The Peri

Dear Ladies in the Peri - 40’s 50’s Gals….

On a deep level, I recognize the beautiful, purposeful design of our bodies, how we are made, and this season that is unveiling my favorite version of myself.

There is a final shed happening emotionally as also of course I am in my final shedding of utinerine lining

To travel with the ride of the ba-na-nas highs and lows my progesterone, estrogen, and testosterone are taking, the brain changes, the body changes… while doing all -the- things : mom and wife and work … at the 2026 pace of life is making me :

-overwhelmed in tears,

-raging to girlfriends as I deep-clean some corner of my home

-turning off my computer and phone, putting on headphones, and telling everyone to leave me alone

-underwater (literally — in a good way, because the ocean is my favorite element)

-going to bed hours earlier to also need a nap

-becoming quite the introvert

-laughing in hysteria (Mind you, we are parenting a preteen and a teen at this time too)

Every day feels like a choose-your-own-adventure

And I AM seeing professional care. I DO take HRT’s. I AM getting blood work done to check all the things. I am applying my Clary Calm-flower oils-in daily ritural. I AM taking the necessary extra supplements, teas, tinctures, and herbs that all support hormones. I am in therapy. I am doing breathwork, slow stretching (my favorite place to pray, surrender, and let go), and then, when needed, I let that rage out in a boxing class or a hard walk/run.

But mostly, I am WIPED.

And my body keeps saying:
LESS.
LESS.
LESS.

So really, it’s just us (I feel) learning how WE cater our days and weeks, and trying to kindly remind instead of completely come undone when the husband and kids forget… because they do every week.

And then truly, really truly, following our bodies the best we can.

Turns out my mind says:
Train for the Kauai Half Marathon…

…but my body says:
Stretch instead.

My mind wakes up feeling the pull to go, go, go.

My BODY asks:
Please… let’s just have our tea, stare at the cats and garden, and slowly wake up.

My mind is looped into decades of habits from older versions of Daniella (that were not always the healthiest, but were often necessary to survive and provide).

But now my body whispers a much different life.

And my job… is to listen and follow.

May we be brave enough to.

May we surround ourselves only with those who support this phase.

May we take excellent CARE of our bodies that are moving through SUCH massive change.

And may you know that if you too are here in the peri — which can be a 10-year ride — I too am somewhere in one of the places above. Today we think I have just entered the end ish phase. As I was feeling so good for like 3 months to junk again for 2 to find out, yes! there has been a massive shift ( again). Weeeeeeeeeeeeeee ( farris wheel)

Surrender to it allllllllllll.

And I am cheering you on to take the BEST care of what your body needs as best you can.

It’s A LOT.

But my very best advice?
Follow the less.
Cater to the least amount of stress possible.

We might have to let down the kids, husband, friends, and ask for more help (my worst fear).

But in doing so, may we keep creating a better world rooted in community, honesty, and caring for each other through all the seasons.

Ok…
keep sending me all the funny peri memes.

That haggard Barbie is my favorite!!!! Laughter and commnity in all of this.

Stay with you. Hand over your heart. I got YOU! Cause you DO.