Just a friendly reminder that if you hit the heart ❤️ at the top or bottom of this post, it helps others discover this publication! Thank you in advance! 🙏
Hello, fellow compassionistas! Here is this week’s note where I share a couple things I’m loving right now — books, movies, food, music, podcasts, etc. — and invite you to share yours with me as well.
I hope you’re doing well! It’s been a bit of a whirlwind lately—
grieving the loss of my dad
missing my husband while he was 10,000 miles away climbing Kilimanjaro
and getting ready for my sister to visit with yet another one of her (adult) children Really looking forward to that.
Hopefully by the time Lori and Casey arrive, I won’t be in the immense pain I’m in now from the Cervical Facet Arthrosis I’ve just been diagnosed with (a fancy term for wear-and-tear arthritis in the neck joints, which is currently inflamed and causing lots o’ discomfort). Fingers crossed. (UPDATE: I was still in immense pain for half the time they were here, but with some interventions, I’ve now got some relief.)
What I’m Hosting (Free Webinar!)
I’m so very excited to tell you about a free webinar I’ve partnered with Complement to host! It’s called Healthy Aging and the Menopause Transition. It will take place online on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, 7:00 p.m. ET / 4:00 p.m. PT.
Many of you know I’ve been focusing on all of these related topics in my podcast and here on my Substack, but this is taking it to another level.
Most of us have been taught to treat midlife as if it’s an inevitable breakdown—where hair thinning, joint pain, low energy, body shifts, sleep issues, and so much more are brushed off as “just aging.” We deserve so much better than that answer.
We are not falling apart, but we have (and will if you’re not in the transition yet) experienced a major biological transition across our entire body that most doctors aren’t even trained to explain to women.
Join me for this webinar as I reframe healthy aging and explore how we can support our bodies with targeted nutrition, fitness, and effective lifestyle practices.
Father’s Service
As I shared here, my father, John Patrick, peacefully passed away on July 27th, 2026. We now have the details for his service in New Jersey on October 2nd, and I wanted to share them for anyone who may want to join us or share this with relevant friends and family. You never know who might see this and want to attend. All are welcome.
Services & Celebration of Life: Friday, October 2, 2026
11:00 AM — Memorial Mass
Our Lady of Lourdes Roman Catholic Church
1:00 PM — Procession & Cemetery Interment
Following the Mass, a procession will head to the cemetery where he will be laid to rest alongside his parents with full military honors.
Immaculate Conception Cemetery
2:30 PM — Celebration of Life
Following the cemetery, we will gather to share food, drinks, and favorite stories and memories of John.
Springfield Elks Lodge
I’m in the process of writing his eulogy, which is a daunting, albeit deeply meaningful, task. Depending on how I feel about it, I may very well share it when I’m done. I’m also in the process of finalizing the grave marker for me and David (and my mom) that I wrote about here.
What I’m Celebrating
On a happier note—though I definitely wasn’t happy while we were apart for so long—my husband David just got back from climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro! I’m so proud of him for accomplishing such a grueling feat (I had no interest), especially considering he struggled with the altitude the entire time. He’s had many stories to share, and he’s very happy to not be nauseous every day!
But even better than the achievement? He’s home!!!!!! And holy crap did we miss each other. We have zero intention of being apart like this ever again (especially now that this bucket-list item is officially checked off). Big thanks to World Vegan Travel for taking such wonderful care of him as a traveler this time rather than a host!
What I’m Reading
While I’m reading plenty of books not related to menopause, I am definitely deep into this topic right now. I’ll continue providing resources to support you (including during the upcoming webinar), but in the meantime, I highly recommend checking out these four books:
Estrogen Matters by Avrum Bluming, MD and Carol Tavris, PhD
The New Perimenopause by Mary Claire Haver, MD
The New Menopause by Mary Claire Haver, MD
In addition, I want to recommend Gene Baur’s new book, Farm Sanctuary: The Story of a Movement coming out at the end of September, though you can pre-order it now. It is so nostalgic looking back through all the photos of this beautiful book. I spent over a dozen years going back and forth to the Orland sanctuary—volunteering, supporting them, taking people there and leading tours, and most importantly, connecting with the beautiful animal residents.
I was so touched when Gene asked if he could include my favorite photo—of me and Linus, and the story surrounding it—and I was thrilled to see it featured in the book alongside hundreds of other gorgeous photos and stories.
That’s it for now. I’ll share more about the arthrosis in my neck another time. For now, I hope you are well and can utilize these recommendations. Also, look forward to seeing you in the webinar!
Additional Resources
👉 Connect with me 1:1 – Get personalized guidance whatever you are looking for. (One one-on-one connection is also a perk of the Founding Member/VIP level here on Substack.)
👉 Read A Year of Compassion – Daily inspiration to help you live with intention, kindness, and clarity.
👉 Check out my Recipe E-Books and my library of On-Demand Cooking Classes for recipes.
👉 Travel the World Vegan Style! I’ve partnered with World Vegan Travel to bring you the best in luxury, all-inclusive vegan trips around the globe. Whether I am personally hosting or not, every itinerary is curated for a high-quality, premium experience. Check out upcoming trips, and please remember when booking any trip to mention you heard about them from COLLEEN PATRICK-GOUDREAU. 😊
My Favorite Supplements
Even with a nutrient-rich plant-based diet, we can thrive even more with thoughtful support. That’s where Complement comes in, I take Complement Essential as my daily multivitamin for B12, D3, iodine, zinc, and magnesium; Omega Complex for essential fats; and as part of my strength-training and muscle-building routine, I fuel up with their clean Organic Protein. With Complement and my nutrient-rich diet, I have everything I need to fuel my body, support my strength, and thrive so I can do my work in the world for animals — both human and non-human.
Have you read The Menopause Manifesto? It's really good. My PCP recommended it. She evaluates research like Dr Gregor: emphasis on double blind controlled, no industry influence, etc. I just reread the bones chapter and was impressed that she admitted there's no research linking milk and strong bones (she's a "big milk drinker").
Sounds interesting but it’s 11 years since I went through the menopause so maybe I’ve missed the boat!. I’ve never had a hot flush or other symptoms ,but now I do get achey joints , and have noticed my strength just seems to have gone .i never managed to find a cruelty free HRT at the time though 😞Might still check the books out and do more research .Thanks Colleen ❤️