In the spirit of Thanksgiving and being grateful for our blessings, luck, and fate, we thought it would be a great idea to ask girls and women why they were thankful for their periods.
You may be arching an eyebrow, thinking “Yeah right!” Or you may be leaning in a little closer to find out how any woman, and WHY any woman, would look forward to and be grateful for monthly pains.
When I started out writing this post, I could only come up with one reason. But I did some research, and it turns out that our periods are quite important for us women. And instead of the goal of 5, I came up with 6 and a half. So, here it goes:
Reason 1: A horror for some but a blessing for others because it means you aren’t pregnant.
I know several examples of women rejoicing via text, Facebook, and even Twitter about getting their periods for the simple fact that they aren’t pregnant. I know (and hope) most girls try to protect themselves as much as possible, but there’s always a nagging paranoia in the back of our minds.
Seeing that bright red, especially a few days later than expected, gives us one of the best rushes of relief. Cause for celebration, indeed!
Reason 2: For those who are trying to get pregnant, it means you’re fertile, so keep at it!
Having our period means that we can become mothers, one of the biggest joys of being a woman, and perhaps the only reason women excuse the years of pain! Being a mother, whether or not you bear a child, is a sacred tenet of our biology– both physical and mental.
Many women who are unable to have children feel incomplete. So, thank your lucky stars, periods are in your future or past. And if they aren’t, be thankful for science and adoption options!
Reason 3: It means you’re a woman, not a girl.
One woman stated that her period signified the transition into adulthood. The funny thing is that most girls get their first period between 11 and 13 – calling a girl a woman at that age seems ludicrous. But, the truth is, for a girl, that change and the beginning of puberty start to affect a mental change as well.
How she thinks about herself, her body, herself, her role in society, her person – these all mark transitions. Many cultures celebrate the first menses as the transition into adulthood, one of the most important rites of passage, so why shouldn’t we? Sure, our innocence is gone. Our pains increase. But the shedding of innocence implies enlightenment and they say that pain makes us stronger.
Reason 4: It flushes out your system and keeps you healthy.
Periods are healthy for us – they clean out our wombs and reproductive systems! The shedding of all that lining also means a rinse and cleanse, wiping out any bacteria, extra yeast, and other unwelcome visitors.
Some women who suffer from a slight imbalance down there, wait for their periods instead of taking medication. There are pros and cons to this – if it’s anything other than a yeast infection, this can be dangerous!
Reason 5: It gives us the excuse to be moody and crazy. And eat chocolates. And do girly pampering without feeling guilty.
Some girls that were asked this question said they could blame periods and PMS for their mood swings and tempers. And for indulging themselves with chocolate, sitting on the couch instead of their daily exercise routine, crying at chick flicks, sleeping longer, etc. And the insatiable desire to cuddle!
Reason 6: “It makes me feel feminine… like a lady.”
This was one of the most positive responses to periods. Many girls said it emphasized and reinforced their femininity. At least on a mental level, periods remind us that we are women and women are creatures of greatness. We should be celebrated every day!
We’re strong, we’re unstoppable, we’re loving, patient, tolerant, driven, compassionate, and understanding to list only a few!
Reason 6 1/2: 25% Off Your Next Purchase of Maxim Hygiene products
We wanted to create a reason of our own to thank you for your commitment to using and supporting Maxim Hygiene Organic and Natural Feminine Hygiene products, so hop on over to our online store and take advantage of the limited time offer for 25% Off your next purchase of Maxim Hygiene products. Offer ends on Monday, November 26th at 11pm EST.
So, dear readers, we’ve shared with you our findings and now we’re asking you to share yours with us! Why are you thankful for your period? Tweet to us, Facebook us, or post a comment below.
If you’re too shy – share anonymously with us through the Be Prepared Forum! In addition to sharing your reasons and anecdotes of being thankful, you can also ask the questions that periods bring. Things you may not want to ask mom, or the answers your friends may not have, can be answered by a community of peers and specialists!
This Thanksgiving, remember to include your period on the list of things you’re thankful for. To be inspired, or to have a memorable conversation, ask your family and friends the same question. And let us know their answers!