Finding pleasure amidst what's happening
Jan 11, 2024 6:24 pm
Sex Positive You: Issue 38
Issue 38 has arrived. Happy Gregorian New Year folks!
Given the multiple ongoing mass murders and genocides, along with other atrocities occurring worldwide, we know it hasn't been a good start to the year for everyone. It can be difficult to celebrate when you know so many are suffering. However, you are allowed to feel joy, pleasure, and connection - even now. If you are looking to connect to some pleasure and joy, check out my article on how to shift your relationship with your body which has some joyful practices, or the one on feeling more comfortable with your sexuality for increasing pleasure, or this one that has tips for connecting with friends because connection and gratitude support mental and emotional well-being.
If you have been experiencing guilt for enjoying time with family and friends during multiple world tragedies (including but not limited to the horrifying crimes against Gaza and the West Bank), I understand. You are holding multiple truths and feelings at once - people who deserve safety and liberation are suffering and you may feel unsure how to support their liberation, and you have bomb people (or pets/plants) in your life (if you are privileged to) that you enjoy being with and had an opportunity to treasure. Unlike Ron Weasley, most of us aren't limited to the "emotional range of a teaspoon." We can hold multiple things at once.
Because I've been off social media, I haven't done much in the educational nor news/narrative boosting fields lately - and I feel guilty. While I have been donating to groups I support, connecting people to resources, signing petitions, engaging in mutual aid, and continuing to have important 1:1 conversations, it doesn't feel like enough (and in my heart, I know it isn't - not with what's happening). As I write this, I am recommitting to choosing at least one action to take per day on issues I care about. Today's action will be buying an eSIM card for someone in Gaza, which helps keep folks connected to loved ones, resources, news, and to the wider world. If you, like me, need step-by-step instructions, you can check out this post on how to buy one (they also share which ones are needed regularly). You can also use code: YAEL93VZ for $3 off. Sometimes esims don't get assigned (people don't have access to electricity to charge phones, get injured, and killed) but I think it's still worth it. I bought a lower plan so that once activated, I can continue to add more funds (which is an option for you as well).
Point it, every action matters. You can work towards liberation, locally and internationally - and also do other things. You get to create a life that is balanced - one where there is pleasure, connection, joy, and care - including community care (just like self-care, community care can be challenging -- lean into that, find ways to be accountable to creating the world you want to see).
Just like last time, this got too long before I could give you some updates on my life, including my social media silence, being laid off from a job I held for a decade (and the implications of why that happened), and more. Looks like it will need to wait until next time.
In solidarity,
Yael
P.S Business update: I recently began selling coaching packages (5 sessions, 10 sessions, and new couple & polycule packages - info below) and I'm grateful that it's going well despite disappearing as a content creator because this is currently my only income!
On that note, I have space for two more new clients this month and am looking for magazines, websites, etc. that offer flexible paid writing gigs if you have any suggestions, as well as orgs, companies, universities, schools, community groups, conferences, etc. seeking paid workshops, keynotes, consulting, or curriculum development.
| If you missed out on any articles from previous newsletters, you can find them on my website! |
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Free coaching spot available for BIPOC, Queer/Trans/NB person, and/or disabled person. In gratitude for the support I have always received from BIPOC folks as well as queer and trans folks, & folks with disabilities, I am offering one FREE half-hour private session to a new BIPOC or queer/trans/NB client per month. You can check out the form of your choice above for a range of topics around intimacy, sex, relationships, and identity.
I would love to talk to you (or someone you know) about what's been troubling you about your body, your identities, your desires (or lack thereof), and your communication (or lack thereof!) with your partner(s) or others in your life. Please share with anyone you think might benefit!
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