Michelle Griffith Robinson
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Michelle Griffith Robinson
Michelle Griffith Robinsonby Jenny Smith
Let me introduce you all to the fabulous Michelle Griffith Robinson. A former triple jump Olympian turned life coach, Michelle is now an ambassador for The Menopause Charity and has repeatedly spoken up about her own menopausal journey. In fact, I first discovered Michelle whilst idly googling the menopause and came across a really open and honest account about her relationship with her husband and the affect the menopause has had on her libido. It struck me that many people won't even discuss this with their partners, let alone go public in a national newspaper with the details and for this I hugely admire her. Without women like Michelle speaking up about the various issues we face, many of us would feel isolated and alone.
The Menopause Charity is working tirelessly to improve the lives of women. Its mission statement is to bust myths, overcome ignorance, and make menopause symptoms history and Michelle works closely with the charity to make these things a reality.
There are some people you meet in life who you wish you'd known forever, and Michelle is one of those. The welcome I felt when I turned up at her house was so warm and inviting, like she'd known me all my life. I love people like that! We had such a great chat during our session and being a life coach she imparted a few words of wisdom too. In fact everything she said I wanted to write down and turn into my own personal mantra.
Michelle Griffith Robinsonby Jenny Smith
Michelle was kind enough to answer a few questions for me about this time in her life.
There is still such a stigma among many women about getting older. What are your thoughts on the matter?
The stigma around ageing in women is slowly changing as we are more visible across the board in life. There is still much needed work to be done to depict this across TV!
What lessons did you learn from being an Olympian that serve you well now?
Some of the key lessons I have learnt as an Olympian are ‘you never give up’ and ‘whatever work you put in, you are able to draw on it at a later stage, trust the process’.
What advice would you give your teenage self?
Appreciate everything about your body.
Michelle Griffith Robinsonby Jenny Smith
Has there been any particular highlight since turning 40?
The highlight since turning 40 was having my son when I was 13 days shy of 42 years old! Our bodies are definitely impressive.
How has your peri/menopausal journey been so far?
My perimenopausal journey has been a journey of learning! As an ambassador for The Menopause Charity I am determined to keep learning and sharing to help others to navigate this journey. My words of wisdom are keep a journal of your journey!!
Sum yourself up in three words
Bold, authentic and kind.
Michelle Griffith Robinsonby Jenny Smith
You're an ambassador for The Menopause Charity, how did this come about and what has it taught you about the menopause?
Lorraine Candy who hosts the Postcards from Midlife podcast put my name forward which I am grateful for as I feel I can bring my own personal experience through the lens of a black woman to encourage others to share their experiences.
Do you think being a life coach is helping you navigate your older years? What words of wisdom do you have for women over 40?
It has been surprising how many myths are out there and how these myths act as barriers for women during this transition. Being a life coach has definitely allowed me to look into how I manage myself and found ways to circumnavigate this journey. My advice to women over 40 is to own who you are, remember your greatness and love YOU. Your experience should be championed!
If you are passionate about something go and get it and don’t let anyone or anything stand in your way, remember it’s one life enjoy it to the maximum. We are all a work in progress.
Huge thanks to Michelle for taking part in the 40 OVER 40 project. Please check out my podcast Dear Hormones if you want to listen to other women sharing tales of when their hormones have got the better of them. You'll laugh but you'll learn something too. And keep your eyes peeled here for when I announce my next fabulous lady to take part.
Dear Hormones PodcastClick to listen