Elisabeth “Karrine Steffans” Ovesen Shares How Celibacy Taught Her About Self-Love
Best-selling author and former video vixen Elisabeth "Karrine Steffans" Ovesen opened up about how practicing celibacy was highly instrumental in her journey to self-love and overcoming past traumas.
The act of celibacy means not participating in sexual activities for an extended period for either religious or personal reasons. Those, who were previously sexually active, that are practicing celibacy could encounter several benefits.
According to Healthline, the list includes a low risk of contracting STDs and STIs, minimal risk of pregnancy, reduced contraception costs, getting to know one's partner on a deeper level other than sex, helping an individual differentiate between "physical and emotional attraction," and more free time to focus on other endeavors.
Ovesen--recognized for her controversial books, some of which included stories of her past sexual encounters with many high-profile celebrities-- shared her celibacy revelation during a recent interview on Hello Beautiful's new series Full Set.
Elisabeth On Celibacy
In the discussion last month, Ovesen revealed that she was celibate for over two years after a failed relationship.
The 44-year-old disclosed that during that moment in her life, she could focus on her self-love journey better because she reduced distractions. Besides self-love, Ovesen also stated that clarity and peace were the other benefits she experienced.
"I was celibate for well over two and half years," she said. "It was amazing. I actually highly recommend celibacy... [For] clarity, absolute clarity. Absolute peace. Self-love was a huge thing I got out of it, realizing that even though we all think and say that we love ourselves, we usually don't. There's no way to gage that until you eliminate everybody and everything."
Elisabeth On How Celibacy Helped Her Heal and Overcome Past Traumas
Ovesen also expressed that her celibacy journey wasn't solely based on refraining from sex but instead on healing after her relationship's demise. To prove her point, the model added that she could live without sex.
"Sex, I didn't miss because I was with somebody for so long, and when that relationship was tapering off, I didn't need to be with anybody else. I needed to heal more than I needed sex. Sex is not a need for me. It's an extra. I can go forever without it," she explained.
As the subject transitioned to why some women are capable of not having sex for an extended period compared to others, Ovesen shared that an individual's sexual desire or lack thereof could be related to the traumas they have experienced.
Ovesen told the outlet that her celibacy journey helped her uncover some of her traumas, including sexual assault and abuse.
"I think a lot of us have sexual traumas, and we chalk it up to horniness ... You can't just sit with yourself and not be trifled with. So my celibacy left me with that," she said.
In addition to sharing her story about her celibacy journey to inspire others, Ovesen has dedicated her life to writing and bringing light to subjects that many are afraid to discuss.
Full Set: Sam Jay & Elisabeth Ovesen | Part 2
Welcome to “Full Set”, the fresh new series from Hello Beautiful that pairs two celebrities from very different industries and professional backgrounds who t...Let’s make things inbox official! Sign up for the xoNecole newsletter for daily love, wellness, career, and exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox.
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ItGirl 100 Honors Black Women Who Create Culture & Put On For Their Cities
As they say, create the change you want to see in this world, besties. That’s why xoNecole linked up with Hyundai for the inaugural ItGirl 100 List, a celebration of 100 Genzennial women who aren’t afraid to pull up their own seats to the table. Across regions and industries, these women embody the essence of discovering self-value through purpose, honey! They're fierce, they’re ultra-creative, and we know they make their cities proud.
VIEW THE FULL ITGIRL 100 LIST HERE.
Don’t forget to also check out the ItGirl Directory, featuring 50 Black-woman-owned marketing and branding agencies, photographers and videographers, publicists, and more.
THE ITGIRL MEMO
I. An ItGirl puts on for her city and masters her self-worth through purpose.
II. An ItGirl celebrates all the things that make her unique.
III. An ItGirl empowers others to become the best versions of themselves.
IV. An ItGirl leads by example, inspiring others through her actions and integrity.
V. An ItGirl paves the way for authenticity and diversity in all aspects of life.
VI. An ItGirl uses the power of her voice to advocate for positive change in the world.
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6 Spring Events To Boost Your Professional And Social Networks
When spring arrives, we all want to be outside, looking fabulous, and back to socializing. And now is the perfect time to add a few great events to your calendar to get you through the quarter in order to make new friends, build new partnerships, and talk new opportunities to level up.
Spring is a high season for networking and social events for Black women, with many organizations and event entrepreneurs booking prime locations and offering dynamic experiences that you can maximize in whatever way possible. Write down your goals, and get out there. Start with a few of these events between now and the start of summer:
New Orleans Jazz And Heritage Festival, April 23 - May 3
The New Orleans Jazz And Heritage Festival is a 10-day event held over two weekends, bringing together thousands of musicians, craftspeople, and food lovers to share in common threads of culture in the heart of New Orleans. You'll get to enjoy works by artisans local to Louisiana as well as from across the U.S. and around the world.
Black Food Truck Festival, April 26-28
Hosted in Charleston, S.C., the Black Food Truck Festival includes an opening party, access to more than two dozen food truck vendors, and a time to workout with other attendees. Charleston has long been known as a Southern foodie destination, with global recognition due to James Beard-awarded chefs heading popular restaurants there and a renewed focus on Gullah and Geechee culture and food in the region. And what better conversation ice-breaker than to talk about food with a new acquaintance?
Black Women's Mental Health Conference, May 4
Hosted by New York University, this is a one-day event to tackle issues of mental wellness and health that uniquely affect Black women and girls. The keynote speaker for this year is Kim Young, MSW, LCSW, founder of Dope Black Social Worker® and host of the podcast Revolutionary Hoodrat, and leading licensed professionals in the field will offer their insights and share their experiences. And, of course, no college-led event is without time blocked specifically for networking.
Strength of a Woman Festival, May 11-12
Anything with Mary J. Blige headlining or leading is a win, especially if we're talking about women's empowerment and enjoyment. This event will be held in New York City, and beyond the performances from some of our favorites like Muni Long, Jill Scott, and The Clark Sisters, there will be a Gospel Brunch. And even if you're not able to attend or concerts aren't your thing, just being in the city during that time will mean you're bound to run into plenty of other women to network with at local bars and restaurants nearby.
Carefree Black Girl Cookout, May 4
Held in the Queen City, Charlotte, N.C., this is a day festival amplifying the voices and brands of Black women entrepreneurs, artists, and creatives. There will be vendors, glam and beauty bars, and complimentary meals for the first hour (according to the platform's website). They're hosting another cookout in Philadelphia on May 25.
Black Women Leading Live, May 13-16
Touted as an “intimate retreat + conference,” this Virginia Beach, VA event will be held on a resort and is offering a professional development experience led by Laura Knights, founder of the Black Woman Leading® program and podcast. It’s an ideal fit if you’re a mid-level or senior professional, as the topics and approach are set to cater to those levels of career experience, with coaches and speakers pouring into attendees with a holistic approach.
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