As a child, I would notice whenever my mother wrote the word ‘tage’ on her calendar. This is German for period. She’d write tage on each day that she bled for.
I guess it was so ingrained in me that when my menstrual life began, I did the same thing. When I wrote tage into my diary yesterday, I had to smile. I could have written period, but for 32 years I’ve written what I learnt by observing my mother.
Illustration from Cycle to the Moon. Written by Veronika Robinson, art work by Susan Merrick
Most women don’t write down anything about their cycle. I find it’s helpful, and over the years have also written down how I felt at that time or if I had any symptoms of menstrual tension or discomfort. I also write down how many days I bleed for.
What did your mother teach you about menstruation, either by her actions, words or silence?
Love, Veronika x
Veronika, I absolutely adore your writing. On the days when my new baby falls asleep on me for hours – I spend time snuggling and reading your reflections. Thank you for what you write – it’s like a beautiful warm blanket! Blessings and love from Spain!
Thank you so much for your beautiful and kind message. 🙂 Congratulation on your new baby. It’s such an AMAZING and incredible time in our lives, isn’t it, to be snuggled with a newborn? So precious. Enjoy every second. Love, Veronika xx