An illustration by Rodney Lambright II shows the face of the column's author, Dr. Sami Schalk, smiling against a rainbow background. In the foreground are a sandwich, a cup holding a steaming hot beverage, and a stack of books on which the text "Pleasure Practices with Sami Schalk" appears. Two candles sit on top of the books.

Pleasure Practices with Sami Schalk: Take a break

Say no when you have to—and see you next month.

This month’s pleasure practice is taking a break. Sometimes, badass bitches are overwhelmed, overworked, and just need to take a break.

In Pleasure Activism, adrienne maree brown writes, “Your no makes the way for your yes. Boundaries create the container within which your yes is authentic. Being able to say no makes yes a choice.”

This month, dear readers, I’m saying no to producing something about pleasure when I’m not feeling it. I’m taking a break and I hope you will too. Whatever that looks like for you: cancel plans, say no to something you don’t want to do, or refuse to schedule or commit to anything new for a while. I’ll see you next month, you badass bitches with boundaries.