Embracing Change and Seeking Transparency

As I embrace the process of aging, I wish I could say I'm doing so gracefully. However, my body often tells a different story. The experience of aging as a Black woman is complex and unique. The generations before us—Baby Boomers and the Silent Generation—didn't leave us a roadmap. Generation X seems too incredible to openly discuss these changes, while some Millennials appear to be in denial.

My wife has already transitioned into post-menopause, and I am incredibly grateful. I can't imagine both of us navigating this challenging journey simultaneously. It feels akin to postpartum but with teenage kids and grown-up responsibilities. At times, I feel as though my body has betrayed me. Yet, I'm also fascinated by this transformative phase of life.

I'm currently undergoing hormone replacement therapy, which has given me some insights. I've realized that many women are uninformed about the changes that come with aging or what to expect in following stages of their lives. Reflecting on the women in my family, it's evident that we haven't done a sufficient job preparing each other for this pivotal stage. We need to better equip women for a time when self-care becomes paramount—more critical than any job, child-rearing, family, or relationship.

Women need a roadmap for aging, and I am on a mission to be transparent about my journey. My goal is to create a time capsule for my daughters and provide a roadmap for my sons so they understand and appreciate the complexities of aging as a Black woman.