All women deserve to feel understood and supported in their life’s journey. But sadly, from the impossible light of girlhood through the ruptures and rebirth of midlife, women struggle. Thankfully, we understand now more than ever the power of story sharing to increase our feelings of empathy and connection.

Hot in Charleston is a midlife community that uses the power of storytelling to help women feel seen and supported. On Instagram, at in person events featuring physicians and writers, in the media—and now for the second year on stage through the show I created, Midlife Monologues^TM—I help women share stories and insights on the challenging in-between times of life, from motherhood, to midlife, to menopause and more. Whether as a marketing executive to Wall Street and nonprofits, running a PR agency, or as a ghostwriter for public figures, I have always been a storyteller. I created this community based on my own experiences in midlife, stories I knew I needed to share—especially the perimenopause that upended my life and affected me and my relationships.

As a woman, a writer, and the mother of a daughter, I am fascinated that the hormonal shifts we experience come at a time of other ruptures, from aging and losing parents, to divorce, illness, career changes and the very empty nest. In creating this platform, I talked to women’s health experts, writers and other women mining and facing experiences of loss, grief and identity. I am convinced that hearing other people’s stories gives context to life’s magnificent beauty and inevitable ruptures—and helps women confront uncertainty, loss and new beginnings with wisdom, self-compassion and the support of their family and community.

My hope is for all women to feel seen and supported in their life’s journey, no matter where it takes them. I encourage women to examine and discover who they are, unbound from the roles they hold for others, and help them pivot to the future with courage and confidence. It’s up to our generation to share our stories with each other and the women coming next. I’m proud to help Charleston lead these vital, national conversations. This is the sisterhood of women, the power of storytelling.