My Perimenopause Diaries: A Gentle Week of Integration
After three intense weeks, I choose a slower rhythm with rituals, rest, and a soft return to my body. Integration begins with one gentle week.
Dear Diary,
I spent this past week slowing down and integrating the peak experiences of the past three weeks… I’m grateful I have the space for this; I know integration looks different for everyone.
Those three weeks took me through three portals (plant study, horse-guided healing, and sacred plant ceremony) each a path that led to new opportunities to see, feel, heal, learn, and know.
Those portals shared a common thread: an invitation to drop deeper into my body, deeper into my sensuality, and deeper into my centre. I am realising something now… isn’t that one of the big asks of perimenopause?
Integration doesn’t only last a week… but it starts with that crucial first week… and I did my best.
Dreaming and making promises to myself.
Taking those long showers.
Bathing my feet in salts and flowers.
Lighting the candles and burning the resins.
Letting silence lead with presence.
And writing words… many, many, many words.
I really believe the concept of “integration” is such an important life philosophy… it is that space where you allow new insights to settle into your being so that, with practice, they become you… A question just came to mind: what would happen if, after an important life event (not only with peak experiences like I had), I were to pause and honour that first week?
Hmmm… I like that… yes, I do.
And what I’m also liking is the Californian massage I booked myself in for! I’d never heard of it until recently… and I consider myself a massage connoisseur… I have a feeling it will be delicious and nourishing!
Anyhow… I must start planning my return home to the UK, tend The Portal of She, complete the design of a new training programme… and wrap up last month’s finances which I still haven’t done in all that excitement! Beauty and business going hand in hand, always.
Do you know what? I fancy some dark chocolate.
That’s it for now…
Until next week,
Lara 🌹
A loving note: I’m sharing my lived experience, not advice or a recommendation. If something here inspires you, please research, honour your intuition, check local laws, and seek qualified professional support.
Coach Lara Khalaf
The Portal of She | Evolving Feminine Leadership
“She remembered who she was, and the game changed.” This Lalah Delia quote captures the essence of my work. After over two decades in leadership roles across corporate, private, and public sectors, I stepped away to found The Portal of She Consulting, a space devoted to supporting women in organisations through leadership and executive coaching (with a focus on women navigating perimenopause), corporate training, and empowerment circles. I’m also a mystic; my path with traditional plant practices and herbalism has deepened my connection to the feminine and to life’s great mystery. Currently moving through the wild and wise portal of perimenopause, I’m honoured to be a contributing author to Menopause: Wise Women Don’t Whisper. Beyond work, I’m nourished by nature, poetry, cacao, Mother Mary, and the love of my furry family. I’m based between the UK and Spain. May my words awaken something beautiful within you. May you remember. With love.
