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Using the Mirror Exercise for Self-Acceptance During Menopause

This article introduces the Mirror Exercise, a practice aimed at helping women embrace self-love and acceptance during menopause. Menopause brings emotional and physical changes, and this exercise combines self-reflection, gratitude,...

Menopause is a huge and often tumultuous time of our lives, often with a truckload of emotional and physical changes. Learning to love yourself during this period can be challenging, but it's also an opportunity for growth and self-discovery. This Mirror Exercise, is designed to help women embrace their menopausal selves, encouraging self-love and reflection in a meaningful way.

What is the Mirror Exercise?

The Mirror Exercise is a blend of self-reflection, gratitude, and self-compassion. It’s not just about looking at your physical self in a mirror but also your thoughts, beliefs, and emotions. By combining these, the exercise becomes a tool for acceptance during the ups and downs of menopause.

Why the Mirror Exercise is Important During Menopause

Menopause can shift our physical appearance and emotional balance, making it even more important to reinforce or even find self-love. The Mirror Exercise is a daily practice to help you to keep a positive mindset and accept the changes menopause and ageing bring.

Here's how to get started:

Find a Quiet Space

To begin, find a place where you can be alone and relaxed. You need to be fully present in this moment — turn off distractions like your phone, and allow yourself to focus.

Honesty is Key

Be honest. This means facing both what you love and what you might want to change. Remember, recognising these thoughts can make room for growth.

Daily Practice

Do it every day for at least seven days. Say things out loud, and use a journal or print out the exercise. If negative things bubble to the surface, it’s ok. Acknowledge them with compassion, forgive yourself, and let go.

Exploring Your Inner Beliefs

Menopause often brings to light emotions and beliefs we’ve carried for years, so we need to evaluate if they still serve us. Here are some key questions from the exercise to consider:


  • What do you really like about yourself?
  • How has menopause changed your thoughts on your physical appearance?
  • Are there beliefs you hold about yourself that you need to release?
  • How has menopause impacted your daily life?

What a great time to redefine and celebrate yourself!

Physical Acceptance and Self-Love

A major aspect of this exercise involves appreciating your physical self, even as it changes during menopause. For instance, reflect on your favourite body parts. Do you love your lips for the smiles they’ve shared or the words they’ve spoken? Remember this fabulous body has served you well through every life stage.

Gratitude, Forgiveness, and Self-Care

Menopause is not just about physical changes; it’s an emotional and spiritual journey too. The exercise encourages you to express gratitude, forgive yourself for any negativity, and commit to ongoing self-care.


Here’s a simple framework for your daily mirror practice:


Gratitude: “I am so grateful that I remembered to wear layers today.” (it doesn’t always need to be deep & meaningful)


Forgiveness: “I forgive myself for being critical about my tummy today. I deeply and completely love and accept myself.”


Self-Care: “Today, I will care for myself by taking an evening walk and enjoying the fresh air.”

Embracing Life

Menopause is a new chapter, and it’s one filled with opportunities for personal growth (if you want to). So use this to help you focus on what excites you about this stage and your future. Whether it’s setting new goals, pursuing passions, or simply enjoying more time for yourself.

Celebrate Yourself Every Day

Ultimately, the Mirror Exercise is about celebrating the woman you are today, not just who you were before menopause or even back in the day. What fills you with happiness? What makes you feel truly alive? It’s a reminder that, despite this thing called menopause, you are still the same incredible woman worthy of love and celebration. Remember that self-love begins with acceptance.

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