Oh, we get so tied up into knots about our bodies, don't we? I had some similar experiences when I was younger (for me, part of it was fear of being sexualized by men if I tried to look feminine/nice, and part of it was being afraid that I would be rejected even if I made an effort with appearance) and childbirth and nursing -- even though it "wasn't all sunshine and roses," as you say! -- really changed things. It was really empowering.
Hi Dixie! We sure do. I connect what you said about being afraid of rejection. Part of not caring about my appearance was my binary way of thinking, but I also think part of it was maybe also: if I don't try then I won't be hurt or disappointed. I've been thinking about this actually in regard to womanhood (personhood?) in general... how we protect ourselves from pain by not even "trying" for something we want. We see it as unattainable and so we act like we don't care about it. Oof!
And yes, nothing like motherhood to put you in touch with the power and strength of your female body! Such a gift!
Another very comprehensive book I would recommend is Taking Charge of Your Fertility by Toni Weschler. My friend gave it to me in my mid-20s and I'm not exaggerating when I say it changed my life. The Cycle Show sounds like such an amazing & needed resource for girls!
Oh, we get so tied up into knots about our bodies, don't we? I had some similar experiences when I was younger (for me, part of it was fear of being sexualized by men if I tried to look feminine/nice, and part of it was being afraid that I would be rejected even if I made an effort with appearance) and childbirth and nursing -- even though it "wasn't all sunshine and roses," as you say! -- really changed things. It was really empowering.
Hi Dixie! We sure do. I connect what you said about being afraid of rejection. Part of not caring about my appearance was my binary way of thinking, but I also think part of it was maybe also: if I don't try then I won't be hurt or disappointed. I've been thinking about this actually in regard to womanhood (personhood?) in general... how we protect ourselves from pain by not even "trying" for something we want. We see it as unattainable and so we act like we don't care about it. Oof!
And yes, nothing like motherhood to put you in touch with the power and strength of your female body! Such a gift!
Really excited to learn of more fertility resources for our kids! With 3 daughters and a son this kind of thing is often on my mind!
Another very comprehensive book I would recommend is Taking Charge of Your Fertility by Toni Weschler. My friend gave it to me in my mid-20s and I'm not exaggerating when I say it changed my life. The Cycle Show sounds like such an amazing & needed resource for girls!
LADIES, this is so good. Thanks for taking the time to bring this conversation to us. I think I have a resource list this could be added to. :')