I just congratulated my colleague on the beginning of her period. I am well aware of how dreading the days before the period are and how alleviating the rise of estrogen feels for the body and mind after its absolute low. As we say, “Good thing about being down is that there is only one way – up.” In this case, it is true till estrogen hits its absolute max during ovulation and then starts its way down once again. Till the next rise.
Have you ever noticed how the time stretches and slows before the period? The feeling of dread sometimes is overwhelming, and numbness to even the nicest things takes over.
I have a mantra for the last premenstrual days that I practice: “Don’t believe this illusion of doom. It appears with estrogen’s lowest levels. My body is self-inflicting fresh wounds to renew the uterus lining. I am safe. I am fine. It will last just a few days. Don’t give up to the illusion of doom.”
“Premenstrual hopelessness has an expiration date”, I also say.
To get through this illusion of doom, I look for premenstrual glimmers – listen to my favorite tunes and enjoy binge-watching guilt-free. I allow my tears to run free. Or I close my eyes, and wait it out. I still show up for my chores, because the period does not cancel my skills.
So, yes! “Congratulations, you got your period!” Now estrogen has only one way up, till the next premenstrual phase, and again it will be a time to take a break.