We recently gathered stories from our joni community for our upcoming book on periods, and the range of experiences was incredible. From first periods to last and everything in between, the experiences shared were raw, real, and deeply personal.
Since February is the month of love, we couldn’t wait to share three powerful stories that celebrate the positives of periods and what they can represent. Periods aren’t always easy, But how much of our attitude toward them is shaped by stigma?
This month, we flipped the script and asked: What if we loved our periods? What if we saw them as something to honor rather than endure? Like any relationship, there are ups and downs, but at its core, menstruation is powerful—an undeniable force of nature.
And that is absolutely something to love.
The Gift That Reminds Me
By LL Bell
I didn’t know I was burnt out until my body told me. My period came later and later, and then disappeared entirely. I didn’t know I was burnt out, but my body found ways to tell me and force me to listen. It’s a magical cycle in that way because it shows you when you are in equilibrium and when you are not. When my periods stopped, it was a stark reminder that my body didn’t feel safe enough to find its rhythm. It had simply stalled, waiting for me to pay attention to its message: You’re not looking after yourself right now.
First, I went to a naturopath, then my doctor, and then an acupuncturist. They all told me the same thing: “Your hormones are affected by stress. Are you stressed?” I was stressed—chronically—but I didn’t know it—not really. I just thought it was a normal mark of success. When you run out of time to look after yourself, that’s when you’ve really made it, right? That’s what we are told. But my cycle was telling me no. After the third month of a 45-day cycle and awful, painful periods, I was forced to do the thing my body had been telling me for months: slow down and rest.
So I did. I slowed down. I realized that no job—even the best ones—is worth jeopardizing my health over. It turns out that putting myself first didn’t affect my work, but it did positively impact my health almost immediately. I have had a regular cycle for three months now.
Now I move with my cycle, not against it. I learned what my body needs in each different phase, and I give it—without guilt. Now, the two of us walk through life hand in hand, like the oldest of friends. Next time—if I get swept up and away from what my body needs—I will listen when I’m told to slow down. Now, every month when it arrives, it is a gift that reminds me: you are rested, you are healthy, you are whole.
Our Healing Era
By Jessica
I can't pinpoint when I started bleeding.
I don’t remember my mom or dad talking to me about what was happening with my body. I don’t blame them—I guess it was as awkward for them as it was for me.
I mean, the stigma is still around, right? I don’t think it’s only for Latino parents.
Tell me, how was your experience, girl? I want to hear from you, too!
The best I can offer to paint the picture of my menarche moment is a boring talk and some pads wrapped in a brown bag, or something similar.
But, bestie, sadly, I think this might be the norm for many girls out there.
And how terribly sad that is!
If care, empathy, and access to knowledge were the norm…can you imagine how different the realities of those young girls would be? A much more caring reality, I’d say!
And guess what?
As I type this intimate story, I’m in pain—my boobs hurt, and I feel exhausted as my body prepares for my upcoming cycle.
I only recently started listening to my body because I thought I might have some kind of functional depression.
Despite the blessings around me, I couldn’t understand why half the time each month, I felt really bad.
I decided it wasn’t okay to feel like that, so I began my healing process.
So, I started checking in with my body, tracking my cycle, adjusting my diet, and changing my lifestyle.
Now, I feel so much better because I understand my emotions.
I carry myself with grace and dignity, reminding myself that it’s okay to rest as often as needed.
I’ve regained agency over my life, and that is so powerful.
So, my girl, I hope you’re in your healing era too.
Free From the Shadows of Secrecy
By Aeryon
Reflecting on my own experience, I remember feeling ashamed and embarrassed when I first got my period. The environment at the time was one of hushed conversations and secretive measures, creating an air of discomfort around something so natural. I lacked the understanding and open dialogue that could have provided clarity and acceptance.
Each month was a reminder of how disconnected I felt from my body and the stigma surrounding menstruation only exacerbated my feelings of confusion and isolation. Driven by this memory, I was determined not to let history repeat itself with my daughter. I wanted her journey into womanhood to be filled with empowerment and knowledge, free from the shadows of secrecy that had overshadowed my own experience.
When my daughter got her period, I sat her down and explained how miraculous her body is, capable of creating life and renewing itself every month. I shared tales of powerful women throughout history who changed the world, and how they all shared this same feminine connection with nature. It was a heartfelt moment, not of fear or embarrassment, but of joy and empowerment, instilling in her the understanding that she is part of an incredible lineage of women who embrace the power and beauty of their bodies.
This is what I wished for all those moons ago—a shift in perspective, a celebration of femininity rather than a concealment. Now, watching my daughter embrace her own journey with such grace, I find solace in knowing that change is possible, and that dreams rooted in empathy and understanding can indeed shape a brighter future for the next generation.