You made it!

You got through 2021. How are you holding up? Are you ready for a victory lap or are you collapsed in the corner? Wherever you are in this arbitrary spectrum I just made up, I hope you get some rest. 

These last few years have put everyone through the ringer, what was 2021 like for you? Like others, I had my own adventures and traumas this year. I’m using this time to reflect on what I’m taking with me into 2022 and what I’m leaving in the 2021 mailbox with “DOES NOT LIVE HERE” written all over it.

This is easier said than done, of course. However this can help guide you throughout the next year as you make choices, set boundaries and nurture relationships.

• What mind-blowing kinky scene do you want to play out again?

• What old wound do you want to continue to nurture and heal?

• Which bullshit patriarchal pressure do you want to leave behind in 2021?

  • Do you feel like you have to present your gender a certain way to be accepted?

  • Do you think you should be performing sex in a certain way?

• What rigid narrative do you have about yourself that’s been holding you back?

  • Are you convincing yourself you’re not working hard enough for self care?

  • Are you lying to yourself that you’re not sexy enough for that outfit or to try that position?

• Which disgustingly sweet candy do you want to throw away but for some reason you feel like you have to finish the whole bag even though your stomach hurts? Sorry, I got wronged by a bag of Haribo cola flavored “balla stix” recently. I knew it was a poor choice when I bought it but I still did it. You ever done that?

Take a moment this week and write down your takeaways and leave behinds of 2021.

In the meantime, I’m looking forward to sharing what Rouse will offer in the new year, starting with continued access to excellent online sex and relationship therapy, and the next workshop in the Anxiously Intimate series titled “Mindful Banging” coming January 18th. Stay tuned!

Hearts and Handbags,

David @ Rouse