How Danni Novytarger Is Making Midlife A Whole Lot Funnier

If there's one thing I've learned about midlife, it's that every day presents a choice: laugh or cry. Preferably laugh, because crying makes you look uglier, gives you a headache and, if you're anything like me, there's a pretty good chance you'll forget what you were crying about in the first place.

Which is perhaps why Danni Novytarger has found such a devoted audience.

The author, Pilates instructor, menopause coach and content creator has built a loyal following by talking openly about the realities of midlife, menopause and all the weird, wonderful and occasionally unhinged things that come with it.

She also describes herself as "apparently a professional oversharer on Instagram" - a title her followers would probably agree she's earned.

"Most days I'm just trying to keep my family alive, remember where I put my phone, and navigate midlife with a sense of humour intact."

Honestly, aren't we all?

One of the things I immediately liked about Danni is that there doesn't appear to be much difference between the woman online and the woman behind the scenes.

When I asked who the "real Danni" is away from Instagram and the camera, her answer was refreshingly honest.

"Pretty much the same person, just in activewear with no camera rolling. I'm a homebody who loves family time, teaching Pilates and finding joy in the everyday chaos. What you see online is genuinely me, just with slightly better timing."

That authenticity is perhaps why her content resonates with so many women.

Comedy has always been part of who she is. Long before menopause entered the chat, Danni had already discovered that being able to laugh at herself was one of life's greatest gifts.

"I've always had the superpower of being able to laugh at myself, and sharing those moments has always amused others, much to my delight," she says.

"Humour has helped me through some difficult seasons of life and I think finding something to laugh about makes almost anything feel a little lighter."

That sense of humour has certainly been put to good use during menopause. Like many women, Danni admits she had absolutely no idea what was coming, and what surprised her most was both how hard it hit and how quickly it arrived.

"The speed at which it hit literally knocked me off my once fast and fit feet," she says.

"I went from bodybuilding competitions to being crippled with joint pain and fatigue within 12 months. I genuinely had no idea that kind of decline was possible."

It is a sentiment that will resonate with countless women who suddenly find themselves feeling like strangers in their own bodies.

Then there are the moments that seem funny now but felt terrifying at the time.

"I got into my car and couldn't remember how to start it," she recalls. "I was convinced there was something seriously wrong with me. Turns out it was just brain fog."

If you've ever walked into a room and forgotten why, put your keys in the fridge or searched for your glasses while wearing them, you probably understand.

While awareness around menopause has improved dramatically in recent years, Danni believes there is still plenty of work to be done.

"I think we've come leaps and bounds in the last few years, but we still have a long way to go," she says.

"Awareness is improving, but menopause in the workplace and access to education and support still need a lot more attention."

When asked what advice she would give women approaching menopause, she doesn't overcomplicate it.

"Pay attention to the early signs your body is giving you. Do your homework, ask questions, and don't be afraid to explore what works best for you. Every woman's experience is different."

Like many women in midlife, Danni's priorities have shifted.

"Health and family are everything to me now," she says.

And as for what she no longer cares about?

"Wearing makeup to Woolworths can piss right off."

Frankly, that may be one of the healthiest things I've heard for a while. There is also something wonderfully refreshing about Danni's honesty when she talks about happiness, because for her it isn't about chasing some perfect life. It's found in the simple things that matter most.

"Teaching Pilates, spending time with my family and getting my free therapy through making reels on Instagram. The simple things mean the most."

When I asked who inspires her, the answer wasn't a celebrity, entrepreneur or self-help guru. It was her children.

"My kids, every single day. They're fearless, brave, adaptable and willing to give things a go without overthinking every possible outcome. I learn a lot from them."

Looking back, Danni thinks her younger self would have mixed feelings about the woman she has become.

"I think she'd be part proud and part horrified by my foul potty mouth," she laughs.

"But I reckon she'd be pretty happy that I stopped worrying so much about what everyone thinks."

Perhaps one of the great silver linings of midlife is not the hot flushes, aching joints or brain fog, but the freedom that comes with menopause and finally caring a little less about what other people think.

And if Danni could leave women with one piece of advice?

"Find your sense of humour and protect it fiercely. There will be tough days, but being able to laugh through some of the madness makes the journey a whole lot easier."

Wise words.

Although I have to admit my favourite answer came when I asked what the weirdest thing menopause has made her do.

"Every single time I get out of my car, I peer through the window to check that it's actually in Park," she says.

"I have this irrational fear that I've left it in Drive and it's about to roll away without me."

My takeaway is that menopause may take many things from us. It may take our memory, libido, our sleep and occasionally hide our car keys in plain sight, but thankfully it doesn't have to take our sense of humour.

And judging by Danni Novytarger's growing audience, a lot of women are grateful for that.

Danni is proof that sometimes the best way through the madness is to simply point at it and laugh.

Celeste Barber better hold her beer.

@hormonal_queen

You can find Danni's Hormonal Queen stationery range here (yes, hormonal stationery is a thing, and honestly, we're all for it).