To position oneself as an expert in a field, one should write related companion pieces, appear on podcasts and radio shows, make oneself available as a source for reporters, focus on speaking engagements, engage with audiences on social media, prepare talking points, collaborate with other experts, and teach workshops or webinars. These steps help build trust with readers, gain exposure for one's book, and elevate one's platform.

Aileen Weintraub, an author and journalist, shares her personal story of moving to Seville, Spain, to overcome anxiety and writer's block. She narrates her experience of living in the Triana neighborhood, where she befriends her neighbor Carmen, who speaks no English. Despite the language barrier, Carmen helps Aileen with household tasks like laundry and becomes her sole companion. Through simple activities and the vibrant culture of Seville, Aileen finds solace and begins to heal from her personal struggles. She embraces the local lifestyle, which includes walking through the city, enjoying the sun, and even changing her wardrobe to reflect more colorful choices. The experience leads to a significant reduction in her anxiety and a return to writing. Aileen plans to take the lessons learned in Seville back to New York with her, feeling rejuvenated and hopeful for the future.

Aileen Weintraub shares her personal struggle with the onset of menopause, which coincided with her contracting COVID-19. She discusses the lack of awareness and medical attention given to perimenopause and menopause, her own symptoms, and the isolation and challenges faced during the pandemic. Weintraub criticizes the medical community for its insufficient training on menopause and expresses solidarity with women who have had to prioritize others' needs over their own during this time. She also mentions her upcoming book, 'Knocked Down: A High-Risk Memoir'.

The article discusses the author's personal experience with perimenopause, the transitional phase before menopause, which began at age 40. Symptoms included insomnia, panic attacks, and mood swings. The author reflects on the lack of education and open conversation about this phase among women, contrasting it with the abundance of advice received during pregnancy. The author also explores the search for remedies and the emotional rollercoaster of potentially being pregnant at 45, only to find out it was a false alarm. The piece highlights the invisibility and changes women face during this time, as well as the newfound confidence and ownership of one's life despite societal indifference.

The author shares her personal experience with perimenopause, detailing the unexpected physical and emotional changes that began in her 40s. She describes her journey of seeking understanding and support, feeling unprepared for the transition, and the lack of open conversation among women about this life stage. The narrative includes her contemplation of a possible pregnancy at 45, the relief and sadness of not being pregnant, and her eventual acceptance and embrace of the changes, finding confidence and a sense of community with other women going through similar experiences.