Hey Springsters,

I remember the first day I got my period. I was 12 and my friends and I were all hanging out on a Saturday in the park. Everything was going well until I got cramps. I couldn’t see any toilets in sight so I decided to ignore it.

The cramps continued so I got up quickly and started asking everyone where the toilet was.

Manuel, my friend, saw me holding my tummy and asked if I needed to go to the toilet. Super shy I nodded my head and said yes. Before I knew it, he put me on his bicycle and started riding around the park looking for a toilet. Can you imagine how funny that looked? Me almost dying of embarrassment and Manuel shouting, “Toilet, toilet, we need a toilet.”

By the time I got off the bicycle it was too late. I looked down at my trousers and I had started my period! The old me would have been so embarrassed and burst into tears but I didn’t. I’ve read loads of period stories on Springster and periods are normal! Manuel quickly gave me his baggy sweatshirt to wear so I could cover the stains. It looked so big on me when I put it on we both burst out laughing at how funny it looked.

I went into the toilet to clean my trousers and before I came out to face the rest of my friends, I pulled out my pocket book on confidence that I always carry around with me. I looked in the mirror and started reciting the following affirmations:

1. Periods are normal, there’s no need to be ashamed.
2. People’s opinions of me do not define me. I will always believe in myself.
3. I am strong. I am confident. I am beautiful.
4. I may feel awkward and embarrassed but that is not who I am. I am strong. I am confident. I am beautiful

I said it over and over again until my nerves went away. Starting your period in public is no reason to lose your confidence. An embarrassing moment does not have to last a lifetime. Learn to let it go and focus on the positives!