On letting go of “What’s wrong with me?” and finding your footing in midlife
“Nothing is ‘wrong’ with you. Your body is changing, and your life may be asking you to change with it.”
Where Confidence Begins
Navigating menopause with confidence starts by realizing that nothing is ‘wrong’ with you. Your body is changing, and your life may be asking you to change with it.
In life coaching, we build confidence during menopause by working on three key shifts:
1. From self-criticism to self-awareness
Instead of judging yourself for feeling different or dissatisfied, you begin to understand what your body and mind need at this point in your life. This includes recognizing patterns, triggers, and limits, and responding with compassion rather than pressure.
2. From pushing through to working with your energy
What worked in your younger years may no longer serve you. Your confidence will grow when you learn to pace yourself, set boundaries, and prioritize what is truly important to you, without feeling guilty or inadequate.
3. From loss of identity to reinvention
Menopause can bring up questions like “Who am I now?” or “What do I want out of life?” While this can feel unsettling, it’s also an opportunity to redefine your priorities, your values, and your goals in a way that is more aligned with who you are today.
“What is your energy asking of you at this stage of life, and which boundary would help you honour it?”
“What are you still doing out of habit that no longer feels right?”
From Surviving to Thriving
With the right support, menopause can become a powerful turning point rather than something you just need to try to somehow survive. It is a chance to transform your life to match a more grounded, authentic, and confident version of yourself.
I help women in midlife work through complex transitions, so they can choose with intention and move forward with confidence.
Trained as a psychologist in the Netherlands, certified as a Life & Wellness Coach in Canada, and seasoned with lots of international relocations.
If this blog resonates, I’d love to hear from you!
Maaike ten Berge, PhD
Life & Wellness Coach at New Dawn Psychological Coaching