A HELLO FROM ROBYN
Thank you so much for being here. I'm Robyn, that's me on the right, looking into a future where reproductive rights and a deep respect and understanding of the menstrual cycle exists in society.
I created BLEED ON IT because it took until I was 26 to properly learn about my menstrual cycle.
26.
I come from a pretty open household in regards to conversations on bodies and sex but even so, I had no clue that my menstrual cycle could actually be a support to me, or a way to strengthen my trust to my intuition as I was growing up. The generations before me also just simply didn't know. And the school system certainly wasn't set up to empower little ones due to start their period in the early 90's.
WHY BLEED ON IT?
I came to realise that by deepening my understanding of my body, emotions, needs, desires, diet and lifestyle - I could take hold of debilitating (PMDD) Pre Menstrual Dysphoric Disorder symptoms that were holding me back from living life fully.
Learning about the 4 different phases of the menstrual cycle was a huge game changer for me. Before my mid twenties I did not know there was more than a period going on in my reproductive system.
No wonder I could feel up one week and down the next! Simply learning that our hormones shift from week to week was so liberating and has completely changed the way I approach work and relationships - with tonnes more compassion. Who knew it could actually be productive to rest?
WHAT IS BLEED ON IT?
"To 'Bleed on it' is quite a specific task. When you have a problem or something you can't quite find the answer to, it is about taking it purposefully to your bleed, and then letting go and allowing the answer to come in the space you have created. It is about relinquishing expectations or the illusion of control, and letting your bleed guide you to the answers you need."*
This was the response from The Red School, when I asked for permission to use 'Bleed On It' as the name of this platform - the phrase used in the final chapter of their book, 'Wild Power' by Alexandra Pope and Sjanie Hugo Wurlitzer.
Our name being Bleed On It is our reminder to use cyclic awareness to rest when rest is needed and to have the confidence to go full power when full power is desired. A reminder too that each cycle can teach us what is no longer serving us; what is time to shed and what we want to take into the next cycle.
It's also bold, and in your face, which we kinda like.
OUR MISSION
BLEEDONIT exists to normalise conversation around menstruation. Menstrual conditions are widespread, while being wildy underfunded and unknown by many. This has a frustratingly stunting effect on menstruating and menopausal women and people in the workplace.
Bosses, managers, leaders, siblings, teachers, friends, partners & parents having more understanding and compassion around menstrual cycles & menstrual health (and how this effects every single person that has or had a period/cycle differently) would change things for the better.
We all come from the fact that our mums had a period. Let's get as united on the topic as we actually are?!
Bit of ambition never hurt anyone 😅
LANGUAGE IS EVERYTHING. PERIOD.
You’ll see us write women and ‘people with periods’ or variations of this phrase, as not all people that have periods are women (non binary, menstruating trans men, intersex) and not all women have periods (post menopause, post-partum, those that had hysterectomies). This relates to all ethnicities, ages and creeds. We strive to be a space where everyone that wants to feel at home here - can, so our language will reflect that.