Breaking the Silence

For too many women, the menstrual cycle remains cloaked in silence, shrouded in shame or indifference. We grow up hearing that premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is simply part of life, that pain is unavoidable, and that there is something fundamentally wrong with our bodies. This narrative casts a long shadow, teaching us to disconnect from our inherent wisdom, as if we are somehow broken. Yet nothing could be further from the truth.

This silence doesn’t just affect individual women—it ripples through our society, workplaces, and relationships. When we begin to speak openly about our cycles, we create space for others to share their experiences, transforming collective shame into shared wisdom and understanding. Through honest dialogue, we can build a new paradigm where menstrual health is recognised as fundamental to women’s overall wellbeing.

A Doorway to Awareness

Our menstrual cycle is a doorway to profound awareness. By tuning into the natural rhythms of our bodies, we can step away from the tired story of pain and enter a new realm—one where we reclaim our power, health, and sense of self. This isn’t some distant dream; it’s an invitation to every woman. Through tracking my cycle, I discovered its subtle intelligence and how it weaves through daily life. My journey transformed from seeing periods as pain to experiencing my menstrual cycle as pure magic.

The wisdom of our cycles extends far beyond physical symptoms or emotional patterns. Each phase brings its own gifts—heightened creativity during ovulation, sharp analytical skills in the luteal phase, deep intuition during menstruation. By embracing these natural fluctuations, we can align our work, relationships, and personal projects with our body’s inherent rhythms, leading to greater efficiency and fulfilment in all areas of life.

The Emotional Rollercoaster

After fourteen years on the Pill, followed by two and a half years of “coming off” it, I experienced extreme mood swings that left me questioning my mental health. One moment found me crumpled on my bathroom floor, tears streaming down my face as I struggled to make sense of my life. The next would see me soaring with joy, filled with excitement and happiness. These dramatic shifts led me to seriously consider whether I was experiencing a mood disorder.

What made this experience particularly challenging was the complete absence of education about post-pill recovery. No one had prepared me for the intensity of emotions that would surface as my body recalibrated its natural hormonal balance. The medical community often overlooks this crucial transition period, leaving women to navigate these turbulent waters alone, questioning their sanity rather than understanding this as a natural part of hormonal healing.

The Awakening

Everything changed during a transformative yoga workshop. My teacher spoke about the two distinct energies within our menstrual cycle—the dynamic, outward-facing energy of ovulation and the introspective, intuitive energy of our premenstrual phase. As she spoke, the fog lifted. It was as if she were reading the story of my life, each phase of the cycle illuminating the emotional turbulence I had been experiencing. Tears welled in my eyes as I realised I wasn’t alone.

This understanding revealed something profound—our cycles mirror the greater rhythms of life itself. Just as nature moves through seasons, so do we experience these shifts within our own bodies each month. This revelation helped me see that my emotional landscape wasn’t chaotic; it was cyclical, predictable, and, most importantly, natural.

Discovering the Patterns

I began tracking my cycle meticulously, recording daily observations. Within three months, clear patterns emerged. Like clockwork, days 12 and 21 marked my emotional peaks and valleys. Each month revealed the same words written for the same days—a pattern that initially felt like Groundhog Day became a gift of insight when viewed through this new lens.

The most remarkable aspect of this tracking process was discovering how these patterns influenced my creative and professional life. I noticed that my best writing emerged during my premenstrual phase, whilst my ability to connect with others peaked around ovulation. This knowledge became invaluable in planning my work schedule and social engagements, allowing me to flow with rather than fight against these natural rhythms.

Deepening the Practice

This revelation deepened my commitment to Menstrual Cycle Awareness (MCA). I began prioritising self-care and creating a genuine relationship with my body. The daily practice of rest allowed me to tune into my body’s messages throughout my cycle. I documented everything—breast tenderness, cramps, digestion, skin changes, libido, and emotional states.

This detailed observation revealed another crucial truth—the importance of proper nutrition and hydration throughout different phases of my cycle. I discovered that my body required different types of nourishment during each phase, from iron-rich foods during menstruation to foods supporting hormone production during spring. This awareness transformed not just my relationship with food, but my overall health and vitality.

Dancing with Nature’s Rhythms

Understanding the inner seasons—winter, spring, summer, autumn—intellectually is one thing, but experiencing them physically is transformative. The connection to nature became crystal clear: we ARE nature. I observed my energy surge around day 8 as my hormones rose, and then came day 21—initially my arch-nemesis. That day once felt like the end of the world, filling me with universal hatred. Through tracking, I noticed the energy shift and, more importantly, discovered I could work with it.

Befriending the Inner Critic

My studies with Red School revealed the true nature of the Inner Critic who emerged on day 21. Rather than an enemy, she was a guide trying to capture my attention. Her message wasn’t destructive; she was attempting to redirect me toward my soul’s purpose. She highlighted where I wasn’t living in alignment with my true self. I had a passion for empowering women but wasn’t fully honouring it. As I began heeding her feedback and taking action, everything shifted. The lows became less severe, and my inner critic transformed into my greatest ally, standing beside me and keeping me aligned with my truth.

The journey of transforming this relationship taught me another valuable lesson—the importance of compassionate boundaries. As I learned to listen to my inner critic with curiosity rather than fear, I discovered she wasn’t just highlighting personal misalignments but also showing me where I needed to set firmer boundaries in my relationships and work life. This awareness brought a new level of authenticity to all my interactions.

Sharing the Magic

This transformation caught others’ attention. Women began asking what had changed, eager to learn about menstrual cycle awareness. This led me to enrol in the Menstruality Leadership Programme with Red School in 2020—a journey that deepened my understanding of myself and my work beyond imagination.

The ripple effect of this work extended far beyond individual transformation. As more women in my circle began embracing their cycles, I witnessed entire communities shift their perspective on menstruation. Workplaces became more accommodating, relationships more understanding, and women more empowered to honour their natural rhythms without apology.

Stepping into Power

Throughout the programme, I worked intimately with my cycle, confronting myself in unprecedented ways and taking responsibility for my healing and growth. The wisdom gathered during that time not only transformed my life’s trajectory but equipped me with tools to support other women on their journey toward menstrual awareness.

Now at 40, I’ve witnessed firsthand how consistent, mindful changes can revolutionise our health. I no longer shy away from who I am or play small out of fear of being “too much.” Instead, I’ve stepped into my power and guide other women to do the same.

This journey has shown me that true empowerment comes not from mastering our cycles, but from surrendering to their wisdom. Each month brings new insights, deeper understanding, and fresh opportunities for growth. The cycle isn’t something to be controlled—it’s a teacher, guide, and friend on our path to authenticity.

The Magic Within

The days that once left me sobbing on the floor now flow with ease. By embracing my cycle and listening to its wisdom, I’ve discovered that stability isn’t about remaining unchanged—it’s about flowing gracefully with our natural rhythms. Every woman has access to this power, this potential for transformation that comes from understanding her cycle.

This transformation isn’t just personal—it’s part of a larger cultural shift. As more women reclaim their cyclical nature, we’re collectively rewriting the story of what it means to be female in today’s world. Our cycles aren’t inconveniences to be managed; they’re powerful tools for personal growth, creativity, and spiritual connection. When we embrace this truth, we don’t just change our own lives—we help create a world where all aspects of the feminine are honoured and celebrated.

I’ve abandoned the narrative that ‘periods equal pain.’ Instead, I know deeply that our menstrual cycle is magic—a doorway to profound awareness and healing. My hope is that by sharing this journey, you too will begin to see the magic within yourself.