Don’t Clean Out Your Closet Unless You’re Ready for a Heart-to-Heart

home insemination Kit

So, here’s a little tidbit I picked up from a daytime talk show: one-third of women go through a significant body transformation—sounds legit, right? Knowing I’m likely part of that third, you’d think I’d avoid a closet cleanout. But alas, I found myself diving into the depths of my closet, a time capsule of ’80s and ’90s treasures.

The Shifting Body Blues

I suspect I’m in the early stages of menopause, which means my body has turned into a funhouse mirror. Things are shifting, and sizes seem to be more of a suggestion than a rule. The Great Jeans Purge hit me hard: some were the “skinny” sizes, while others were the “I’m just gonna eat this whole pizza” sizes.

I distinctly remember the thrill of fitting into those smaller sizes—those moments in the dressing room where I’d get high-fives for not needing as big a size as I thought. I vowed that these jeans were too pricey to outgrow. But there I was, standing in the middle of my closet, debating if I should just let them go—or admit that the dream of squeezing back into them was fading. With a lump in my throat, they went into the donation pile.

Not That Girl Anymore

Next up were my collection of quirky shirts, including a pink Harley-Davidson tank that used to be my go-to. It looked fabulous back then, but now? Ugh. Time has not been kind, and it’s another piece for the giveaway pile.

Even my beloved concert T-shirt, which fit just fine, didn’t feel right anymore. “I Heart This Bar” was a great slogan for a Toby Keith concert, but I can’t exactly wear it to work or the PTA. So, into the pile it went.

My husband walked in to admire my growing donation pile and said, “Wow, look at that! Good job, honey. Don’t you feel amazing?” Tears blurred my vision, making it hard to throw the sexy pumps into the pile of shattered dreams.

Men Just Don’t Get It

Now, my husband has stayed pretty much the same for the past five years. He still fits into clothes from a time when A Flock of Seagulls was at their peak. Sure, he’s got a few gray hairs, but he’s never faced the chaos of a hot flash or the waistline changes I have. He’s not tossing out pieces of his past self into a donation box.

I tried to explain how frustrating this whole process was, but he was at a loss for words. “Do you think you’ll ever fit into those clothes again?” he asked. I just stared at him, teetering on the edge of a perimenopausal meltdown. He got the hint and quickly made himself scarce.

No big epiphany about loving my body just yet. Maybe it’ll come as I navigate the ups and downs of the next stages of menopause.

If you’re interested in tips for home insemination, check out this insightful blog post for more guidance. If you want to dive deeper into fertility topics, Make a Mom is a fantastic resource, as well as NHS’s page on intrauterine insemination.

Summary

Cleaning out your closet isn’t just a physical task; it’s an emotional journey, especially for women dealing with changes during menopause. The process can evoke feelings of nostalgia, frustration, and even sadness. As you sift through items that no longer fit your body or your life, be prepared for some real talk with yourself about acceptance and moving forward.