Why is it women transition much more often than men? Why is it women know innately that it is part of life to transition and, although they fear it, they are more likely than men to seek help to do it?

My theory on this is that women naturally have lifecycles - documented biological lifecycles - that men either don't have or that society refuses to grant them. Let me elaborate on this.

A girl and boy start life pretty much the same. But as they mature boy's puberty is seen as "boy's just being boys" yet a girl's puberty is the beginning of becoming a woman. Girls, once able to give birth, are expected to become more responsible, dependable and nurturing. Boys, being boys, are often given another ten years or more to just grow up and become men.

From here, women move on into making choices about career, marriage, pregnancy, and more. For the next 35 plus years every choice is judged by society and the media as something women must do. Men, on the other hand, are expected to focus on career and money for the rest of their lives.

Midlife is experienced by both men and women, but for women it is often just the beginning. Menopause may bring on hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings and insomnia, but it also signals the closing of one chapter of a women's life and the beginning of another. Men, at this stage, 45-55, often see this time as the period in their life to look back at all they haven't accomplished....explanation for why some choose to look for a younger partner, and/or faster/jazzier car.

Now, before you think that I am stereotyping here, I want to go on record as presenting this scenario from my experience with clients. Both sexes may fear the future as they reach into their mid-fifties, but women clearly see this time as a new cycle in their life rather than the epilogue.

Women in their fifties and beyond explore the opportunities of entrepreneurship, nonprofits, new partnerships and more. They look at new industries and into continuing education. Eventually, once on a new path, they have a new found energy and passion for the next chapter in their life.

As a business and health coach, I work with women excited about the next chapter in their lifecycle and looking for guidance in finding balance with primary foods. Understanding that it is finally YOUR TURN to follow your passion doesn't come easily to all women. But, with encouragement and peer support women learn to accept themselves for everything that has happened in their life to this point and how it can and will take them to their best life.

All human beings transition during their lifetime. There is no one path to take to be successful. Women who have never worked or women in business who have worked in corporate America, in entrepreneurship, education, nonprofit or healthcare, may choose to make a complete 180 change and follow a dream. Most important, is the belief in oneself that anything is STILL possible.

Give yourself permission to take enough time to step back and reflect on where you've been and where you want to go. It doesn't happen overnight.

Review your glossy bio - your job experiences, accomplishments, education, honors and awards and community service. Now, write your REAL bio - who you are as a person, what makes you tick, your personal strengths and weaknesses and all those issues that make you the unique woman you are. What have you learned from your life experience that you can share with others? Visualize your best day ahead.....begin the process of designing your next chapter.

I truly believe that every day is an opportunity to try something new and every new experience is what makes me uniquely me. Let this thinking guide you through your next transition.

If I can help email me vicki@vickidonlan.com