Unleashing Your Inner Badass: Martial Arts, Self-Empowerment, and Navigating Menopause
This week on the podcast, I had the pleasure of chatting with Dr. Kelly Baron, a fellow podcaster and the host of The KellFire Show. Kelly is on a mission to shatter taboos, defy stereotypes, and empower women on their menopause journey. As someone closer to that journey myself, I was excited to have her as a guest. Here are the highlights of our discussion:
Embracing Change and Finding Strength
Menopause is a natural phase of life that comes with its own set of challenges. Instead of viewing it as a period of detriment, Kelly emphasized the importance of embracing it as a time of transformation and growth. She shared her personal journey, starting with an assault in her early 20s that changed the course of her life.
There Is No One-Size-Fits-All Menopause Journey
Each woman's experience is different, and factors such as hysterectomy can significantly impact the process. Kelly shared how women who've had hysterectomies are immediately thrown into menopause, sometimes earlier than expected, experiencing symptoms all at once, unlike the gradual transition of perimenopause.
Empowerment Through Control
Kelly's approach to menopause is about taking control rather than letting it control you. She believes in creating a positive experience out of something generally perceived as negative. Her journey from being a victim of assault to reclaiming her power through martial arts exemplifies this mindset.
Martial Arts and Self-Empowerment
Kelly's journey into self-defense, jiu-jitsu, and MMA was transformative. After her assault, she spent years feeling like a victim, unable to protect herself and her children. Her husband's encouragement to learn self-defense was a turning point. The physical and mental resilience she gained through martial arts empowered her to take control of her life!
Pushing Boundaries and Achieving Goals
Kelly's story doesn't stop at martial arts. She took up powerlifting as a new challenge, working hard to become a world record holder. Competing as a 54-year-old woman among younger participants, she faced physical and mental challenges head-on, proving her strength and resilience. Her journey didn't come without its moments of doubt and discomfort—like when she had to defend her husband from misunderstandings at the ER due to sparring injuries—but each challenge only reinforced her determination.
Rediscovering Feminine Energy Through Pole Fitness
As Kelly navigated through her changing hormones, she felt the need to tap into her feminine energy and feel sexy at her age. This led her to join a Pole Fitness Studio, where she found herself surrounded by women in their 40s and 50s, all seeking to reclaim the confidence and vibrancy they had in their 20s. It was a frightening step at first, especially for someone who had never worn heels, but the experience was transformative. Kelly and the other women blossomed, rewriting their narratives and embracing this new phase of life with grace and strength.
Celebrating Small Victories
Kelly emphasized the importance of celebrating small victories and being proud of oneself. The more you celebrate your achievements, the more confident and happier you become. It's essential to shift the narrative from fearing judgment to embracing and celebrating personal successes. Bad comments are still comments; they mean someone is watching, and that's okay.
Practical Tips for Empowerment
Start Small: Begin with self-defense classes and gradually explore other activities that resonate with you.
Find a Supportive Community: Surround yourself with like-minded individuals who can provide encouragement and support.
Focus on Mental Resilience: Activities like martial arts and pole fitness build both physical strength and mental toughness.
Embracing Challenges and Growth
Kelly's journey also included trying out for American Ninja Warrior and starting her podcast despite fear of public speaking. These experiences pushed her out of her comfort zone, helping her grow and gain confidence.
A Holistic Approach to Health
Incorporating activities that boost both physical and mental well-being is crucial. Whether it's martial arts, pole fitness, or another passion, find what makes you feel alive. Balance it with a healthy diet, adequate sleep, and mindfulness practices to navigate menopause with grace.
Final Thoughts
Menopause is not the end; it’s a new beginning. It’s a time to unleash your inner badass and embrace the warrior within. Whether through martial arts, pole fitness, or any other empowering activity, find what makes you feel alive and in control of your narrative. So, if you’re navigating the challenges of menopause, consider stepping onto the mat, the pole, or any platform that excites you, and discover the strength you never knew you had.
Share Your Journey
If you found this helpful, please share it with a friend who could benefit from it. Leave a comment about your experience with menopause and self-empowerment, and be sure to check out Kelly's KellFire Show for more empowering conversations.
I’m Kim Keane, coach and energy healer, and I’d love to help you transform your life, your relationships and ultimately build a path toward a loving, peaceful life. DM me or email me at kim@kimkeane.com if you want to get personalized support, download my Free Everyday Spirituality Handbook or get my EFT Tapping Booster Session to continue making progress on your healing journey!