How Are You Celebrating?

Happy May! Its period awareness month. How are you celebrating your monthly visitor?

One of the things I like to do is be open about my menstrual cycle whether its pain that I might be experiencing, when I have to change my tampon, or be an available resource for anyone who might have questions. These actions dispel the mystery, stigma, and taboo about menstruation. And its absolutely necessary if we want a different world for those who have menses.

Here are some ideas that you involve yourself in as the month of May is kicking off:

1. Collect and donate menstrual products to a local women’s shelter and/or school in your neighborhood.

2. Do you have a favorite restaurant, museum, or cafe? Do they have menstrual products in their restroom? If not, this could be a great opportunity for improvement and enhanced experience for women. We have all been there when ‘Aunt Flo’ has just shown up and we’re not prepared with a menstrual product(s).

3. Donate your time and expertise to your local non-profit that work to empower, educate, and elevate young girls and women.

4. Research the laws in your community and state about reproductive health and reflect how you can fill in the gaps (if they exist).

5. Throw a period party -Dress in the most comfy clothes. Share your first period story with your friends. Delight in their and your favorite period craving satisfiers! My favorite craving satisfier is Trader Joe’s dark chocolate covered almonds.

Ultimately, it’s going to take ALL OF US to make this world better for bleeding people. This is not an exhaustive list, but its a great starting place. Do you have additional ideas on how you can celebrate and recognize May as period awareness month?

Feel free to share!