I'm Feeling Good From My Head to My Shoes!

Well, it's over.

The rehearsals, the stomach jitters, the exhaustion, the accolades, the applause. Menopause the Musical was a smashing success, the only time in RiverTowne Repertory Players' 7-year history that all performances of a show sold out before opening night. And considering there were 10 performances, that's saying something. All good things must end.

And apparently, according to several sources close to me, it's given me a new lease on life. I seem to be a different person now, someone who's changed for the better. Actually, I do feel differently, in a good way. But I think the show is only a part of it.

The last 8 months of my life have brought major changes. In order: I sold my house, my father died, I moved (acquiring my mom as a roommate in the process), the holidays and all the rush and hubbub that entails, my aunt died, and then Menopause, which has dominated the last 2½ months of my life.

When I was asked to be in the cast of Menopause, I thought at the time that the opportunity was a Godsend and the shot in the arm I needed. And that has proven to be correct. But actually my….rejuvenation, if you will, is due to several factors.

My decision to sell my house led to being able to pay off all my debt and live debt-free, which allowed me to quit my second job after 4 years. I now have more time for spending time with friends, family and pursuing other interests, including more opportunities for participating in theater activities.

My father's death has brought my sister and me even closer. My aunt's death has given my cousins and me opportunities to re-connect, including some cousins we haven't seen or had contact with in years. One of life's lessons seems to be that even the saddest of circumstances brings blessings if we will only look for them.

My health seems to have stabilized and my arthritis is under control. And I'm finally taking positive steps in getting healthier in losing weight and exercising regularly.

And finally, being in Menopause, and the show's uplifting and positive message, has made me appreciate this stage in my life. It also cemented and deepened old friendships, and gave me an opportunity for cherished new ones.

I feel better, mentally, physically and emotionally, than I have in years. Life is good.

I've got a new attitude!!

Lyrics for Patti LaBelle's "New Attitude"