Free AI web copilot to create summaries, insights and extended knowledge, download it at here

Abstract

el like crap. As will hitting the booze too hard. (I’m an expert on that.) The last thing we want, when this nightmare finally ends, is to emerge on the other side twenty-five pounds heavier. Fruits, veggies, lean protein — all of those will help you maintain a fit and healthy body. Go easy on carbs and stick to foods that are antioxidant-rich. Like the Allman Brothers said, “Eat A Peach.” You’ll feel better. (And you’ll taste better.)</p><h2 id="5b90">6. When it comes to your brain, use it or lose it.</h2><p id="9eb0">As our days become increasing lackluster it takes a hell of a lot of effort to stay mentally sharp and engaged. There are days when I want to flop on a sofa, turn on the TV and say “screw writing.” But that’s when I need to get off my ass the most. It takes work, sure, but much like sex, if we want to keep those creative juices flowing, we need to stay the course because if not, we dry up like the plains after a drought and that’s hard to bounce back from. So write, read, do crossword puzzles, listen to podcasts, anything that is going to help you stay sharp and focused.</p><h2 id="611e">7. If you try to take on more than you can handle, expect some blowback.</h2><p id="8fdd">I’ll let you draw your own sexual connotations here but, none of us is superhuman. From experience, I know that when I try to take on several projects at once, without planning or prioritizing, I’m like a whirling dervish. And ultimately, I’ve only achieved a fraction of what I set out to do and in the process, I become mentally and physically drained. I have to constantly remind myself to “slow down, take a deep breath, and a step back.” If you, too, try to over-achieve, give yourself a break, take a cue from Scarlett O’Hara and realize that “tomorrow is another day.”</p><h2 id="a8d9">8. Diversity is the true spice of life.</h2><p id="000d">The missionary position can get old, right? Well, just like with sex, it’s good to push yourself creatively. “Try another position,” so to speak. Many writers tend to find their niche and stick to it like burnt oatmeal to a saucepan. If you only write poetry, try flash-fiction or an op-ed piece. If satire is your jam, write a personal essay from the heart. Stretch yourself. You’ll be surprised what you can accomplish when you shift your thinking, even a little. Give it a whirl, okay?</p><h2 id="6bdf">9. Sometimes the “best bits” are those you can’t see.</h2><p id="13a0">As much as I want to make a clitoral reference here, I won’t. Oh shit. I just did. Anyway, we are a society obsessed with appearances, with the external. Thanks to social media and the proliferation of selfies and the “look at me!” attitude that permeates these platforms, we have become sadly, shallow. When you take the time to dig beyond that outer shell, to look past a person’s clothes, physique, and all that other crap, you might forge a connection that otherwise you’d miss out on. And isn’t that what we all want? To connect with people who “get” us?</p><h2 id="aa8f">10. Depth is a good thing.</h2><p id="f17d">You know that saying about still waters running deep? It’s true. The most placid-appearing individual can be someone whose passion, once unleashed, would blow us away. Similar to my previous point, when you write, do it from your heart, your soul. Reach way down and allow yourself to be seen. Embrace your flaws; we all have them, after all. We’re all complex in our own way. Like onions, once we get past peeling away that first layer, the rest gets easier. Sure, we may cry, but that’s part of the healing process.</p><p id="a62e"><i>Look within. Within is the fountain of good, and it will ever bubble up, if thou wilt ever dig. Marcus Aurelius</i></p><h2 id="5f30">11. Over time, change is inevitable. Don’t just adapt. Embrace it.</h2><p id="71fc">I’ve always been someone who feels comfortable with a routine. Writing at the same time every day, working out, eating…like that. Like most people, I inhabit my own comfo

Options

rt zone. But as I get older, I realize that youth is a mindset. If we are to remain nimble, we have to look at change as a good thing. In fact, our very attitude towards life is affected by how we view those peaks and valleys that appear on our horizon when we least expect it. Look at change as a chance to explore new opportunities that will enhance your perspective and open up doors you never thought possible. By embracing change, you’ll develop strength and grit, and that’s always a good thing.</p><h2 id="a55d">12. One word: Cotton</h2><p id="990a">Enough said.</p><p id="85a3">On behalf of my vagina and myself, thank you for reading.</p><p id="32f7"><i>Sherry McGuinn is a slightly-twisted, longtime Chicago-area writer and award-winning screenwriter. Her work has appeared in The Chicago Tribune, Chicago Sun-Times, and numerous other publications. Sherry’s manager is currently pitching her newest screenplay, a drama with dark, comedic overtones and inspired by a true story.</i></p><figure id="c0a1"><img src="https://cdn-images-1.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:800/0*sK-mUdUa_qmuYgOt"><figcaption></figcaption></figure><p id="7e80">If you enjoyed this, I’d love for you to check out the following.</p><div id="6a3d" class="link-block"> <a href="https://readmedium.com/i-screwed-up-3f92d9c60b83"> <div> <div> <h2>I Screwed Up</h2> <div><h3>Lesson learned: Never write after two hours sleep and three gummies</h3></div> <div><p>medium.com</p></div> </div> <div> <div style="background-image: url(https://miro.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:320/1*-s0PfW3v-ypEGiWCoqCt9g.jpeg)"></div> </div> </div> </a> </div><div id="b07f" class="link-block"> <a href="https://readmedium.com/again-bdc72c0e4da5"> <div> <div> <h2>Again</h2> <div><h3>What have you done to me, down there?</h3></div> <div><p>medium.com</p></div> </div> <div> <div style="background-image: url(https://miro.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:320/1*HpEjCczIwIMF-QocEqtyGg.jpeg)"></div> </div> </div> </a> </div><div id="cbe9" class="link-block"> <a href="https://readmedium.com/my-wet-pussy-710816a35f3"> <div> <div> <h2>My Wet Pussy</h2> <div><h3>Sex-positive free verse</h3></div> <div><p>medium.com</p></div> </div> <div> <div style="background-image: url(https://miro.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:320/1*mf5Qc_sfSSxQYqdHPIXJag.jpeg)"></div> </div> </div> </a> </div><div id="073b" class="link-block"> <a href="https://readmedium.com/honeysuckle-me-1f0c61626b4e"> <div> <div> <h2>Honeysuckle Me</h2> <div><h3>And I’ll drown in you</h3></div> <div><p>medium.com</p></div> </div> <div> <div style="background-image: url(https://miro.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:320/1*aT8iOfXOxSUG_QhKgvXtcA.jpeg)"></div> </div> </div> </a> </div><div id="34f4" class="link-block"> <a href="https://readmedium.com/the-tiny-tongue-teasing-anchovy-3578ce0eb46c"> <div> <div> <h2>The Tiny, Tongue-Teasing Anchovy</h2> <div><h3>It deserves more love than it gets.</h3></div> <div><p>medium.com</p></div> </div> <div> <div style="background-image: url(https://miro.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:320/1*ebgA1CjowgcP-i06kkMYMw.jpeg)"></div> </div> </div> </a> </div></article></body>

12 Things I Learned From My Vagina

Because sharing is caring

It’s strange what monotony will do to the brain. Why I’m thinking about vaginas on a Monday morning in the middle of a pandemic is anyone’s guess. Or maybe the pandemic is the reason.

What I do know is, when I feel bored and listless, my brain turns to thoughts of sex and all things related. Recalling some of my better rolls in the hay, or on top of it, makes me feel better, somehow.

Anyway, I started thinking about vaginas and how mysterious they are by their very design. And how they can be a metaphor for life itself. Not just because life can erupt from a vagina like a ball from a cannon, but again, because of their very nature…their construction…their ins and outs.

In other words, it occurred to me that there are things to be learned from a vagina! In life and in our writing. Herewith are a few of the more “arresting” tidbits that banged around in my partially-congealed brain as I sipped coffee and pondered my own V.

1. Flexibility is key.

So important. In life, we have to roll with the punches, and when we’re knocked down, be prepared to get up and roll some more. If we refuse to adapt or become complacent in our world view — no matter the size of that world — we should close up shop and call it a day.

2. Inclusivity isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.

A vagina isn’t a revolving door, nor should it be. There’s much to be said for being selective. Nobody benefits from a toxic relationship so why not be particular about who we allow in our lives and in our hearts? Not to mention our beds. Those same standards should apply to our writing, as well. Do we want to showcase our hard work in a way that will benefit ourselves and our readers, or do we want to share it in an environment that has very few standards? All for the sake of inclusivity. It sounds nice, warm, friendly, but what does it mean?

3. Cleanliness is hot.

This may sound obsessive but I’m a big believer in scrupulous hygiene. In taking care of ourselves. Thankfully, soap is still affordable. Funny, there wasn’t as big a run on that as there was on hand sanitizer and toilet paper at the beginning of Covid-19. I don’t think so anyway. A daily shower goes a long way in making us feel like we’re “still in the game,” you know? Look, I realize that skipping a day doesn’t make us “dirty,” but for me, a steamy session in the tub or shower just makes me feel good. It’s “me-time” and it helps me chill.

4. Don’t be afraid to show your sensitive side.

As writers, we’re never quite sure how much of ourselves we should reveal. It’s scary to let complete strangers know our foibles and quirks…all the stuff that makes us who we are. But I’ve found that if you allow yourself to be vulnerable, as difficult as it is, you’ll be a much better writer for it. That doesn’t mean you have to air every piece of dirty laundry in your basket, but don’t hold back from showing your humanity. None of us is perfect and to pretend otherwise is a sham. And you’d be amazed at how quickly others will see through the subterfuge.

5. Your body gives back what you put in.

Quarantine life has made it much tougher to eat right and stay fit. Many of us are home nearly all day every day and it’s easy to reach for that bag of chips or carton of Ben & Jerry’s or the burger smothered in bacon that some random delivery service dropped off at our front door. We’re bored and lonely and seeking comfort in all the wrong foods but here’s the deal, guys: Eating crap is going to make us feel like crap. As will hitting the booze too hard. (I’m an expert on that.) The last thing we want, when this nightmare finally ends, is to emerge on the other side twenty-five pounds heavier. Fruits, veggies, lean protein — all of those will help you maintain a fit and healthy body. Go easy on carbs and stick to foods that are antioxidant-rich. Like the Allman Brothers said, “Eat A Peach.” You’ll feel better. (And you’ll taste better.)

6. When it comes to your brain, use it or lose it.

As our days become increasing lackluster it takes a hell of a lot of effort to stay mentally sharp and engaged. There are days when I want to flop on a sofa, turn on the TV and say “screw writing.” But that’s when I need to get off my ass the most. It takes work, sure, but much like sex, if we want to keep those creative juices flowing, we need to stay the course because if not, we dry up like the plains after a drought and that’s hard to bounce back from. So write, read, do crossword puzzles, listen to podcasts, anything that is going to help you stay sharp and focused.

7. If you try to take on more than you can handle, expect some blowback.

I’ll let you draw your own sexual connotations here but, none of us is superhuman. From experience, I know that when I try to take on several projects at once, without planning or prioritizing, I’m like a whirling dervish. And ultimately, I’ve only achieved a fraction of what I set out to do and in the process, I become mentally and physically drained. I have to constantly remind myself to “slow down, take a deep breath, and a step back.” If you, too, try to over-achieve, give yourself a break, take a cue from Scarlett O’Hara and realize that “tomorrow is another day.”

8. Diversity is the true spice of life.

The missionary position can get old, right? Well, just like with sex, it’s good to push yourself creatively. “Try another position,” so to speak. Many writers tend to find their niche and stick to it like burnt oatmeal to a saucepan. If you only write poetry, try flash-fiction or an op-ed piece. If satire is your jam, write a personal essay from the heart. Stretch yourself. You’ll be surprised what you can accomplish when you shift your thinking, even a little. Give it a whirl, okay?

9. Sometimes the “best bits” are those you can’t see.

As much as I want to make a clitoral reference here, I won’t. Oh shit. I just did. Anyway, we are a society obsessed with appearances, with the external. Thanks to social media and the proliferation of selfies and the “look at me!” attitude that permeates these platforms, we have become sadly, shallow. When you take the time to dig beyond that outer shell, to look past a person’s clothes, physique, and all that other crap, you might forge a connection that otherwise you’d miss out on. And isn’t that what we all want? To connect with people who “get” us?

10. Depth is a good thing.

You know that saying about still waters running deep? It’s true. The most placid-appearing individual can be someone whose passion, once unleashed, would blow us away. Similar to my previous point, when you write, do it from your heart, your soul. Reach way down and allow yourself to be seen. Embrace your flaws; we all have them, after all. We’re all complex in our own way. Like onions, once we get past peeling away that first layer, the rest gets easier. Sure, we may cry, but that’s part of the healing process.

Look within. Within is the fountain of good, and it will ever bubble up, if thou wilt ever dig. Marcus Aurelius

11. Over time, change is inevitable. Don’t just adapt. Embrace it.

I’ve always been someone who feels comfortable with a routine. Writing at the same time every day, working out, eating…like that. Like most people, I inhabit my own comfort zone. But as I get older, I realize that youth is a mindset. If we are to remain nimble, we have to look at change as a good thing. In fact, our very attitude towards life is affected by how we view those peaks and valleys that appear on our horizon when we least expect it. Look at change as a chance to explore new opportunities that will enhance your perspective and open up doors you never thought possible. By embracing change, you’ll develop strength and grit, and that’s always a good thing.

12. One word: Cotton

Enough said.

On behalf of my vagina and myself, thank you for reading.

Sherry McGuinn is a slightly-twisted, longtime Chicago-area writer and award-winning screenwriter. Her work has appeared in The Chicago Tribune, Chicago Sun-Times, and numerous other publications. Sherry’s manager is currently pitching her newest screenplay, a drama with dark, comedic overtones and inspired by a true story.