Issue #8: intimacy. EVERLASTING.

feeling powerful and sexy, talking more, and saying sorry less.

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“The idea that, as women, as you get older, you’ll not expand and get more and more powerful. I mean ‘powerful’ in all different senses, not just worldly powerful. I’m more useful, in a way, in the world. I need less, and I’m able to give more as I get older, you know? I don’t have a feeling of dependency on anyone.” ~Miranda July, author of All Fours in The New Yorker

image credit: Genyne Edwards

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This week’s Five Senses Friday is inspired by the the start of the podcast season! Intimacy and sexual health and as Genyne and Dr. Mia discuss, the quest for everlasting intimacy- knowing oneself, connecting to others, and nourishing our body, mind, and spirit (and feeling sexy as we do it).

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TASTE: The Mediterranean Dish. Looking for recipes to nourish your body in a way that may improve your sex life, reduce your risk of fibroids (if you missed Genyne + Dr. Mia’s discuss fibroids on the podcast this week, find it here), lower your cholesterol and inflammation, and support the transition of perimenopause? Studies have shown that plant-based mediterranean style eating can boost libido, reduce erectile dysfunction, help to manage fibroids and painful periods, and reduce symptoms associated with perimenopause and menopause.

SEE: All Fours. We don’t think we can talk about middle life and sex without sharing the much talked about book released this month by artist Miranda July. The New York Times called it “the first great perimenopause novel.” It has been describes as sad, funny, and sexy as it pushes boundaries in the exploration of motherhood, menopause, and “what happens when a curious, creative, sexually active woman reaches the midpoint of her life and questions her direction.”

SMELL: A Guide to Visiting the Lavender Fields in Provence. One of our favorite images from this past year is of Genyne and her friends celebrating her 50th birthday in the south of France and marking the trip with a photo shoot in the lavender fields. Can’t make it to France? There are also lavender fields on Washington Island in WI! Need an excuse to book your own girls’ trip? Research shows that traveling with friends promotes health and happiness.

HEAR: Vulnerability as a Superpower: Discovery Decks from Best Self. From family talk and personal/professional growth to intimacy and date night decks, these card games offer prompts and conversation starters to dig deeper with colleagues, friends, partners, and loved ones.

TOUCH: 5 Exercises for a Better Sex Life. While pretty much any workout routine can improve sex over time, a few specific types of movement can be especially helpful for sexual function and enjoyment, depending on your needs and physical ability. Check out these five exercises that experts in sexual health and fitness recommend.

What is appealing to your senses right now? What are you reading? watching? cooking? wearing? loving? obsessed with? We would love to share some of your picks in future newsletters!

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we are GRATEFUL to share support this season with

Dr Ellen Hayes and her dedicated team are on a mission to transform fertility and family-building care, making it more accessible, intuitive, and empowering – for all. With over 15 years of experience and countless success stories, Dr Ellen Hayes and the Kindbody Milwaukee team are dedicated to assisting patients facing fertility challenges and are thrilled to offer the latest technology and techniques within their new state-of-the-art IVF lab in the heart of downtown Milwaukee!

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SNEAK PEAK of Episode 3:
Our chat with sex therapist, CHERIE KATT

Stay tuned next Wednesday for the full episode!
Until then, catch up on episodes you missed on our website, here on Substack, or wherever you listen to podcasts!

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my (theresa) WIN/CHALLENGE: being UNAPOLOGETIC

I’m sorry about my messy house.
I’m sorry I didn’t think of it.
I’m sorry, that was a weird laugh.
I’m sorry I’m a bit much.
I’m sorry I had to say no.
Sorry.

The other day a woman was coming towards me as I was walking my dog. As we approached each other I moved my dog to the side (he’s learning his manners) and as she walked past us she smiled and said, “Sorry”. Fifteen minutes later the same scenario happened with a man and as he walked past us he said, “Thanks”.