The Beauty In Your Blood

Can you see the beauty in your blood? 

Over the weekend, on the full moon, I got my first period in 7 years. The last 7 years I’ve had various types of IUDs so I ovulated but did not experience menstruation. At first I felt like not bleeding was such a convenience! No need to worry about making my life revolve around “that time of the month”- I really enjoyed it. 

But last year after my Endometriosis diagnosis I realized by not bleeding I had become disconnected to this important part of my monthly cycle.

After my surgery, I felt my body telling me the Mirena IUD needed to be removed. After months of putting it off, I finally listened and made the appointment with  my OB/GYN. As usual, my body’s wisdom was working to protect me, as my OB/GYN discovered the IUD had moved up into my cervix so I had to return at a later date for the removal procedure. During the procedure last month, she also discovered it was embedded in my cervical wall, but thankfully she was able to remove it without surgery.

Since the removal I have felt my hormones trying to re-balance themselves. I’ve been on hormonal birth control since I was 16 years old (just shy of 20 years) so my body has A LOT of re-balancing to do, and I am hear to honor what it needs along the way.

Last year was traumatic both physically & emotionally. I experienced surgery, medically-induced menopause, and dramatic hormonal shifts. Last year I also got the answer I had been searching for, and my path to treat my disease started to unfold before me.

Saturday, when I started to bleed again, I thanked my body over and over.

I also apologized to it for not listening to it as well as it needed me to. I know that this first period is another step towards healing.  Yes, I know there will be pain that accompanies my periods as that is simply life with Endometriosis, however knowing that there are no longer artificial hormones coursing through my body gives me a lot of peace that my way in treating this disease is right for my body.

Your monthly bleeding is a signal from the body that you are healthy; it's a reminder of your connection to your body & the earth.

 It’s a beautiful time of the month in which we are asked to slow down and reflect, to journal, to spend time outdoors, to rest. So the next time you see that blood on your bathroom tissue or your sheets, close your eyes and thank your incredible body for all that it is doing to support you.