I was recently complaining to a friend about the ways women have been silenced about PMS, and she says the real shame is that women once viewed the days before their periods as a time of wisdom and heightened awareness. Huh.
While part of me is dubious (mostly the part that’s mortified about having Snickers for lunch and French fries for dinner last week. Twice.), I’m willing to give this return to pre-modern thinking a try.
So I’ve decided to reframe my ideas about what I once considered symptoms and general pains in the girl-parts and view them as sources of strength.
Former symptom = new strength
Jerky roller coaster of emotions ranging from homicidal rage to sobbing on the couch during that damn ASPCA commercial with Sarah McLachlan singing about angels over pictures of maimed animals = Enjoying a deeper connection to my pure emotional essence
Reduced impulse control (see above re: chocolate, fried foods and wine) = Getting in touch with my under-nourished inner child
Bloating = Taking up more psychic and physical space in the world
Breaking out like a 13-year-old girl = Possessing a youthful glow
Inability to concentrate on anything for longer than — oh look, a chicken! = Clearing space in my head for the things that really matter
Generalized pain/cramps = Establishing an excuse to take more painkillers than medically advised.
I encourage all of you still reading to try this for yourself. You may find yourself rolling out the red carpet (sorry, I couldn’t resist!) for your she-dragon within.
In extra-fiery Rebellion,
Karen