By Sara Miller
GladRags Employee and User Some people don't like chocolate. I personally find that hard to believe, but I know it's true and I accept that. Answering the question "Can you convince me that chocolate isn't gross?" is perhaps easier to address. A lot of people like and often enjoy chocolate. We are free to talk about chocolate – hey - I even went to a chocolate tasting party a few weeks ago. Talking about, eating up, and drooling over chocolate is a common occurrence. But what if it wasn't? What if we only heard about chocolate in whispers or translated into euphemisms such as "brown beanin' it," "dance of the taste buds" and "hand to mouth disease"? What if the first time you tasted chocolate was shrouded in shame, guilt and confusion. Perhaps you wouldn't eat chocolate again. As women, we don't have the choice: to menstruate or not to menstruate (although I would argue I don't have that choice when it comes to chocolate, either!). What we do have is the choice in how we feel about this important, undeniable part of being a woman. I know this now. Here is my story. I was introduced to GladRags about four years ago. My good friend Michelle started working here at that time and sent some GladRags to Michigan for me to try. Wanting to be ever supportive, I thanked her kindly and put them back in the envelope and placed them in the back of my underwear drawer for safekeeping. My concern for the environment was increasing and I was feeling the need to change my menstrual approach, now that I knew I had options. I wanted to want to use my GladRags. But, you see, I was an avid tampon user for most of my menstruating life. Tampons provided the least involved form of "protection" I could find. I only knew I was menstruating when I was suffering from cramps or had to change my tampon. I was not thrilled with the thought of handling my own blood or being reminded of my own blood. It felt dirty, gross and unnatural (how ironic). Then there was the whole pad issue itself...I would have to FEEL my period. What about the diaper feeling? And handling blood...isn't it dangerous? There's no backing...won't it leak? Will they get clean enough? In an effort to (slowly) answer these questions, I began using my GladRags on lighter days. With each GladRags use, I was confronted with feelings of ickiness and my own general feelings about menstruation - frustration, contempt and, I now realize, an unfeminine feeling (!). In time, I tackled my heaviest day. I was soooo sure I was going to leak or spill over if I moved a certain way. Basically, someone might know I was menstruating and how irresponsible would that be? The secret would be out: I'm a woman. I made it through that day and many days since. I even made it through the first washings just fine. No one died, no new diseases were spread and the stains came out. I am now more familiar with the feelings of menstruating. I became used to using them and my feelings about my period began to change. Feelings of acceptance and understanding replaced fear and disgust. I was doing something good for my body (and the environment). So, is using GladRags gross? I used to think so, but I don't anymore. I think using GladRags is safe, empowering, satisfying and responsible. I feel it's an important part of taking care of myself. From one woman to another. Pass it on.
And now, to you... Did you love coffee the first time you tried it? Is there something you now love, that you detested 10 years ago? Make time to learn more about your body, menstruating, and the products on the market. When watching commercials or seeing ads by some of the major disposable feminine hygiene companies, start asking questions. What are they implying? How are they portraying menstruation? Why isn't menstruation mentioned? Are they echoing our attitude or are we buying into it? Neither of which is good. Using GladRags is probably a lot of what you might expect: The pad is a bit thicker. It has to be—there aren't any chemicals here to do the absorbing, just good ol' breathable cotton. - You will be faced with your own menstrual blood and not just while sitting on the toilet. You will have to do more than that. Soaking them, rinsing them, washing them, and working on the stains (should you choose to do so), will be part of it.
You might have to plan ahead. No stopping by the store or using one of those seemingly unmarked but immediately identifiable vending machines in the "ladies restroom". - Others will most likely see your GladRags. Be it in your laundry area or on your way to Michigan while going through security at the airport.
People around you may not embrace it. But why should that matter? Whose body is this? But here are a few possible things you might not expect: Your body will love you for it. Its adoration might not be immediate or obvious, but it will. - It gets easier. Your idea of normal (meaning, what you are used to) changes. Pretty soon, it's like washing the dishes or answering emails; it's what you do.
- You will not resent getting your period; you may even look forward to it.
- You save money.
You make a difference. - You feel better about your body.
You know your body more. - You pass on your positive attitude.
Your period might get shorter (mine shortened by a day! I cannot explain why, but it's worth noting). - You decrease your risk of various reproductive problems.
Vaginal irritations decrease. - You will encounter some pretty cool women who also use GladRags.
You'll never screech in pain because your pubic hair is caught in the pad adhesive. |
