Do what you’re going to do, just do it on purpose!
~ Dr. Sarah
A rose is a rose from the time it is a seed to the time that it dies. Within it at all times, it contains its whole potential. It seems to be consistently in change. Yet at each state, each moment, its perfectly alright as it is
~ Timothy Gallway, The Inner Game of Tennis
They say it takes a village to raise a child. I say it takes a village to sustain a human.
~Dr. Sarah
Sexual Shame
I fervently believe that shame and judgement are among the worst things we can do to ourselves and each other. Shame undermines our sense of connection and leaves us feeling unsafe, with judgment often leading to shame. When aspects of our bodies, identities, or self are the target of these attacks, the results can be disastrous. Sex is often a focus of shaming, both internally and externally.
Recent legislation on many aspects of sexuality and identity further fuels the belief that we’re being judged and may be ostracized for simply being ourselves. I wish I could say this isn’t the case. I wish I could tell people to dismiss those thoughts as ridiculous or untrue. Unfortunately, for many it is the case. Too many people are judged, maligned, and excluded because they don’t fit in with others’ expectations of what is ‘right’. To those people I say: I see you. I validate you. I respect you. As long as your expression isn’t infringing on the autonomy and well-being of others, keep doing you.
There are others out here too, and with us, you belong.
If interested, read more about Sexual Shame in an article I wrote for Choosing Therapy.
Words and thoughts are forever percolating, yet not consistently forthcoming… more soon