The moment I entered womanhood I was told how dreadful it was by other women. So every 28 days or so I dreaded it too. I dreaded the cramps, the pain, the emotions. It was so unbearable I couldn’t move. I didn’t know when to expect it. I would be running around until the moment it arrived and then all hell broke loose.

This happened every month for a decade.

I didn’t understand it. I didn’t understand myself. It was a process in my body happening naturally and I resisted it.

Then…a trusted confidante mentioned this book to me:

The Optimized Woman: Using Your Menstrual Cycle to Achieve Success and Fulfillment by Miranda Gray

It changed my life.

I realized…

Having a cycle is a superpower. It’s like a compass. When we pay attention and listen to our body, we know how to navigate life in the best way.

I recommend this book to every woman I know (and often give it as a gift)…well to the women who are curious and ready to receive it. If that’s you…keep reading…

According to ‘The Optimized Woman’, whether or not you have a period, every woman has a cycle that is comprised of 4 phases. The number of days of each phase can differ for every woman, but it’s a guide to know what things are the most optimal to do at the time of our cycle.

“Reflective phase” (day ~1-7), “Dynamic phase” (day ~8-14), “Expressive phase” (day ~15-21) and “Creative phase” (day ~22-28).

Every woman can use the book as a guide in her own life and interpret it however it resonates.
There is a section at the end for you to track your own phases since the number of days will be slightly different for every person. I loved this and made my own chart which I now live by.

After gaining a better understanding of my phases, it helped me manage my business and social life more optimally, live healthier by eating and exercising with the right kind of workouts for each phase and feel empowered to live life on my terms by listening to my body and honouring what is best for me.

If you read it, would love to know what you think and how it helped you ~