An endearing read

I read something that gives my heart this warm, fuzzy feeling. Actually, it almost made me cry.

Here goes.

“There are many different kinds of bravery. There’s the bravery of thinking of others before one’s self. Now, your father has never brandished a sword nor fired a pistol, thank heavens. But he has made many sacrifices for his family, and put away many dreams.”

“Where did he put them?” 

“He put them in a drawer. And sometimes, late at night, we take them out and admire them. But it gets harder and harder to close the drawer… He does. And that is why he is brave.”— Conversation between Mrs. Darling and Michael, Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie

from Pinterest

I feel alright about my neck

 

Ephron's notable "I feel bad about my neck." crossed my mind the second my husband showed me the photo he had just taken.

I almost missed his proud ear-to-ear smile and glued myself to the deep crow's feet around my eyes.

"Gosh. This is forty-four." I moaned.

"That's you celebrating your first book," he said.

And just like that, he was Mr. Right.

ps: I am curious, if you are over 40, how do you respond to all the changes in you? 

Pre menopausal syndrome? wrinkles? the uncertain waves of emotions? Or are you smooth sailing like nothing happens?

Menstruation Talks

Photo from NPR Org

When the puberty bus hits me with my first menstruation (mood swings, funny body odor, sans breast growth), I worry about how society's expectations might define the world for girls.

"You have to be more careful now," mothers and aunties would say. But what did they mean by "careful"?
People would comment on our looks, skin fairness, and how we should behave and dress because apparently, we are responsible for sexual crimes.

What struck me was that they avoided the word "menstruation." Instead, they used phrases like "Aunt Flow," "Palang Merah," or "Datang Bulan" because discussing puberty is taboo.

It's not that these phrases are immoral, but oh but ..
They distract from crucial topics such as menstrual hygiene, reproductive health, proper nutrition for hormonal balance, and the fact that girls and women can still play sports.

A 2018 study revealed that between ages 8-14, girls’ confidence drops by 30 percent. Boys experience drops too, but at 14, when girls are at their lowest, boys' confidence is still 27% higher. See how the domino effect can go far?

While the formula to changing the above can be intricate and detailed, I know how we can create change.

It's all on us.

Revising how we speak to girls (and boys) is the first step to breaking the stigma.

Say it as it is. Menstruation.
*Period.

*pun intended

(Here are some links with insightful tips on talking about menstruation and puberty with your children: Voices of Youth on Menstruation, On Puberty, Tweens and Puberty.)