Ok week 32 of #TWmemorymondays! Here we go.
This is my memory of the week: when I got my first period. I was 10.5 yrs old, and yes I know its early. When I started my period, it was a bit alarming and scary. I didn't really know if it was IT. I was nervous of the amount and if it was going to really hurt. It was all pretty overwhelming.
So I told my mom immediately what was happening, and she confirmed: YES I got my period. The next thing was really amazing and I'm so thankful for it.
My mom celebrated me! She said that this was very special, and that I was a woman. This is an exciting thing! I remember her telling my dad and my sister. The atmosphere was charged with excitement and celebration! I remember it so vividly.
I was the first among my friends to get my period (which I took pride in), and over the next decade I learned a lot of how to talk about it, when you can talk about it, when I shouldn't talk about it, and how to maneuver ALL the things that come with having a period.
1. I learned that you do NOT talk about it when males are around. 2. You need to say you have a "stomach ache" when you have cramps that can leave you feeling like death. 3. You should pretend that having periods is nonexistent. 4. Fear that you will leak and face public humiliation. 5. No one wants to hear about your gross period details. 6. And much more.
All that resulting in feeling a cloud of shame over having a period, which also bleeds (haha) into shame of being female. This is important to point out, because as I'm processing racial shame - body shame, patriarchy, white supremacy, all of it is connected. Accepting EVERY piece of me is crucial in this process, because it will affect how I see, love, and connect with others.
So a proactive step I'm taking this is not hiding the fact that I periods and if people feel uncomfortable about it - so be it. Also check out @dotcup - love menstrual cups SO much.
Last thing: there also isn't shame if you don't get your period whether its because of menopause, hysterectomy, hormonal issues, infertility. I'm not even going to go into women + having children - SO MANY things women can be shamed about...wanting children, not wanting children, how many children, how to give birth, choosing only to adopt, etc. We all need to support and empower one another. Period.
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#TWmemorymondays: A painting inspired by a memory every Monday of 2018. Connecting abstract art to real life. Week 32/53. 'Period' / 8x8 in / mixed media on paper