Did you know that Period! Magazine has contributors from all over the world? In the upcoming weeks, we’ll proudly present you some shortlists. For starters: our best read submissions in the category Period Power. Enjoy!
Why I Love Getting My Period – by Sarah Sahagian (Canada)
‘Some people refer to their periods as ‘the curse,’ but not me! Not anymore. I love getting my period. When I was young, I used to dread visits from Aunt Flow. I hated the cramps and the cravings. I seriously lamented the fact I had to refrain from wearing cute underwear for a week, lest I mar my favourite pair with a stain. I focused on the negatives, like bloating and the high cost of sanitary napkins. I was a menstrual misanthrope.’ Read more.
Dear Period – by Yayeri van Baarsen (Portugal)
‘I love surprises, but just not surprise blood stains just when I’m wearing my nice new white undies.’ Period!’s managing editor Yayeri van Baarsen writes a letter to her menstruation. ‘Dear Period, We’ve known each other for over 15 years now, time for a little talk, because we aren’t really BFFs. More like frenemies. No, actually, being honest, it’s more like: ‘I hate you, you bloody b*tch!’ every month. But since we’ll be stuck together for another two decades, we should at least try to get along. So can I just mention these four things that might need some work?’ Read more.
The Not So Divine Secrets of the Bullwinkle Sisterhood – by Mary Novaria (United States)
‘I was so alarmed by what I’d heard from a classmate that I couldn’t wait to ask my mom if it were true. I was in Third Grade and had ridden the bus home from parochial school with my friend Kathy. Her harried mother was unpacking what seemed like dozens of bags of groceries in the kitchen and there it was: that iconic, blue cardboard, rectangular carton of… of what? Of course that box and others with various absorbencies – regular, super, super plus – ould one day become a staple under my own bathroom sink, but that day its singular unfamiliarity piqued my curiosity.’ Read more.
Goodbye Period – by Barbara Younger (United States)
‘On my thirteenth birthday, my dad gave me a transistor radio. My mom gave me spring clothes. Mother Nature gave me my first period. Loved the radio. Loved the clothes. Hated the period. I couldn’t believe I’d now face menstruation (a yucky word to my seventh grade ears) month in and month out. How could my body betray me like this? On that birthday, not once did I think about the time when my periods would end. I’d never even heard the word ‘menopause’. But forty years later, menopause arrived. I’ve been period-free for almost ten years now. Time for some reflections.’ Read more.
The crimson wrath – by Noni Roberts (United Kingdom)
‘Getting my period whilst backpacking wasn’t something I was particularly worried about. As a monthly inconvenience I’d dealt with for over a decade, I didn’t think it warranted worrying about. But for all female travellers, the way you handle that time of the month is definitely something you need to consider before packing your bags. If you suffer from heavy periods, pain and backache, those days can be a real nuisance. And when you want to be making the most of your time somewhere, you don’t want your period bogging you down. ‘ Read more.
Next up: Period Problems, Periods & Poetry and Periods & Politics.
More?
Just check our category Quotes
Want to submit a period story as well? Check our guidelines here.
Period! is an independent, online magazine about all aspects of menstruation. Period! is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. If you’re suffering from medical complaints, always visit your doctor or GP. Editorial articles can contain affiliate links. Sponsored collaborations can be found in the category Spotlight. Do you have any questions? Check our contact page.
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