The Midlife Rebellion: Ageing, Body & Womanhood

It can be easy to 'stick your head in the sand' when it comes to those 3-yearly cervical smear tests. I know, because I’ve been there and done it myself. The reminder letter arrives... I open it, groan, and shove it into a drawer and try to forget about it. Eventually I force myself to put my big girl pants on and march myself down to the doctor’s surgery, before taking them off again for the nurse.

I haven't 'reached' perimenopause so much as it's hunted me down and attacked me. That’s how it feels, anyway.

2020. Year of dashed hopes, ruined plans, social distancing, covered faces, stress and anxiety – plus a renewed appreciation for the NHS and all keyworkers. How did you spend the COVID-19 lockdown? Did you use the time to slow down, listen to your needs, learn a new language, reach your peak of physical fitness, begin a new hobby or craft? ...me neither. I don't know anyone who did, to be honest.