Extending Grace: Lessons from My Journey with Menstruation

Growing up, the early arrival of my period shaped me in ways I didn’t fully understand at the time. I started menstruating in Grade 5, at just nine years old, barely old enough to grasp what was happening to my body, let alone manage it properly. It was a time when most of my peers were still playing with dolls and had no concept of menstruation.

What is menstruation?

Menstruation, also known as a period, is the vaginal bleeding that occurs when the lining of the uterus sheds after an egg is released but pregnancy does not occur.

Back then, my period was heavy and unpredictable, a biological phenomenon I was completely unprepared for. I didn’t know pads came in different sizes or that “heavy flow” meant I needed something more absorbent. My uniform often bore the blot of my inexperience, a glaring red flag of my struggle.

 

Instead of receiving the grace and support I so desperately needed, I was met with discomfort, embarrassment, and, at times, judgment. My period blot became a source of whispers and awkward glances. In a world that should have nurtured me through this new chapter, I felt alienated, my youth adding to the weight of my challenges.

 

But as I grew older, I learned to extend the grace to myself that others had failed to give me. I learned about my body and how to care for it properly. Discovering the right-sized pad for my flow was a revelation, a small change that transformed my experience. Over time, I gained the confidence to embrace my body’s natural rhythm.

 

Fast forward to this December, I found myself in a situation that brought everything full circle. A visitor I’d lent clothes to left a used pad in my skirt, tucked away in my wardrobe. My initial reaction wasn’t anger or disgust—it was grace. I recognized in that moment how easy it is to mishandle such matters, especially when you’re unsure or overwhelmed.

 

For me, that single act of grace represented growth. It was a reminder of how far I’d come—not just in managing my periods, but in understanding the importance of creating safe, supportive spaces for girls and women navigating menstruation.

 

As women, we owe it to ourselves and to one another to approach these experiences with compassion. Menstruation is deeply personal, yet often wrapped in layers of shame, secrecy, and stigma. By fostering open conversations, lending a listening ear, and extending grace in moments of discomfort or misunderstanding, we create a sisterhood that affirms our shared humanity.

 

To the girl who stained her uniform, the woman using the wrong-sized pad or the girl that's still figuring out the start of her periods, I see you, and I choose grace. Let us all choose grace.

 

Reflections and Takeaways

• Educate yourself and others about menstruation.

• Normalize the conversation; shame thrives in silence.

• Extend compassion to others, even in awkward moments.

• Remember, grace is a gift we can give freely.

A Special New Year Message

To all my readers: Thank you for being part of this journey with me. Your support, comments, and shared stories make this space a beacon of connection and learning. As we step into 2025, let’s continue fostering open, empowering conversations, not just about menstruation, but about the many facets of life that bind us together as a community.

Happy New Year! 🎉✨