Issue #9: learning to RECEIVE
Sex Therapist Cherie Katt, REAL self care, + simplifying summer
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“Remember that self-love is also revolutionary and world changing.”
~Amanda Gorman
This week’s Five Senses Friday is inspired by this week’s podcast guest, sex therapist Cherie Katt of Cherie Katt Counseling and the things that bring her joy. If you missed our chat with Cherie on the podcast this week, listen to it here!
TASTE: Coffee. This is a tough one, but I'm gonna have to go with coffee. At night I go to bed already excited for coffee the next day! I moved from Seattle to Milwaukee in 2020 and in leaving a city known for its coffee, I also left some of my favorite coffee shops. It has been really fun to try new places here and hands down, Stone Creek Coffee rises to the top as my favorite coffee shop! I feel spoiled that I can walk to one from my house and from my office. And yes, they make great Americano's and Oat Milk Latte's and the barista's are friendly, but it also holds a special spot in my heart as it has been a place that I've gotten to build new relationships and connections since moving to Milwaukee! (To go with your coffee, try Stone Creek's Sweet Potato Fritter Breakfast Sandwich Recipe.)
SEE: Watching my kids do what they love is something I cherish lately. I love sitting in the bleachers watching my 15 year old run and fly over hurdles or being on the sidelines of my 14 year old son's baseball games or in the audience watching my 12 year old daughter sing. Watching them grow and change and seeing their interests emerge and shine is such a sight to behold! (Wanting to prepare for summer sidelines? Check out this List of What to Pack to simplify and ensure you are comfortable.)
SMELL: Soup simmering on the stove. Odor-linked memories are very strong for me and when I smell soup I always think of my mom. She has some staple soups like her infamous Dutch Gahuckball soup or her pea soup but in general the aroma of soup is so warming and comforting! (Try this shortcut version of Dutch Meatball Soup.)
HEAR: The sound of birds in spring is the sound of hope and that things are going to be okay. Whatever worries I have or troubles that are going on around, the birds sing on. I particularly love going for walks to Atwater Beach and hearing the Red Winged Black Birds. They are only around for a short while in spring and I love hearing their call and answer to one another. (Interested in learning more about birds and their calls? Looking for a new hobby? Try birding! Here are a few things to get you started: “I Didn’t Think Birding Was for Me. Now It’s My Favorite Self-Care Hobby.”? Download the Merlin App- it allows you to identify the birds you see and hear!)
TOUCH: Water. Baths are my happy place. I love how my body feels going back and forth between hot water and cold water (learn more about Contrast Bath Therapy). I go in water to relax, I go in water to be held, I go in water to mark new seasons, I go in water to play. Water on my skin quickly can drop me into the moment and invites me to just be. I treasure living near a great body of water, Lake Michigan! (Create your own Bathing Ritual.)
Speaking of TOUCH, just a friendly reminder that it is the first of the month tomorrow so it is a great time to do a breast self check. (Or if you still have regular cycles, aim for 3-5 days after your period ends.) Haven’t dowloaded our Breast.Health WOVXN Wellness Guide yet?
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!
Sneak Peak of Episode 4:
Dr. Emily Lombard + Pelvic Floor Therapist Lauryn Beecher
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!
my (rebecca) CHALLENGE: learning to RECEIVE
“Gracious acceptance is an art - an art which most never bother to cultivate. We think that we have to learn how to give, but we forget about accepting things, which can be much harder than giving....” ~Alexander McCall Smith
In our discussion with Cherie on the podcast last week, we talked about how as women we are commonly the ones fulfilling the role of the giver (which can be EXHAUSTING) and that in creating space and identifying ways to receive in our relationships we can deepen our capacity for intimacy.
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