Feminist Protest Songs – Club News & Magazine Update

Regular visitors to the Magazine will have noticed that we have a regular Sunday Music feature.
We have occasionally run Feminist Protest Songs and we want to run more. If you have any suggestions, please send them to me at [email protected]
Currently, in the magazine, we have Helen Reddy with her song ‘I am a Woman’ which she first sang in 1972. This must have been one of the first songs of the Second Feminist Movement and so way ahead of its time. To remind you of the words here are the lyrics.

I am woman, hear me roar
In numbers too big to ignore
And I know too much to go back an’ pretend
‘Cause I’ve heard it all before
And I’ve been down there on the floor
And no one’s ever gonna keep me down again

(Chorus)
Yes, I am wise
But it’s wisdom born of pain
Yes, I’ve paid the price
But look how much I’ve gained
If I have to, I can do anything
I am strong (strong)
I am invincible (invincible)
I am woman

You can bend but never break me
‘Cause it only serves to make me
More determined to achieve my final goal
And I come back even stronger
Not a novice any longer
‘Cause you’ve deepened the conviction in my soul

(Repeat Chorus)

I am woman, watch me grow
See me standing toe to toe
As I spread my lovin’ arms across the land
But I’m still a little embryo
With such a long, long way to go
Until I make my brother understand

Oh yes, (Repeat Chorus)

(2x)
I am woman
I am invincible
I am strong
(2x) I am woman

Here is the link to listen to it – https://midlifebutterflyclub.org/helen-reddy-i-am-woman/

What’s in the Magazine now

More News on Confessions of a forty-something f##k-up by Alexandra Potter

For those who missed my last post on the book ‘Confessions of a Forty-something f##k=up’ by Alexandra Potter, the story is of a 40-something-old woman who comes back to London after having a failed romantic relationship and business in the US, with no accommodation, no money and no job. She finds her friends and contemporaries have moved on and now have husbands, children and nice homes, while she feels inadequate because she has none of these.

https://midlifebutterflyclub.org/more-news-on-confessions-of-a-forty-something-fk-up-by-alexandra-potter/

Keeping the Love Alive

Falling in love is easy, but keeping a relationship strong takes effort, including good communication, self-discipline, and understanding the different stages of love.

The article talks about three types of love—Romantic, Working, and Mature—and the challenges that come up in each.
https://midlifebutterflyclub.org/keeping-the-love-alive-2/

How to manage Family and Friends for a Peaceful Life

Jean Macdonald and Melanie Hill discuss how family and friends can sometimes hold midlife women back.

They explore how raising children can leave lasting scars and how deeply our experiences shape both us and our children.
https://midlifebutterflyclub.org/how-family-and-friends-can-hold-you-back/

Let’s talk about Money or Not!

Surveys show people prefer discussing sex rather money.
While talking about sex has become more comfortable, money is still a taboo topic. Yet, like sex, money can be exciting and empowering—it’s your tool to plan and achieve the life you desire.
https://midlifebutterflyclub.org/lets-talk-about-money-or-not/

What’s Coming up

Titles we are working on include:

1. Joys & Hazards of Midlife Love

Jean and Shauna talk about the different kinds of intimate love we experience throughout life and more about how to reconstruct yourself and your life after separation or divorce. Jean uses various descriptions including the Seasons of Love and the Changing Face of Love. Shuna also offers some guidance on finding your way through the jungle of internet dating.

2. Wellness is so much more than Health!

When was the last time you actively observed yourself being well and full of vitality?

It may seem like an odd question. But have you noticed that you only remember being well when you are or have actually been ill? The assumption is if you are not ill, you must be healthy. Wellness is so much more!

3. Managing Your Menopause
Jo Pigott dives deep into the impact of stress on menopause. Stress disrupts our digestion, immune system, and reproductive health, but there’s a way to manage it. Jo highlights the power of meditation—just 13 minutes a day for 8 weeks can change how your body responds to stress!

4. What questions are you asking yourself?
The most important questions for  women arriving at middle life are:
‘Who Am I now?’ and ‘What is my future?
They want to know ‘What is happening in my life’ or when they get here it might be:
‘Am I a midlife woman?’ or ‘What does it mean to be a Midlife Woman?’
If you have had teenage children, you will recognise a similar process as they struggle to come to terms with their life and body changes, but not yet understanding what is happening.
I have put together a list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) and my attempted answers. I have 12 so far and maybe you can come up with some more. If so please let me know.
When you join us as a Silver member we send you a series of short emails which deal with the most common questions, one or two at a time, so you have time to digest the answers.
http://www.midlifebutterflyclub.org/#membership