Menstrual blood isn't just blood. It contains blood, cells from the uterine lining, immune cells, proteins, hormones, and even a unique population of stem cells that researchers are studying for their potential in regenerative medicine and tissue repair. Researchers are also exploring whether menstrual blood could one day help diagnose conditions such as endometriosis and other gynecological conditions in a less invasive way. There is so much power in menstruation! I think that's a beautiful reminder that our menstrual cycle isn't something to hide or simply "get through." If you'd like to learn more, here's an interesting article that explores how researchers are beginning to look at menstrual blood in a whole new way. https://www.popsci.com/health/the-untapped-potential-of-stem-cells-in-menstrual-blood/?

We talk a lot about hormones, tracking, and perimenopause... But today I want to ask you something a little different. How did you spend your weekend? Why? Because how we spend our free time has a lot to do with our energy, our nervous system, and of course, where we are in our cycle. This weekend we spent some time at the boat and soaked up plenty of sunshine. (A little too much... I have a bit of a sunburn on my head! 😂) But I also got to do one of my absolute favourite summertime activities... I was out on my paddleboard around 5:00 a.m. to watch the sunrise over the bay. There is something so magical about being on the water at that time of day. The birds beginning to wake. The gentle ripples on the water. The quiet. The stillness. And then... that first moment when the sun kisses the horizon. It's the perfect way to begin the day and one of my favourite ways to calm my nervous system. We often think supporting ourselves has to be complicated. Sometimes it's simply making time for the things that make us feel grounded, peaceful, and alive.💜 So now I'd love to hear from you... What did you do this weekend? Did you get to do something that calmed your soul?

Sitting out on my back deck this morning, soaking up a little vitamin D. There’s something about the feeling of the sun shining on your face and kissing your skin. It feels so good. And while it simply feels nourishing, vitamin D is doing so much more than we often realize. ☀️ It supports mood and serotonin. ☀️ It helps maintain strong, healthy bones—especially important as estrogen begins to decline in perimenopause and menopause, when our risk of osteoporosis increases. ☀️ It helps regulate our immune system and supports a healthy inflammatory response. ☀️ It also plays an important role in eye health. Sometimes supporting our bodies doesn't have to be complicated. Sometimes it's as simple as stepping outside, taking a deep breath, lifting your face to the sun, and allowing yourself a few quiet moments to receive what nature is already offering. How are you getting outside today?

Today's Menstrual Monday is going to be a little different. You may have noticed I've been a little quieter in the community lately. The truth is, the past couple of weeks my luteal phase hit me hard. I was exhausted. Not because I was overly busy, but because my body was asking me to slow down. Between that and settling into a summer rhythm, I've been giving myself permission to rest—not just physically, but mentally too. I could have pushed through just to make sure I showed up here every day... But that wouldn't be living what I teach. One of the biggest lessons our cycles offer us is that every phase asks something different of us. Sometimes it asks us to create, sometimes to connect, and sometimes it simply asks us to pause. So that's what I've been doing. Thank you for your patience while I've been listening to my body. I'm here, I'm rested, and I'm looking forward to sharing more with you again. 💜 I'd love to know... Do you find it easy to listen to your body when it asks you to slow down, or do you tend to push through?

Tonight's full moon is the strawberry moon, symbolizing growth, abundance and the rewards of what you have been working towards. I have had things come my way the past couple of weeks. Things I have been working towards and even thinking about have been manifesting! What rewards have you been seeing in your life....it can be anything. A new connection, a new opportunity....