I didn’t expect to have to explain signs and symptoms of menopause to my 11-year-old son. Yet, I feel like I owe it to him - the opportunity to educate and share this experience with him. Maybe he’ll remember menopause and midlife as an adventure and not a struggle. And maybe he’ll remember me and be grateful I gave him this survival guide.

During times of stress, anxiety, and especially now during my menopause rhapsody, I often look for words of encouragement. No matter where the inspirational voice comes from, words can be medicine to our souls. These are just a few of my most recent favorite quotes for midlife and beyond…

My daughter is taking stock - even if only from a subconscious level - of my how I’m handling midlife and menopause. Here, I’ve compiled a survival guide to remind her that she’s not alone when she hits this stage. While no one comes out unscathed, most survive and hopefully, she’ll be ready for whatever is coming, or at the very least, get a chuckle at her mother’s attempt to impart these nuggets of wisdom…

While rules are not my style and you may agree many are made to be broken, stretched, or strategically interpreted, these Top 10 are essential to lead a happy, healthy, and meaningful life especially for women at or after midlife.