Chastity and the Creative Life (Journal Entry)

I found a quote by Anatole France today that made me pause, "Of all sexual aberrations, chastity is the strangest." Anatole himself was known to have had his share of romantic entanglements, yet he managed to produce some incredible literature.

I think Anatole is right about the necessity of sex for humans. Ever since I had Ava, my world has been a whirlwind of diapers, late-night feedings, and trying to scrape together moments for my writing. During my pregnancy, I felt my creativity surge in a way I hadn't expected. My writing took on a new intensity, as if the very act of bringing life into this world was fueling my art.

It's an odd thing to consider, especially in the quiet of the night when the baby is finally asleep and I'm left alone with my thoughts. Could it be that an active sex life supports a creative life, regardless of what you create? Anatole seemed to think so, and my experience makes me agree.  

Even as I play my role in life of a single working mother, I mustn’t leave the passions in my body uninvested. While I’m now driven by the love for my child, I also have womanly needs that must be met.

Goodnight to my journal friend. I’ll be telling you of new loves soon.
Lauryn