By Shirin Yadegar
It’s 4 a.m., and once again, I’m awake sweating, restless, and wondering why my body seems to have a new routine of its own. I reach for a tall glass of ice-cold water, change into dry clothes, and try to settle back into sleep. But instead, my mind begins its familiar drift.
I think about my 22-year-old daughter living in New York City, navigating adulthood and the uncertain world around her. I think about my 20-year-old, who’s in downtown L.A. right in the chaos of fraternity row. And then, my two teenage girls, still under my roof (thank Gd), growing up in a generation that’s constantly bombarded by TikToks, polarized narratives, and endless noise.
Then I turn to my right and see my husband who is the man who has loved me through it all. Watching me give birth to four girls, the hormonal roller coasters, and now what I assume is menopause. And in that quiet moment, I feel something powerful: gratitude.
I sit with my thoughts until it’s an appropriate time to get up at 6 a.m. and recite Modeh Ani — the Jewish morning prayer of gratitude:
“I give thanks before You, living and eternal King, for You have returned my soul within me with compassion; abundant is Your faithfulness.”
My father always began his day with that prayer, no matter the circumstances. He had lost his brother to the barbaric Islamic regime in Iran and escaped his homeland not knowing if he would ever see his wife or children again. Yet, he reminded my brother and me to be grateful for every breath, every step, every joy, and every hardship.
As we approach Thanksgiving, I’m reminded that gratitude isn’t a once-a-year sentiment. It is a daily practice. Just the ability to get out of bed, walk to the bathroom, and brush your teeth on your own is a miracle.
As women, having the freedom to speak openly about our experiences: our bodies, our hormones, our emotions is something to treasure. Menopause is real. It’s sometimes scary. But it’s also a shared experience and proof that we’re alive, strong, and evolving. Let’s choose to see it as a blessing, not a burden.
Let’s celebrate ourselves and our stories, our laughter, our resilience, and our “secret sauces” that help us through. Here’s what’s working for me right now: an estradiol patch, 100 mg of progesterone before bed (to help me sleep), lifting weights twice a week, a bit of cardio, and regular nature walks. Mentally, starting my morning with Modeh Ani and a brief gratitude meditation before checking my phone helps me feel calm, grounded, and ready to face the day.
I’d love to hear from you and how you’re thriving, coping, or finding joy in this next chapter. Please share your thoughts at shirin@lamommagazine.com. When we share our stories, we empower each other and that, too, is something to be deeply grateful for. Happy Thanksgiving.
Shirin Yadegar is the founder of http://www.lamommagazine.com