(inner) winter - Leysin, Vaud

“When my period starts, I retreat into myself. It’s a time for introversion and introspection, where my tolerance for outside noise drops. It’s my time, a fragile phase where I need solitude.

On Day 1, I’m exhausted and avoid social groups, preferring quiet walks and gentle movement on my own. Even my husband struggles to understand this phase. I explain it every month, but he still has a hard time grasping it.

By Day 2, I start to feel more reflective and inward-focused. Anxiety often builds in the days before my period, making this quiet time even more important.

This phase feels like holding a mirror to myself, raw and simple. Dressed in my oversized red jumper, I embrace this moment to honour what I need.”