A Story Collection Project
Second Spring
Love, Desire, and the Return of Want
Real women. Real stories. The conversations about menopause that we've been too afraid to have—about desire, intimacy, sexuality, and the surprising reawakening that can come in midlife.
Stories being collected now
Book coming 2025
100% anonymous
The Vision
Breaking the Silence Around Menopause, Desire & Intimacy
For generations, the conversation around menopause has been limited to hot flushes and hormone therapy. But there's a richer, more complex story being lived by millions of women—and it deserves to be told.
A Book in the Making
These stories will form a powerful anthology—a book that breaks silence and builds bridges between women navigating this life stage.
A Safe Space
Complete anonymity. Gentle handling. Every story is treated with the respect and care it deserves.
A Community
You're not alone. Thousands of women are experiencing similar journeys. Your voice adds to the collective wisdom.
A Movement
We're changing the narrative around menopause, desire, and sexuality. One story at a time.
Why "Second Spring"?
In Chinese medicine, menopause is called the "Second Spring"—a time of transformation and renewal, not decline. It's a perspective the Western world has largely missed.
Many women report that something unexpected happens during and after menopause: a reconnection with desire, a new understanding of intimacy, a freedom from old expectations. These are the stories we're collecting.
What happens when you stop being invisible? When the children leave? When the hormones shift and something new emerges? What does desire look like at 50, 55, 60 and beyond?
"I thought menopause would be the end of something. Instead, it was the beginning. I rediscovered parts of myself I didn't know existed."
— Anonymous contributor, age 54
Join the Movement
Help Us Build Something Important
Second Spring isn't just a book project—it's a movement. And we need your help to make it happen. Whether you have a story to share, expertise to contribute, or simply want to support the cause, there's a place for you.
Share Your Story
Your experience could help thousands
Stay Updated
Get notified when the book launches
Spread the Word
Know someone who should contribute?
Collaborate
Therapists, coaches, experts welcome
Your Story Could Be Here
The Voices of Second Spring
Real women sharing real experiences. Names are changed and images are representative—but the stories are absolutely real.
Stories We're Collecting
We welcome stories from all women navigating peri-menopause and menopause. There's no "right" story—every experience is valid and valuable.
Rediscovering desire and sexuality in midlife
Navigating intimacy changes with partners
Finding new forms of pleasure and connection
The unexpected freedoms of post-reproductive life
Self-acceptance and body confidence journeys
Relationship transformations and discoveries
Solo sexuality and self-pleasure experiences
The intersection of menopause and identity
Our Promise to You
Every story is handled with the utmost care and respect.
✓
Complete Anonymity
Your identity is never revealed
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Full Control
You approve exactly what gets published
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Sensitive Handling
Trained, empathetic story collectors
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Support Available
Resources if sharing brings up emotions
The Curator
Meet Sarah Roughsedge
Chartered Financial Planner
Author & Founder
Sarah Roughsedge is a Chartered Financial Planner, author of the acclaimed "Smart Money, Strong Women", and founder of Eva Wealth—a financial planning practice designed specifically for women.
But Second Spring represents something different. It's born from countless conversations with clients and friends about the unspoken aspects of midlife—the conversations that happen after the formal meeting ends.
"I kept hearing the same thing," Sarah says."Women would lower their voices and say, 'Can I tell you something?' These stories needed a place to exist. That's why Second Spring was born."
Ready to Be Part of Something Special?
Whether you have a story to share, want to stay updated on the book, or simply believe this project matters—we'd love to have you with us.
Questions? Reach out at our contact page