By Womaness Editors 4-Minute Read
Through Mother's Day, we're celebrating real talk. And we're doing it by examining some of the most formative conversations we have: those with our moms. Through intimate interviews—which kicked off yesterday thanks to our co-founder Sally and her daughter Mary—we’re speaking to moms and their daughters on the importance of embracing open, candid communication about being a woman...because when we do, we break stigmas…and ensure every phase of the experience gets better with each generation.
We're continuing this special series with Gabriella Espinosa, a Midlife Empowerment & Sexuality Coach who's inspired us time and again here at Womaness—and her 19-year-old daughter Eva. Here, we speak to the duo about how their openness has influenced each other over the years.
AN OPEN CONVERSATION WITH
Gabriella Espinosa, Mother to Eva
Please share a memory of being truly open about something with your daughter. What was it about and what did you learn from the experience?
“I remember sitting down with Eva when she was eleven and sharing with her that I was going through menopause and letting her know some of the more difficult symptoms I was experiencing. It was a defining moment for me because I felt I was breaking the taboo and silence around it that I experienced growing up.”
What’s the most important thing you’ve tried to teach Eva about a life well lived? What have you learned from her?
“I have tried to teach Eva the importance of believing in herself and having compassion for self and others as well the importance of knowing her body and advocating for herself. I have learned from Eva to voice and respect our boundaries and opinions.”
What is the most important thing your daughter has taught you about self-care?
“I have learned from Eva that self-care includes making time to 'chill' by reading a book, spending time in nature, knitting, and taking breaks from social media.”
What’s some advice you received as a girl that you tried to not pass along to your daughter?
“As a girl I received a lot of judgmental messages about body image and I have tried really hard not to pass those onto Eva.”
“I felt I was breaking the taboo and silence around [menopause] that I experienced growing up.” - Gabriella
What have you tried to teach Eva about skincare…and what have you learned from her?
“Always cleanse and moisturize morning and night and use sunscreen daily. Eva has taught me about the importance of clean ingredients and natural skincare products.”
What have you taught your daughter about your menopause experience? How did sharing it feel for you?
“I talk about menopause often, so I hope I’ve normalized the experience for Eva and have modeled that it’s a time to get to know yourself better, nourish yourself with food, rest, and move—and that lots of freedom and fun await on the other side.”
What are your hopes for your daughter in the future?
“I hope for Eva to embrace (not fear) aging and that she experiences the power and pleasure of each stage of being a woman.”
AN OPEN CONVERSATION WITH
Eva, Daughter of Gabriella
Please share a memory of being truly open about something with your mom. How did it feel for you? What did you learn from the experience?
“At age 9, I told my mother that I wanted to be a pescatarian, which was a significant and personal decision for me at that time. My mother’s enthusiasm to help me with this change by sharing her knowledge of nutrition and her interest in new recipes was comforting, and it emboldened me in my decision-making.”
What’s the most important life advice you’ve learned from your mom?
“To question the advice and resources that I am given about my health so that I may understand and better help my own body.”
What have you learned from your mom about being a woman? What do you think you have taught her?
“That as a woman, it is important to reclaim the knowledge and authority on women’s health. I hope that I have taught her that there is no one formula for womanhood, both in terms of health and lifestyle.”
What is the most important thing your mom has taught you about self-care?
“The importance of moving your body, whether that be doing yoga, walking through the park, or going to the gym.”
What has your mother taught you about being a woman?“That as a woman, it is important to reclaim the knowledge and authority on women’s health.” - Eva
What have you learned from your mom about skincare? What have you taught her?
“I have learned to think about the future of my skin, such as by wearing sunscreen, rather than just how it looks day to day. I have encouraged her to recognize what is in the products we use, which often means looking for more natural ingredients.”
Has your mom been open with you about her menopause or perimenopause experience? What have you learned?
“I have learned a lot from my mother’s openness about the state of menopause health care, the need to uncover misconceptions about menopause, and about her symptoms and routines in her own experience with menopause.”
What are your hopes for your mom in the future?
“That she continue to find more ways to share knowledge, strengthen community, and find enjoyment in her interests.”
If you've got a story of open conversations that have influenced younger women in your life, tell us about it in our private Facebook group, The After Party. The hope is we'll inspire more conversations—and make menopause better with each generation. Because they deserve it too.
More Interviews & Essays
Menopause and the Workplace
5 Ways to Awaken Pleasure in Menopause
Real Talk with Tamron Hall
