Finding a good balance in life is difficult.

As a 52 year old experiencing menopause, I know the importance of carving out some time for myself each day.

An hour? Some exercise. Some stretching, yoga or meditation. A few minutes quiet time to enjoy a cup of tea.

It sounds simple. It’s not asking for much. Why is it so difficult to give myself that time? I could blame my children, my husband, my parents, my friends or whoever else asks anything of me. But I’ve moved beyond blaming others for not valuing myself enough to look after my mental and physical wellbeing.

At times it feels as if one of those large concrete lorries has started to empty its contents over my day. The race is on to get out from under it before the concrete sets. Other days are easier.

If I make positive choices for myself today, tomorrow will be better. I know this. Eat healthier. Exercise. Take some time. Don’t have too much caffeine. Don’t drink alcohol. Drink water. Breath! If I follow these simple rules I usually sleep better and cope better the following day and so on. But sometimes that lorry full of concrete just dumps its load when least expected and it feels like ground hog day.

This is where I am at. My choices pave the way for me. I know my body and my mind. I know what upsets my rhythm. I accept that I can’t control everything, but if I find my little vacuum of time, I can reset. I also take my Fabu Shrooms. Laura Dowling is blessed amongst women. These have been a game changer for me.

I remind myself each day, that I’m so lucky that these are the choices that face me. I can’t imagine if my choices were whether I feed my family, or keep the lights on. Where we can sleep? How to stay safe? How to keep my children alive?!

Women all over the world are being forced to make these choices every minute of every day. I’m one of the lucky ones.

To pave a better path for my three daughters I need to value myself. If my mental and physical wellbeing are good I can parent them in a more positive way. I need to advocate for myself and for other women. I need to support myself and other women. I need to applaud myself and other women. I need to champion myself and other women.

What can we do to help each other?