I’ve been sitting on this blog for a while. So here we go.

I am all about being a better human. Well, I try my best. We recycle. A lot. At our house, our recycle bin can overflow faster than our trash bin. We have two recycle bins for this very reason. I wish I was better at food composting, and would love to have a green thumb, but I hope, in time, these things become more my norm.

One of the newer trends in recycling is focused on feminine products. Well, really, it is not very new, as people all over the world have been reusing products during their periods. Where do you think the term “on the rag” came from? People who menstruate used cloth rags regularly before the convenience of disposable items came along.

Honestly, I have been slow to warm up to the idea of reusable pads and cups, but I am super ready to try period underwear. I have not tried using a cup, but I do have 2 reusable pads from Lunapads. They are very comfortable. They wash easily, and they are not as weird as I thought they would be. I only use them as back up with tampons on my heavy days or just by themselves on light days. As I said, I only have two, so I am not sure how much I am saving the environment. When I am using them, I feel just a bit more smug about my oneness with Mother Nature.

I have had one or two people tell me that they love what I am doing, but wouldn’t it be cool if I hyped up reusable items more. Yes, I probably should mention these eco-friendly items more. Every little bit of awareness is welcome, and I fully support my eco-friendly sisters.

I hesitate passing them out to my donation sites, though. A certain amount of privilege exists with using these amazing products. The menstruators that I deliver to do not live the same life as I do. Some of the places I donate to cater to people who walk right off the street. If someone does not have a place with a washer and/or dryer and does not even have access to a clean bathroom, then what good will I provide to them? Period underwear, cloth pads, and cups all require cleaning. Cleaning is essential for menstrual health care. Again, these products are amazing, but we must meet people where they are at, and sometimes, people simply do not have the luxury to recycle.

My other hesitation lies in the warrior cry #endperiodshame. We are constantly shouting from the rooftops to end the period stigma. Menstruators all over the world are fighting just to feel comfortable in their own skin and understand that periods are not gross or dirty. The last thing we need to do is shame them into using products we deem best. As people figure out what feels best for them, they might find their way to reusable products. Until then, I do not think shaming people into using them is conducive to ending period shame.

Personally, I will continue to explore ways to be more sustainable. I can do that because I have the luxury to do that. Padded does have some environmentally friendly practices that I will discuss in the next blog, so I hope you will join me next time for another little read.

Until then, take care of each other.

Be kind. Be helpful. Be love.

Paula

Despite what social media outlets and the evening news try to sell you, there are actually quite a lot of good people in the world. There are millions of people giving time, money, and effort to help others. There are also a large number of those helpful people who want to lead the good fight. Leaders who want positive change and growth are amazing. Seriously, there are some great people in this world.

Realizing that all this greatness is in the world made me feel immense joy…and confusion…and some sadness. First, even knowing that good is all around; it is hard to navigate through the hateful noise coming from every direction. There is a need to distance oneself from the noise, specifically on social media outlets, yet those outlets are the very things that help get ideas and work out into the world. I do still like the good old-fashioned way of connecting with people face to face, but honestly, I am painfully shy. The internet is my safety cushion and my biggest headache.

Next, period equality is not something new. This topic has been gaining momentum, and I am one of thousands of people fighting the good fight against period poverty and period shame. Why should I even do this when you can find another person (or five) who is just as passionate about this cause by doing a simple Google search? Then my next thought was, why am I worrying about this cause being overcrowded? If the whole point of doing this is to raise awareness and to help as many people as possible, don’t I want there to be lots and lots of leaders and fighters? Isn’t the whole point to end the stigma around menstruation and give access to people all around the world?

These questions and doubts led to the biggest roadblock: Imposter Syndrome. “Imposter syndrome is a psychological term referring to a pattern of behavior where people doubt their accomplishments and have a persistent, often internalized fear of being exposed as a fraud” (psychologytoday.com). I spent weeks worrying I had not accomplished anything. I spent so much time waiting for someone to pull back the curtain and see a person who has no idea what she is doing. Most nonprofits are started by experts with years of training. I started this because my heart ached for those who bled in silence and fear and shame. That’s it folks. That is my expertise. I wouldn’t say the imposter syndrome has diminished completely, but acknowledging it has been an important step back into this leadership role. Padded is still here and will keep going.

So there it is, my runaway train of thoughts and words to simply say: I’m sorry for my absence. I am a leader in this fight for period equality, but I am also a fragile human being. Thankfully, I have some amazing people who keep me going and keep my heart full. You lovely, lovely people have no idea how much your energy and positivity keep me going when I stumble. You are the true leaders.

Be kind. Be helpful. Be love.

Paula

It’s been a while. Job changes, house messes, and general life distractions have kept me occupied.

But we’re still moving forward and deliveries are still being made. One of the new ideas attached to this project is to use my sewing skills for good. Going through all of our closets at home, I found that there were a lot of fabrics and textures that would go well together to help make some pretty cool looking infinity scarves. Each infinity scarf is being sold for $15 with all proceeds going back to Padded. For every sale, $10 will go towards buying feminine products and $5 dollars will go back into scarf sewing supplies. To see the variety of scarves that are available, please visit my Instagram page @padded_nonprofit.

Another new exciting thing that is happening is that we have our first meeting set at a local coffee shop. The purpose of this meeting is to gather a group of people that can brainstorm ideas on how to get more essential products into the hands of people who need it. If all goes well, then our next meeting will take place during Hunger/Homelessness Awareness Week (November 10-18).

Thank you for your support. It is truly appreciated.

As always, donations are welcomed.

Be kind. Be helpful. Be love.

Paula and James

It was a good day. After some of the back-to-school chaos subsided, I was finally able to get some stuff delivered. I wasn’t able to make it to all three of my destinations today, but I did make it to two places. My first stop was The Resource Center. They are focused on advocating for those in the LGBTQ community, and also, those living with HIV. I did not get a chance to meet the Youth First director, but the gentlemen who took my donations was very nice. My second stop was Refugee Services of Texas. Being a new person in a new country is difficult enough, these women do not need to worry about feminine care products. The volunteer coordinator here was excited to talk to me and eager to help me get this non-profit up and running. My third stop, which will have to wait until tomorrow, is the local domestic abuse center.

I reached out to these three organizations for personal reasons. I needed somewhere to start, and I care about these communities deeply. All three groups replied back promptly, and I am so happy I was able to help out.

Honestly, this whole effort was a group affair. Thank you to the people who have donated in the past and to those who want to help from here on out.

Be kind. Be helpful. Be love.

Paula