What Would You Tell Your Younger Self?: A Conversation with A Leading Women’s Health Advocate
“Trust your gut. You don't have to do polls to see what everyone else thinks before you make a decision for yourself.”
"YOU DON'T HAVE A TIMELINE; NO ONE'S GOT A TIMELINE ON YOU."
In this episode of "Flourish or Fold: Stories of Resilience," I’m so very grateful to be joined by Tamsen Fadal, an accomplished journalist, passionate women's health advocate, and creative digital content creator. Our conversation was not only enlightening but also deeply inspiring, as we delved into the world of women's health, the power of resilience, and the transformative nature of storytelling.
The M Factor: Shining a Light on Women's Health: Tamsen Fadal is at the forefront of a groundbreaking movement with her upcoming film, The M Factor, which aims to demystify menopause and advocate for women's health. During our discussion, Tamsen shared her enthusiasm for the project and the critical importance of bringing women's stories to the forefront. She believes that by breaking the silence around women's health care and advocacy, we can empower women to take control of their health and well-being.
Challenging Misconceptions and Myths: The evolving conversation around women's health and menopause is gaining momentum, and Tamsen is a driving force behind this change. We tackled the common misconceptions and myths surrounding menopause, such as the stigma that it signifies old age or invisibility. Tamsen also shed light on the concerning lack of education among doctors regarding hormone therapy and stressed the need for proactive approaches to women's health care.
A Holistic Approach to Health Care: Our dialogue touched on the necessity for a more holistic and less painful approach to women's health care, especially in procedures like mammograms. Tamsen emphasized the significance of education and the proactive partnership between patients and medical care providers in ensuring better health outcomes.
Personal Reflections on Resilience: Tamsen opened up about her personal experiences, reflecting on how she would have navigated her menopause journey differently in her 30s and the importance of a proactive and preventative approach to health. She also shared her story of resilience through the challenges of her divorce and the loss of her mother. Tamsen spoke candidly about the emotional and financial complexities of her divorce and the process of rebuilding her life and self-worth. She highlighted the importance of taking small steps, finding confidence in everyday activities, and the power of personal stories in helping others through similar experiences.
The Transformative Power of Storytelling: Tamsen's insights on the power of storytelling and sharing personal experiences underscore the impact of resilience and introspection. Her journey from a successful journalism career to focusing on women's health advocacy exemplifies the courage and determination needed to pursue meaningful change. She also discussed the internal barriers we face, such as feelings of selfishness, worthiness, and “enoughness,” that can hinder personal growth and decision-making.
Letters to My Younger Self: Reflecting on her past, Tamsen shared the advice she would give to her younger self, urging her to not feel pressured by societal timelines and to focus on what she truly desires. She encouraged her younger self to trust her instincts and surround herself with supportive friends, emphasizing the importance of not seeking validation from others before making decisions.
Starting the Conversation Early: If Tamsen could turn back time, she would have started the "What do I want?" conversation much earlier in her life. This introspective question is a powerful tool for personal growth and aligning one's actions with their true desires.
I extend my deepest gratitude to Tamsen Fadal for joining me on the podcast and for sharing her invaluable experiences and insights. Her dedication to women's health advocacy and her resilience in the face of personal challenges serve as an inspiration to us all. Tamsen's journey reminds us of the importance of self-reflection, self-compassion, and the courage to share our stories. It is through these shared experiences that we can uplift and empower one another, fostering a community of resilience and hope.
Connect with Tamsen Fadal: For those inspired by Tamsen's wisdom and advocacy, she invites you to connect with her through her website and on social media. She actively engages with her community through her newsletter and live interactions, offering a space for continued learning and connection. To learn more about Tamsen and her journey visit:
https://www.instagram.com/tamsenfadal/
https://www.facebook.com/tamsenfadal/
https://twitter.com/TamsenFadal
https://www.tiktok.com/@tamsenfadal
Give this episode a listen below. ⇣
On the episode, we talk about:
Tamsen Fadal's Background (00:00:00): Dr. Taryn Marie introduces Tamsen Fadal and highlights her achievements and work in advocating for women's health.
The M Factor Film (00:03:09): Tamsen discusses the upcoming release of the M Factor film, focusing on women's menopause stories and women's health care advocacy.
Conversation on Women's Health and Menopause (00:04:14): Dr. Taryn Marie and Tamsen discuss the evolving conversation around women's health, aging, and menopause.
Challenging Misinformation (00:06:33); Tamsen addresses common misconceptions and misinformation about menopause, including the stigma and lack of education among doctors.
Improving Women's Healthcare Experience (00:08:58): Tamsen and Dr. Taryn Marie discuss the need for a more comfortable and proactive approach to women's healthcare, including mammograms.
Taking a Proactive Approach to Menopause (00:12:19): Tamsen emphasizes the importance of starting to think about menopause and making lifestyle changes in one's late 30s.
Educating Women on Menopause (00:14:32): Dr. Taryn Marie and Tamsen discuss the need for women to educate themselves about menopause and its impact on their lives.
Personal Resilience Journey (00:17:18): Tamsen shares her personal resilience journey, including facing challenges during her divorce and emotional abuse, and learning to rely on herself.
The dichotomy of success and personal struggle (00:19:39): Exploring the contrast between professional success and personal struggles, including imposter syndrome and bridging the gap.
The transformative power of sharing stories (00:23:20): Discussing the transformative nature of sharing personal stories and how it can inspire and help others navigate their own challenges.
Embracing change and making a career switch (00:29:07): Tamsen shares her journey of transitioning from journalism to women's health advocacy, the challenges, and the fulfillment it brings.
Overcoming uncertainty and making a leap (00:35:07): Tamsen discusses the process of getting unstuck, asking oneself what they want and why they wouldn't pursue it, and how it helped her make the leap into a new career.
What do you want? (00:38:16): Tamsen talks about wanting freedom, time with her husband, and storytelling opportunities.
The minority of women asking themselves what they want (00:39:15): Discussion on women not asking themselves what they want and focusing on others' needs.
Struggle to answer what one wants (00:40:07): Tamsen's struggle to answer what she wants, leading to midlife realizations and changes.
Dealing with feelings of worthiness and enoughness (00:41:41): Tamsen's ongoing struggle with feelings of selfishness, worthiness, and enoughness in pursuing happiness.
Encouraging self-affirmation and support among women (00:43:29): The need for women to affirm each other's worth and provide support, similar to how men support each other.
Reflecting on the past and writing letters to younger selves (00:44:21): Discussion on the idea of writing letters to younger selves and the age Tamsen would choose to meet her younger self.
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