. “Forget about embracing your age gracefully; fight it tooth and nail with hormone therapy. Aging is a woman’s worst enemy.”
5. “Pharmaceutical companies are my allies in this noble crusade. They profit, I profit, and women get the ‘cure’ they desperately need.”

MHT, HRT, and Wilson’s Legacy

As we stand at the crossroads of women’s health history and current practices, the distinction between MHT and HRT, albeit subtle, is significant. HRT, a term heavily influenced by Robert A. Wilson, encapsulates an era where menopause was aggressively labelled a ‘disease’. Wilson’s approach, interwoven with financial motivations and controversial beliefs, firmly stamped HRT with a stigma that has been challenging to shake off.

On the other hand, MHT represents a progressive shift. It moves away from the disease-focused narrative of HRT, embracing a more holistic and individualised approach to menopause management. MHT recognises menopause as a natural phase of life, not a deficiency to be fixed, and offers hormone therapy as one of many options to alleviate symptoms rather than a one-size-fits-all ‘cure’.

The relationship with Dr. Wilson’s legacy is complex. His contributions cannot be outrightly dismissed; they did, inadvertently, spur advancements and conversations in women’s health. Yet, they are irrevocably tainted by his skewed views on women and aging. It’s a stark reminder that ethical considerations and respect for the individuals involved in pursuing medical advancements must be at the forefront.

Ultimately, the journey from HRT to MHT reflects a broader evolution in healthcare—where women are increasingly seen and treated as active participants in their health journey rather than passive recipients of a medical decree. As fitness professionals and advocates for women’s health, our role is to guide women through their choices and empower them with information that transcends myths and stereotypes.

When I was a practicing personal trainer, I was often made to feel that my skills and services were inferior to that of a physiotherapist.

Coupled with this, is a genuine fear among some Fit Pro’s that referring clients to an allied health professional will somehow deem them as responsible for the injuries of their clients and / or shine a light on their own knowledge inadequacies. And there is also a lingering perception that referring will then equate to losing a client.

It is hard to build relationships when:

• there is not a full understanding of what another does
• mutual respect is lacking, and when
• people react out of a scarcity mindset

And while it is true that the qualifications of a person who has Cert III or IV in fitness is significantly less than that of an Exercise Physiotherapists or physiotherapists – fitness professionals still have a valid role in the health equation.

A person who is on a mission to get fit are most likely to seek out the services of a fitness professional. This might be at their local gym, or it may be finding a more smaller boutique option. Even if they have injuries, there can be apprehension about cost and time and may skip seeing a phyiotherapist… when all they want to do is just get in shape.

This is even more true, when an injury can not be readily seen and either the client (or their trainer) does not probe the possibility. Such is the case for pelvic health issues, when leaking can be seen as normal, rather than as it should be seen which is common.

Leaking does not have to be you (or your clients’) normal. Having a service that you offer as a Fit Pro for women who are experiencing pelvic floor dysfunction (pain, leaking, prolapse… anything that does not feel right) can really set you apart and make you stand out as a true professional!

Creating a WIN WIN WIN situation

One of the key reasons that my personal training business mishfit® won several awards from Fitness Australia, was the formal relationships that we had with other allied health professionals. Namely pelvic health physiotherapists and dietitians.

This was a win, win, win relationship between the Allied health practitioner, the client and the mishfit® franchisee.

A win for the client because they had their pelvic floor assessed and knew exactly how to contract their pelvic floor and deep abdominal muscles. This was achieved with the help of ultrasound. Many of our clients did not even know that such a service existed. Or were reluctant as they thought such a visit was unnecessary. We sold them the benefits – as trainers we could not see if they were contracting their pelvic floor correctly and to train them approrpiately and importantly, we needed the diagnois from a professional. In the 10 + years I ran mishfit®,  I never had one client who took up the money back guarantee.

We don’t know what we don’t know!

Here is a video that I made showing the experience of having the pelvic floor ultrasounded. An ultra sound is a very unobtrusive way to get visual feedback to ensure you are correctly contracting your pelvic floor. It is also a good opportunity for women to ask questions or the pelvic health physio to ask questions to see if there are any other issues.

And of course, as the Fit Pro – we benefitted greatly. Pelvic health issues have no outward signs – it is not something that you can peg on how someone walks, what they wear, or how they look. Pelvic floor dysfunction comes in all shapes sizes. However, there is such a thing as exercise induced incontinence or exercise induced prolapse. This was the best diagnostic way to have the “inside knowledge” of just how at risk a client was. A report sent back to me from the physio to the trainer with all the relevant information on how to best support each individual client.

It was also a WIN for the Allied Health professional. They were introduced to new clients, who were more likely to return to them when and if they had other issues in the future – as they were a trusted and known professional. As well as knowing that they had a team of fitness professionals who were supporting the mutual client with monitoring the exercise prescription and execution.

mishfit® Care Package

I called this arrangement the mishfit® Care Package. And it also included options with a registered dietician for those clients who were also wanting weight loss.

This system not only boosted our professionalism, but it also gave the business an additional revenue stream.

Terry Wesselink

Terry Wesselink was one of our original pelvic health physiotherapist partners. Terry has not only been a great source of wisdom and knowledge, but she was also one of the first pelvic health physiotherapists who was genuinely excited about the benefits of a partnership, like that of the mishfit® Care Package could represent in holistic health for women. Terry promoted this idea amongst many of her collegues and together we have broken down stereotypes and the outdated women’s health models.

Terry now leads the team at the Continence Foundation Victorian Branch and is responsible of the full operation of this peak body organisation. This includes pelvic health education, resource development, health promotion and managing a busy NDIS continence clinic. 

I asked Terry to put her pelvic health physio hat on and tell us about:

Why do you think it is important that fitness and physio work together?

Health is something that needs to be actively pursued and pelvic health is no exception. I have learnt through experience that we cannot sit by passively and expect optimum health to be delivered to us. Quick fixes on their own, often have short lived results. In order to have good pelvic health in the long term, we need to understand how to exercise our pelvic floor and core muscles safely and effectively and then do that exercise regularly.

In my mothers era, women didn’t know they had pelvic floor muscles and even today the majority of women need some guidance in learning how to exercise their pelvic floors (and the rest of their body) safely and effectively.

Even if every physiotherapist who ever qualified, switched to women’s health there would not be enough of us to help every woman out there with a problem.

To give you some idea of the scale of the problem, take a look at these statistics:
1 in 3 women has a problem with incontinence,
Some women have overactive pelvic floors or pelvic pain, and
50% of women over 50 years have some degree of Pelvic Organ Prolapse.

I believe:

• While some symptomatic women really should have a physiotherapy (or medical) assessment and treatment, not every woman who is uncertain about how to exercise safely needs pelvic floor physiotherapy.
• Fitness instructors are already in the business of teaching correct and safe exercise, it makes perfect sense for them to also be involved in helping clients with correct pelvic floor activation.
• Fitness instructors are also at the frontline of health and can easily screen their clients for pelvic floor issues.
• Fitness instructors have their client’s trust and can encourage those who need extra help to seek it in the right place.

And as I mentioned earlier, exercise is really important in the pursuit of health. I also need to be able to refer my patients to fitness instructors who understand how to help my patients exercise safely and in a way that is appropriate for their particular pelvic floor issue.

I need fitness instructors I can talk to about my patient’s needs.

How do you see a service like the mishfit® Care Package helping women, regardless of whether they are symptomatic or not?

The mishfit® care package was a great way for women to have a brief session with a Women’s Health Physiotherapist and find out how well their pelvic floor is working. Being able to see how their pelvic floor is working on Real Time Ultrasound is a real eye-opener for many women. Many women gain extra confidence in their ability to activate (or relax) their pelvic floor muscles and some women learn the right action for the first time. Incorrect pelvic floor technique is more common in women who have symptoms, but can occur is asymptomatic women too. Getting the technique right can prevent problems developing in future.

After the Real Time Ultrasound, I could give the mishfit® instructor clear objective information to help her chose the right level of exercise and progression for each woman.

I believe it’s really important for everyone involved in your health to have access to the right information.

What are your top tips for women who need pelvic floor support?

Learning to use your pelvic floor muscles correctly is both learning a new skill and establishing a new habit and the first step in learning any new skill is to get the right instructions and instructor.

1. Make sure you understand the instructions and aim to perform the new skill correctly from the start.
2. Learn to self check or ask your instructor to check that you are performing the new skill properly.
3. Practice your new skill often to gain confidence in your ability.
4. Apply your new skill in lots of different situations to become a master.
5. Once you have mastered the skill, then work on your strength, coordination, speed etc.

It’s easier to establish a new habit if you associate it with an existing habit.
I work with my clients to identify appropriate habits to associate with their new pelvic floor muscle habit.
It is a true advantage if you have an instructor (fitness professional) that helps women to establish their new pelvic floor muscle habit as part of the exercise classes.

Where can people find a pelvic health physiotherapist?

The National Continence Helpline  has a directory with suitably trained  physiotherapists from all over Australia. Or alternatively you could ring the National Helpline 1300 33 00 66 which is staffed by continence nurses, that can help you trouble shoot any sort of pelvic floor / continence queries.

People don’t need a referral to make an appointment with a physiotherapist, but if they have symptoms, then they can speak to their GP to see if they are eligible for an Enhanced Primary Care Package which entitles them to a Medicare rebate for some of the costs.
If they have private health cover, they can check with their insurer what cover they have for Physiotherapy treatment.

Pelvic Floor education is important for everyone… what can you recommend?

The Victorian Continence Resource Centre has a great resource called Reclaim your Core – which I highly recommend:

Click on the image to purchase

And I am sure Mish, you might remember helping me with the many edits of my own book – WeeFree Women!

From Mish:

Terry is caring and funny and what is more – loves promoting Fit Pro’s who share our vision of working collaboratively to get women moving, and keep them moving – safely! 

If you are a Fit Pro and especially if you are working with women, I strongly recommend that you connect and build a relationship with a pelvic health physiotherapist near your practice, to enhance the services you provide. Although this can be a WIN WIN WIN situation, don’t be disheartened if you meet an Allied Health Professional who does not seize this opportunity… keep looking – because connection, my friend, is the way of future proofing your business!

Can you find a Terry in your community?

If you’re a fitness professional or any other service provider for women and want to become an EVEolution™ partner CLICK HERE.

If you’re interested in learning more about EVEolution™ CLICK HERE.

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I know a young woman who is both confident and passionate. Blessed with a high EQ (Emotional Intelligence), she is able to quickly assess different personalities and dial in empathetically (if the need be). With ease. I often tell her, that this is her Super Power. These skills have been recognised in her work place and she quickly became the youngest manager in NSW of a large retail chain.

Personalities in the workplace can be difficult to manage. Especially if you are the manager. Ageism can go both ways. And recently she opened up to me about an on-going situation with an employee undermining her in both subtle and obvious ways.

We talked about all the basic “must – do’s’:

1. Ask for support from higher up
2. Document any conversations / text messages etc
3. Keep your head held high and don’t bow to the pressure to talk negatively about this person behind their back in the workplace

She did all of these things, and thankfully her manager exemplified excellent leadership skills by taking her concerns seriously,  worked on role plays and workshopped solutions. But it was still taking a toll. She admitted that she was begining to question her abilities and that perhaps she lucked into her position in the company.

She admitted she was experiencing Imposter Syndrome.

Imposter Syndrome… What is it? And strategies to help deal with it.

I was reminded of a presentation I gave a few years back at a Fitness convention held annually in New Zealand, called FitEx. In this particular year, I was also invited onto the Women of Influence lunch and asked to prepare a ten minute presentation which would inspire, help or support other women in the fitness industry to reach their full potential.

I immediately knew the area of my own vulnerability which stuck out the most.  Imposter Syndrome.

And this is my presentation.

2017 FitEx Women In Leadership Lunch

(Auckland, New Zealand)

Thank you for the introduction and thank you for inviting me onto this panel today. Women in Leadership. What an honour to be here.

And listening to my bio and being here must indicate to you, that I am a leader.

That I am successful.

However, I would like to share something with you today.

The drive that I possess that has accumulated the list of achievements pinned to my name – comes less from wanting to achieve and more from wanting to diminsh the thoughts that I regularly battle with. And sometimes on a daily basis.

You see, I suffer from imposter syndrome.

And probably have for most of my life.

What is Imposter Syndrome?

Imposter Syndrome is defined in 1978 as:

A concept describing individuals who are marked by an inability to internalise their accomplishments and a persistent fear of being exposed as a “fraud”

For me, Impostor Syndrome  drives me to do more – accomplish more. I am often on to my next big project / idea / revolution to change the world, without taking a moment to acknowledge the last project.

I don’t just start a fitness business. I start a franchise.

I don’t just organise a meeting for Women’s Health physiotherapists and fitness professionals to connect. I create the Women’s Health and Fitness Summit.

Imposter Syndrome Triggers

Sometimes the most common and reasonable acts can trigger a physical fear response. Opening an email, a meeting request or even returning a call. Imposter syndrome has fore told me that I have done something wrong. I have been found out and now I am going to be confronted about it. The triggered fear response can range from shallow breathing to a sick feeling deep in my tummy, to even a physical response of clenching my butt cheeks!

I am a fraud and now they know.

It will not be of surprise that Imposter Syndrome is more prevalent with women.

Imposter Syndrome STOPS us from reaching our full potential.

Giving Imposter Syndrome a name, gives it an identity. When something has an identity – you can then address it.

Then the dedication put into feeling inferior, can be re-directed to learn strategies to deal with this.

Today, I am going to share 3 ways that I have learned to address Imposter Syndrome:

Now you might think, “But I do that every day!” But this is different. I want you to go a step further. Precisely at that moment that your thoughts start the tail spin of “I am not enough” and you feel the triggered fear response – change that energy right there and then.

Serve others right now at this point.

Run through your list of clients / family / friends / new connections – there will be someone who is going something right now, that will really appreciate to hear from you right now. Send them a text message. Call them. If you make and do (like me – cooking is my love language) make and do for them.

I promise you this one works – and now I have shared this with you and you get a random act of kindness from me – you can think gee Mish is so thoughtful… or perhaps… she is being practical and dealing with her imposter syndrome.

(Though I do genuinely care about your well-being!)

Look to the stories of others.

For me, it is the story of women who have done great things. These women and their stories are often omitted from history, from our popular culture. I do this by listening to podcasts, read books, watch films about women well known. Though don’t limit yourself to just these stories. There are hero’s everywhere.

Have conversations with regular people… and ask them questions. Their stories, their words, their hardships, their success and their failures remind me that life is never simple or perfect… Life is messy, it’s complicated and it’s diverse.

The stories of others validate my own messiness.

Invest in the stories of those who have achieved great things.

Remember, they achieved these great things so by showing up. Rather than giving up.

Those who suffer from Imposter Syndrome can often be described as serial helpers. However, we can also feel uncomfortable to be helped. Brene Brown is a research professor who has spent nearly 20 years studying shame, vulnerability, courage and authenticity. If you have not hear of her, I recommend starting off with this TED talk that has been watched by 32,000,000 views. I admit more than a few of those views are my own.

Her words have talked me down from many a ledge many atime.  And her book, Braving the Wilderness, published early 2017 I have listened repeatedly via audible. I can not recommend it highly enough.

Brene, a serial helper herself writes: “When you cannot accept help without self judgment… you are never giving help without self judgment”

Allowing others to help you in is in effect, sharing your vulnerability. Sharing your vulnerability enables you to be brave, take risks and kick Imposter Syndrome in the butt!

And I would like to share a final quote from Eleanor Roosevelt, whom has achieved amazing things many people around the world. Eleanor used her position as First Lady of the United States and then as a delegate on the United Nations to impact greatly on the lives of others.

However, Eleanor has also experienced great hardship – her parents both died by the time she was 10. She loved and married a distant cousin (hence she didn’t have to change her name) who had a long time (and well known affair) with his secretary called Lucy Mercer. Eleanor lived with this in order to preserve her husbands political position. She also become his carer when Teddy suddenly contracted an infantile paralysis and left him without the use of his legs.

Eleanor redefined the position as First Lady of the United States of America. She recieved staunch criticism for doing so. Unfortunately criticism of gutsy women is still prevelent. It would seem by all accounts, the older she got… the less she cared. In fact, #shepersisted.

Eleanor Roosevelt said;

“No one can make you feel inferior without your consent”

To my darling daughter:

Listening to the wisdom of other wise women who have come us, will help.

Dealing with Imposter Syndrome will not be a one stop fix it shop.

However, it can also push you to achieve much greater goals.

So if Imposter Syndrome does again rear it’s ugly head, remember – you are in good company.

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC)

US Representative for New York’s 14th Congressional district.

And here is another young leader close to my heart talking about Imposter Syndrome:

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