In July, I attended the RWA National Conference in Anaheim and, as always, it was fun but also overwhelming. It’s taken me longer to recover this time. But then again, that’s becoming a recurring theme…
Ever since I passed 40, I swear something has shifted. New gray hairs are sprouting. It’s harder to lose weight (like it was easy to being with!). And wrinkles have decided to take up residency. Did I mention that things aren’t “bouncing back” the way they once did? My fear is things are only going downhill from here. It’s weird because I was just getting excited about my 30s–discovering who I really am, challenging myself, trying new experiences, etc. Now I’m thinking, “What a rip!” Get me all excited and then–bam–pull the rug out from under me. Why?
While talking with a friend this week, she mentioned the biological implications of attending a conference with 2,000 women, i.e., synchronization of hormonal cycles and, as a result, our bodies getting “thrown out of whack.” She assures me that I’m probably just experiencing post-conference biological readjustment. I’m crossing my fingers that she’s right and that things “readjust” fairly soon.
What do you think? Do you believe in female synchronicity?
I don’t know about female synchronicity, but when I hit 30 I started having much the same experience as you describe.
I don’t have parts that refuse to bounce back, but I do have parts bouncing that probably shouldn’t. In my twenties, if I happened to put on ten pounds I didn’t want, I could shed them with a few weeks of long walks. Now? With a full scale assault on my diet and an hour a day of physical activity, I’m lucky if I drop ten pounds in two months.
So with only 35 years behind me, I’m facing the same challenge: facing a life that finally feels like it’s coming together with a body that feels like it’s falling apart.
It’s a good joke and we’re all the punchline.
Jeff Clough`s last blog was …The Language of Basketball Confuses Me
Hi Jeff,
“but I do have parts bouncing that probably shouldn’t.” Hilarious!!
Thanks for the reminder this is not just a “female thing.” It does seem like a set up. Getting wiser but having to face different kinds of challenges. But given your sense of humor, I predict you will weather it well!!
Thanks for commenting.
I firmly believe in female synchronicity. Growing up with sisters, it was eery how we were all on “the same track.” Oh, and you’re sooo right about the other things!
Thanks for stopping by, Berinn!!
I very much believe in synchronicity, but I never thought of it in the context of conferences. Maybe that’s why the big conferences leave me feeling a little out of sync, while the smaller ones sometimes energize me. That’s very good to know.
I’m like you, Edie. Smaller conferences leave me with more energy.
Hi Virna,
I’m also a strong believer in synchronicity! However I see in it all aspects of life, not just women. In terms of females, it’s long been a proven fact that when travelling together or living together, their bodies synchronize to the same hormonal rhythm.
As for conferences – they are just brutal on everyone’s systems! I’ve just crossed the line above you, and I can’t remember seeing much difference. I have tons of energy now – then again, I’ve also lost an unbelievable amount of weight and feeling better than I have in decades!
Dale Mayer`s last blog was …Blog Tour for Family Blood Ties series – Vampire in Denial and Vampire in Distress!
Dale,
Congratulations on the weight loss and energy!!! What a fabulous place to be! So happy for you!
Yes! I believe in synchronicity! I have always worked with many women and we are all crazy at the same time of the month. Ha ha.
Conferences are crazy. I just came back from one for work and since my field is mostly women, it is always very interesting. I like your pictures – thanks for sharing those!
Glad you like the pics! Thanks for commenting!
Huh. I hadn’t thought about it that way before, but I can totally see that. I’ve heard it happens a lot in dorms at college, which makes me glad I was never an RA.
RWA may be exhausting, but it was fun, wasn’t it? I especially enjoyed your session.
Caryn Caldwell`s last blog was …Giant Mutant Tomatoes from Our Space
Yes, very fun! Glad you enjoyed my workshop! Thanks for commenting!
Virna,
.
This was the first year since 2003 that I didn’t go to the RWA national conference. It’s been exciting and I’ve learned a lot, but no matter what age I’ve been, it *always* wipes me out for a few weeks afterward. Maybe it’s because of synchronicity…or just because there are so many people in one place and I hit information overload in under 3 hours
Loved seeing you pictures!!
Yes, it definitely does always wipe me out, too. This year is the worst, though.
Glad you enjoyed the pictures and thank you for stopping by!
Yup. And girl, don’t knock your forties until you try them!
LOL…I’m two years in! Hopefully just experiencing a little down turn.
Virna, I am always wiped out after RWA, but I always put that down to massive jet lag, as I usually have 24 hours + of travelling to do to get there from Australia. I always thought you needed a bit more time for the synchronicity to kick in, 6 weeks, I think I once read in National Geographic after a study done in a convent with nuns. Perhaps the overwhelming numbers help to compensate for it, LOL, but I’m guessing its more just having to be ‘on’ all the time. So little down time and so many people to meet. If its not your everyday life (and it certainly isn’t mine) then it makes sense your whole body feels out of whack.
Michelle Diener`s last blog was …Advance Reading Copies of The Emperor’s Conspiracy are here!
Sounds like you need a trip to the day spa!
Pbbt on synchronicity. You just need a break and some fun. I vote with Susan. Spa day. I’m totally in. Massage, steam, mani/pedi, facials. Maybe somewhere in Napa. Wine, good food for dinner.