The Burdens of Belief Systems!

I swam yesterday for the first time in my life during my period.

I felt happy and liberated for overcoming myself.

I am remembering the stories we were told throughout our lives—how even washing our hair during our period could make us sick or die.

In medical school, we weren't taught to overcome these myths, and we were left confused.

Once, I asked an obstetrics and gynecology specialist about these things, and he gave me very vague answers.

Therefore, when someone asked me about them, I also couldn't answer properly.

However, today, I can confidently say that swimming is healthy during your period (you just need to use a tampon, menstrual cup, or special swimwear), and washing your hair during your period won't kill you.

I am remembering an in-law who restricted her diet while she was pregnant.

The order came from her mom, and she had to follow it.

It was a sacrifice out of love for her baby, but she didn't realize she was actually harming the baby with her diet restrictions.

Everyone around her was doing it, and her belief system prevented her from seeing the truth.

It’s so obvious to us that she was doing the wrong thing, but there are many similar things we do that aren’t obvious because we're still living within our belief systems.

I met a woman who, when she was young, actually couldn’t leave her room during her period. Her family didn’t allow it, as it was deeply embedded in their belief system.

I didn’t grow up with those kinds of things, so I was horrified to hear that, but, well, we do have our own similar beliefs.

I continue to reflect on how our belief systems shape our lives in many ways and lead to various public health issues.

However, I will stop my writing here for today.

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