I had to pause this week. I had to stop writing, stop blogging, and stop replying to emails about sex toys I’m going to review. I had to pause on everything I care about, because my mental health got so bad that I couldn’t do . It is only a pause – I’ll be back to talking about how I’m scared of my own vagina next week – but it’s still hard to admit that I had to take a break.
Content warning: suicide, depression and mental illness.
I don’t want to pause – some days it feels like my blog is the only thing holding me together. Maybe I can’t eat, but I can write about obligation sex. Maybe I haven’t cleaned my teeth in four days, but I can write about how much I poop when I’m on my period. So what if I want to kill myself – I can write through my tears until I’m shaking as I press publish on a blog post about blow jobs.
I’ve been ignoring the fact that I need to pause for a while. I have a habit of pushing myself to breaking point instead of taking a break: it feels like cheating if I stop to take care of myself when I can still – technically – keep going. Which I have been doing, until this week. I was so exhausted on Monday that when a friend suggested I skipped writing my usual, start-of-week filth I cried with relief.
So I didn’t write smut – I didn’t write anything. I curled up and cried. I took a nap while cuddling my laptop, but at least my laptop was closed. It felt good to give myself permission to just stop for a minute. To pause.
To remember what I love about sex writing. To read books and articles and get inspired again. To forgive myself for all the things I haven’t done yet and can’t do right now because I’m really ill. To breathe and sleep and not worry about the blog post that’s due to go live on my site tomorrow but I haven’t written yet. To ignore my ridiculously long to do list and acknowledge that the world won’t end if I take a day off – or even if I take a week off.
Well, most of a week anyway: I feel it’s acceptable to make an exception for excellent photos of your arse, even when you’re on pause.
Sinful Sunday is run by the fantabulous Molly Moore – click the kiss for more sins…
Update, 9pm: I wrote and scheduled this post before we we saying the names George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Tony McDade. It’s not the world wasn’t racist then, but my white privilege meant I was ignoring the systemic racism that I benefit from as a white person. I’d like to urge the white people reading this to listen to BBIPOC, educate yourself, and donate to groups organising against white supremacist police violence.
Quinn Rhodes (he/him) is a freelance journalist, sex writer, and professional transsexual. His work focuses on dismantling shame and queering sex.
Take care of your mental self!
There should always be exceptions for bum pictures. And well done for taking a break. It can be such a hard thing to do
Molly
If exceptional photos of your arse make you feel good, then taking a break in your break to snap them must qualify as self care x
Taking a break is really hard. Really, really hard. I am totally proud of you! And a butt pic is always worth breaking a pause for.
If I haven’t told you recently, I want you to know I admire you so much. You are inspirational. And that includes in this. Being so rawly and really you helps me to be the same.
You are giving so much, even when you feel you’re giving nothing. Much love.
Bum pics are most def an exception and holy god, do you have an epic bum!
I am sorry you have been feeling so shot – I think, honestly, taking pause is good for you because the shitshow of the blogging world really can’t be helping you right now!
Much love, Quinn – take care <3 x
A pause is good and that bottom is exceptionally good. You do so much good in the world.
Taking a break is a hard thing to do so well done!
And that bum is amazing, so thank you for sharing.
Taking a break is hard, but necessary. You need time to be ready to write your wonderful words again. Damn you have a beautiful bottom! xxx
I’m so sorry you’re struggling. I really hope a pause helps and that you have some support too.
You’re not alone in this, I’m also a “keep going until I totally crash” person and have had to email my therapist today.
So it’s ok to take a breath and to take care of yourself. It’s super important to. Look after yourself.