A period is used to signify the end of a sentence. It represents the end of one statement and foreshadows the beginning of a new one. A period sketches the blueprint for a piece of writing as it allows the writer to move on to a new idea. This piece of grammatical punctuation is imperative to our language. It allows us to write novels, essays, and other pieces of writing—to expose our deepest selves. It allows others to penetrate our minds in order for us to connect and realize how much our lives really cross paths with others.

However, when I was 12 years old the word "period" took on a whole new meaning. At 12 years old, I dreadfully entered the world of puberty as I reached for my very first menstrual pad on a hot summer day. Since then, I've been plagued by intense cramps, embarrassing stains on my pants, horrendous mood swings, and a never ending appetite for chocolate. I’ve had to revolve my schedule around a mere four to seven days. I’ve had to ask strangers in public restrooms if they had a tampon when Aunt Flow would unexpectedly visit. I’ve spent tons of money on feminine hygiene products as well as new clothes whenever my monthly visitor decided to act up. Each month, I and tons of other women and girls have dreaded this monthly process.

It wasn’t until recently where I looked passed all the pain and inconvenience of having my period. Rather, I began to see the beauty and power in a menstrual period. Menstruation signifies the beautiful ability a woman has to create and carry life within her. A woman’s body prepares itself to produce a whole new person inside of her. A period signifies the miracle of life and the importance of a woman’s body. Because of her, humankind continues. Because of her, humankind grows. Because of her, new life is possible.

A menstrual period is very similar to a grammatical punctuation period. Both signify the end of a certain amount of time or a series of events. Both foreshadow a new cycle. Most importantly, both a menstrual period and a grammatical period are imperative in survival. They allow us to connect with one another. They give us the opportunity to identify with one another. They both create a bond for all of humankind.