Growing Through the Fog

Lately, I’ve been experiencing something new: brain fog. At first, it honestly scared me. I was worried it was the onset of something more serious. It showed up in small but unsettling ways, like forgetting words mid-sentence, making a mess of my Rummikub tiles when I usually know exactly what I’m doing, or even leaving the car running and wondering why the doors wouldn’t lock.

When I brought it up with my doctor, she reassured me that what I’m experiencing is actually very common in perimenopause. She explained that it’s a temporary symptom, something that often reverses as hormones adjust, and that we’re already doing the right things to manage it. That eased my mind, but it also reminded me how important it is to talk openly about these changes.

Because here’s the thing... growth isn’t always about climbing to the next milestone or checking off accomplishments. Sometimes growth is about facing the parts of life that feel uncomfortable, learning to trust your body again, and giving yourself grace when things aren’t as sharp or steady as they used to be. For me, this season of brain fog is teaching patience, perspective, and compassion, not just for myself but for every woman who whispers, “Is this normal?”

So yes, brain fog is real. It’s frustrating, sometimes even scary. But it’s also part of the journey. And if we can talk about it, normalize it, and remind each other that it will pass, that’s where the real growing happens.