The Radical Legacy of Black Joy and Self-Preservation
February 24th: The Radical Legacy of Black Joy and Self-Preservation
As we reach the final week of February, the energy of Black History Month often shifts from reflection to action. Here at Chanelle Intimate Coach, I believe that the most profound action you can take for your legacy is to choose Self-Love and Pleasure as non-negotiable pillars of your life.
Today, February 24th, we aren't just looking at the past; we are looking at how history lives within our bodies. For many of us, the "hustle" is inherited. But so is the magic.
The Revolution of "The Rest"
Historically, Black bodies were defined by their utility, what they could produce or provide. Because of this, reclaiming your body for pleasure rather than productivity is a radical act.
When we look back at the 1920s and 30s, figures like Bessie Smith and Gladys Bentley were pioneers of "Intimate Agency." They used their voices and their stage presence to own their sexuality and their desires during a time when society tried to silence them. They didn’t just survive; they thrived in their truth.
Today, we carry that same torch when we say:
"My pleasure is a priority."
"My body belongs to me."
"I am worthy of intimacy that honors my soul.’
Passion, Pleasure, and the Audre Lorde Blueprint
In the spirit of Black History, we must highlight the words of **Audre Lorde**, who famously wrote about "The Uses of the Erotic." She taught us that the erotic is not just about sex; it is an internal sense of satisfaction and a bridge between the physical and the spiritual.
"When we begin to live from within outward, in touch with the power of the erotic within ourselves... then we begin to give up, of necessity, being satisfied with suffering."
When you work with me on your journey toward Passion and Purpose, we are doing exactly what Lorde described: we are refusing to be satisfied with "just getting by." We are reaching for the fullness of our existence.
Healing the Lineage
Self-love is the ultimate ancestor work. When you heal your relationship with your body and your intimacy, you are breaking cycles of "strength" that often left no room for "softness."
This February 24th, I invite you to ask yourself:
1. What part of my history am I ready to let go of to make room for more joy?
2. How can I honor my ancestors by being the most loved and pampered version of myself?
3. Where can I inject more **Passion** into my daily routine?
Your Journey of Purpose Starts Now
Your history is a foundation, but your future is a masterpiece. As your Intimate Coach, I am here to help you navigate the beautiful, sometimes complex path to self-discovery. You deserve a life that feels as good on the inside as it looks on the outside.
