Women only: Devotion and your cycle

[jazzbaby1]

I don’t want this to devolve into a debate about reproductive biology. I’ve noticed that my own devotion – or at least the way I feel – is affected by my cycle. In the beginning of my cycle I’m more devoted and more able to reach spiritual goals I’ve set for myself: going to daily mass, saying the Rosary, adoration, etc. The last ten days, though, I’m pretty lazy and as I get closer to the end I wind up needing confession more often. Have you noticed this for yourself? How do you overcome it or work with it? If you’re a mother, did you notice changes during pregnancy or after childbirth?

 

[baltobetsy]

Cool question, jazzbaby1. Back in the day, when I still had cycles, I had some pretty intense PMS with heightened emotions and a bit of depression. This combination was quite conducive to prayer for me. My grouchiness and touchiness always gave me material for confession, so that was another occasion to come close to God.

Betsy

 

[Ladyofthehouse]

I, too, have noticed the same thing – right down to the number. For about the last week and half of a cycle, I grow incredibly lethargic, somewhat depressed, and very irritable. I also sin like the dickens – overeating, being a smarty pants, losing my temper, etc. Now that I’ve finally figured out this rhythm of things, I know what is coming and do my best to avoid all the symptoms (and sins) I listed above. Just knowing what’s around the corner, I resolve in my mind to control myself.

It is nice to know that I’m not the only fighting this monthly battle with herself!

 

[TempleofTheSoul]

Count me in too!!! I notice that right before the monthly hits I get more lethargic, lose my energy or motivation to pray and want to go out less. There are times when it makes me so lethargic that I have to fight my desire to not to even want to go out to church.

This monthly business is indeed a time for lost tempers and more sins to confess. I’m glad I am not the only one who goes through this.

 

[CB_Catholic]

Yeah, I remember all of that. I’d get tired, depressed, cranky, and cry a lot. Like another person was inhabiting my body. I am glad that is over and done with, and no, I did not feel any loss of my femininity when I had to have my hysterectomy.

I have never woken up in the morning and said “Gee, I wish I had my period today!”