A Home Within Myself

A Home Within Myself

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A Home Within Myself
A Home Within Myself
In the Middle with Kathy Garland
Midlife

In the Middle with Kathy Garland

"I’m not going to dim my light because ya’ll don’t wanna hear about vaginal atrophy."

Sherisa de Groot's avatar
Sherisa de Groot
May 15, 2023
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A Home Within Myself
A Home Within Myself
In the Middle with Kathy Garland
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AHWM: How old are you?

KATHY GARLAND: 49, but I will be 50 in a little over a week.

AHWM: At what age did you consider yourself to be midlife?

KATHY GARLAND: Chile, I just found out that I was in midlife a couple years ago when I was having a conversation with a group of friends. One of the women began with, “Since we’re in midlife…” and my response was, “Are we???” 

AHWM: What do you believe are the biggest challenges faced by Black women in their middle age?

KATHY GARLAND: Access to quality healthcare is a huge challenge, and I don’t mean access due to social class or something similar. I mean, going to the doctor or gynecologist and having them actually understand and know what to tell you about this phase of life. Most gynecologists do not, and it’s frustrating.

AHWM: What have you found to be the most rewarding aspects of midlife so far?

KATHY GARLAND: I’ve heard other women say this, but I didn’t really get it until I turned 40. Something really does shift where you realize you don’t have to do all of the made-up stuff someone told you to.

AHWM: What positive changes have you noticed in yourself as you’ve gotten older?

KATHY GARLAND: I’m a little kinder, especially toward other women. It dawned on me one day that we all have these similar experiences, so if anything, I should be less judgmental and more understanding.

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