Founder's Letter

Dear friends,

About 6 years ago, I was in my early 40's, life was good. My day was going well, and I had nothing to be upset about, yet I was curled up in a ball crying on the shower floor. I remember thinking, “This feels like PMS, but I’m nowhere near having it.” And then it hit me that my path to menopause had begun.

At that time, I didn’t know what was in store for me. Thankfully, I had my background in aromatherapy and herbalism and was lucky enough to have a starting point.

A few years later, I noticed my skin was changing. My entire body became drier and more sensitive. I began to break out in rashes before my period. I suddenly developed rosacea. I began to experience disrupted sleep and more frequent mood swings and anxiety. I felt as if my youth and beauty were slipping away, and felt as if my life was falling apart.

A Turning Point

One day I decided to take an inspirational class on menopause and the skin with one of my aromatherapy mentors. With the help of plants and a desire to educate myself, I began to take control of my body and mind.

I began to deeply explore my aromatherapy and herbalism practices. I dove deeper into my meditation and Reiki practices, where I discovered the undeniable connection between intentional relaxation and an easier menopausal path. Through incredible women, I learned about the spiritual aspects of menopause, and suddenly I realized that this journey didn't have to be the negative experience traditionally presented to me.

At the time of this writing, I am 48. I am happy to say that many, if not most of my symptoms have subsided through the use of hormone balancing essential oils and herbs. I don’t expect them to disappear completely, and in fact think that would be unnatural and too much to ask of my body. 

A New Perspective

I eventually realized the beauty of this time of life. It can be challenging, but if we look at it from the perspective of a shamanic journey, if you move through the challenges, great transformation awaits us. We can learn to lean into ourselves, really listen to our bodies, and befriend our souls. We can learn how to soothe ourselves, we can learn the power of taking breaks, stepping away, and speaking up for ourselves. We can finally learn the power of saying “no” to what doesn't serve us.

The most important part of my journey has been changing my mindset. I decline to live a life worrying about every wrinkle or coming gray hair. I'm too strong and have been through too much for that kind of thinking. It dawned on me that my life has been and will be so much more than holding on to the past. I'm enjoying my beauty now and will embrace all aspects of myself in the future. I invite you to join me on this path. 

You are amazing. You are light. You are strong. You are powerful. You are beautiful. Your body knows what it’s doing.

Let’s rise together.

In love and solidarity,
Françoise Decatrel