Sunday, December 1, 2024

Pleasure, Hormones, and Self-Awareness: Reflections from the Vibrary


Yesterday’s Vibrary gathering was nothing short of incredible. Seeing new faces and diving into such meaningful conversations was both enlightening and refreshing. 


While I had planned to include discussions about my novels, the group organically shifted toward deeper topics like:

Exploring pleasure and understanding what you truly enjoy.

How hormones shape our perception of pleasure and influence our brains.

Making intentional time for self-care.

Talking to children about sex in a way that fosters understanding and openness.

Navigating perimenopause when exhaustion makes intimacy feel impossible.




It was a safe space to explore ideas unapologetically, and I’m deeply grateful to Candance for the opportunity to simply be myself.





Reflections on Pleasure and Change


As I reflect on the event, I’m reminded of how our bodies constantly evolve. Just when I think I’ve accepted one version of myself, another transformation arrives. Aging is a one-way journey, and rather than resist, I’m learning to embrace each stage.



At Cork and Color After Dark, I shared this thought: “Society tells us to reward ourselves after hard work, but our bodies speak to us every day, letting us know when we’re thirsty, tired, hungry, or yearning for connection.” These signals guide us, yet how often do we listen?



This morning, my body reminded me to pause and reflect:

Am I being kind to myself?

Do I appreciate my body for all it’s been through?

How can I reward myself with unconditional love?


It’s easy to be critical, but I’m choosing to focus on self-acceptance. As I approach the final month of the year, my hormones are shouting, “Be intentional. Be kind. Love yourself.”


Listening to My Hormones


Right now, my hormones are saying:

It’s hibernation season.

Mental flexibility is high—perfect for tackling solo projects.

Socializing? Not so much. This is me time.


I’m embracing it unapologetically. My schedule will include a good book, warm tea, and a relaxing bath. This is how I honor what my body needs.


On Pleasure and Parenting


During the Vibrary meeting, one topic stood out: how to talk to children about sex. My advice? Approach it with openness. Sex is meant to be enjoyed. Telling kids “what not to do” often sends the message that sex isn’t safe or pleasurable to discuss with parents. Create a space where they feel comfortable talking about it, just as they would with a trusted friend.




The Path to Pleasure


Pleasure begins in the mind and radiates through the body. To fully embrace it, we must:

Identify what brings us joy.

Reduce stress to make space for pleasure.

Recognize the small, everyday pleasures that remind us of our worth.


Sexual pleasure is as essential as water or air—it connects us to ourselves and others in profound ways.


Gratitude and Moving Forward


The Vibrary was truly a vibe, and I’m grateful for the chance to share, connect, and empower. Until the next meeting, I’m honoring my body’s call for rest and self-soothing. My hormones have spoken: I am deserving of intentional me time.

“Already Profound” Reflections From My Students Analysis

By: Dr. J. Bliss For so long, I wanted my writing to be profound. I wanted my words to move people, to echo long after they’d been read. ...