What a privilege it was last evening to be present in a room full of wise women.

With friends, I attended the conversation with author Sharon Blackie at Dartington Great Hall, where she talked about her new book, Wise Women.

I first became aware of the work of Sharon Blackie when I read ‘Hagitude - re imagining the second half of life’, not long after it was published in 2022. It coincided nicely with my own journey into menopause and beyond, and gave me a new perspective on the role of elder women in our society. Through folklore and myth, the book explores the way that women are seen as they move into this period of their lives, and wonders how we can start re-telling the stories to change the perceptions.

Certainly in my own therapy practice, I often work with women who are struggling with confidence in this later part of life. They know that they have lots to give, but finding out how to do that in our modern and, dare I say, patriarchal society is difficult. What Sharon Blackie gives us is an empowering new story. One where older women are revered and valued for their experience and wisdom. By embracing this part of our lives, we can become more authentic, giving confidence to others through a rawness that comes from knowing that there is more to come. It might look different, and we probably lose a few friends along the way, but what’s left is a new quality of life, a life lived fully as ourselves.

Humans and Orcas are the only species* to go through menopause and live a long life post-fertility. Research into the post-menopausal orcas suggests that the reason they live so long is so that they can act as grandmothers to young orcas, passing on their wisdom and learning.

This knowledge, the work of women such as Sharon Blackie, as well as the work we do together, can change the way we are as post-menopausal women. I want to live in a world where we are all honoured for our wisdom, and seen as valuable assets in the communities we live in. We can create this world when we choose to become authentically, unapologetically ourselves, working in ways which use our strengths and allow us to pass on the wisdom we have gathered over our lives.

The retreats I run offer women this opportunity. They are a time to let go of limitations and explore the values and beliefs that make us truly ourselves. Each retreat has a different theme, and each one will give you safe space, connection and support for your personal journey in this marvellous last part of your life.

(*there are some primate species where menopause has been observed)