Who would’ve thought I’d grow up to write about my period for a popular online blog with thousands of readers? If my 13-year-old self had any idea that this was her future, I’m pretty sure she would’ve jumped in front of the next school bus. And, yet, here I am. Writing about my period. For thousands of readers.

Like a lot of women, I have a love-hate relationship with “Aunt Flo” (as my mom oh-so cleverly calls it) — but who am I kidding, it leans toward hate most months. In fact, I grew up loathing, hiding and even being ashamed of this indisputable, biological, monthly fact. Pretty sad, considering all the reasons I appreciate it today!


1. What it means now

(see? I’m so not ready for this…)

There’s nothing like missing your period for four months to make you really appreciate it when it shows back up again. I still don’t know where it went (summer vacation? into hiding?), but I suspect it had to do with stress. And I’ll go out on a limb and say that the multiple pregnancy tests didn’t help in the stress department.

But I digress. Each month, that annoying cycle means one special thing: no little Lindsays will be running around any time soon! And at this point in my life, that is good.


2. What it means for the future

It means the same as in #1, except…the opposite. More eloquently, I love my period because it means, one day (if everything else goes right) I can make little Lindsays. If I decide that’s what I want.


3. It brings the girls together

Yeah, yeah…our menstrual cycles are supposed to make us all sorts of cranky and catty, especially towards each other. But in my crew, we love talking about periods. I guess it’s weird, but when we go out it’s all we end up talking about (sorry boys!). And even when we do start rolling our eyes and grumbling at each other, it’s nothing a good happy hour couldn’t fix. It’s just nice to know you’re the only one with throbbing uterus and a purse full of super-plus’s.


4. It helps me read my body


It’s taken a full 10 years of menstruation to feel like I understand the way my body works, and I owe all the credit to my ovaries. It’s really nice to be able to attribute my monthly cravings, anger and clumsiness to menstrual changes in my body. It tells me more important things, too. How else would I have known that I was overworking myself as a server? I could ignore all the other signs of chronic stress, but the amenorrhea was a huge wake-up call.   


5. It reminds me that I’m extremely lucky


As much as I curse the cramps and inconvenience that periods cause each month, I’m lucky to have what I have. Four freak months aside, my cycle is reliable and relatively normal. I know many women with endometriosis, ovarian cysts, or no menstruation at all (among many other issues) who experience more pain and worry than I do every single month. I applaud you ladies. And I’m grateful for where I’m at.

So, thanks Aunt Flo! I wouldn’t be who I am today without you. And sorry for hating you so much when I was younger…I was so naive!

Any of you Lovelies wanna express love for your periods as well? (Please? I feel awkward standing up here alone!)

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