13 Comments
User's avatar
Not The Enemy's avatar

Love these thoughts (and suggestions), Catherine. And the idea that we can seek out pleasure no matter our age or stage is delicious!

Expand full comment
Catherine Hiller's avatar

Thanks, NTE. Many of us in our later years have more time to seek out pleasure, so we should give ourselves permission to do so!

Expand full comment
Alicia Dara's avatar

Your Pleasure Pyramid is great, and it reminded me of a woman I knew in the 90s in New York City. She was a former Broadway dancer in her 70s who taught classes at my theater school. She always wore a very strong perfume, and we asked her about it all the time, but she refused to tell us, saying, "I won't tell anyone the secret of my greatest joy!" On the last day of class she finally brought in the bottle of perfume she used, and it was called JOY! She let us pass it around and hold it in our hands, telling us, "Find something that makes you joyful every single day."

Expand full comment
Catherine Hiller's avatar

That's exactly what I mean. Hearing about the perfume Joy like this reminds me that women of their generation really loved that perfume, and also, that classic, Chanel # 5! Also: I need to write a post about perfume!

Expand full comment
Alicia Dara's avatar

YES please do, and I'll comment on the one that brings the most joy to me and everyone who smells it (hint: it's in every bakery :)

Expand full comment
Judith Dupre's avatar

Especially LOVED this one, Cathy! Watching my daffodils push up is one of my reliable springtime pleasures.

Expand full comment
Catherine Hiller's avatar

Oh, flowers! I now have a new patch of stubby lavender and white crocuses which will be gone in a week. Too short to harvest for the house but so pretty.

Expand full comment
BKL's avatar

Ah, yes: spooning. And what do you recommend for those who are unpartnered?

Expand full comment
Catherine Hiller's avatar

I know someone who gets great comfort from a life-sized pillow! Whatever gets you through the night . . .

Expand full comment
BKL's avatar
Mar 25Edited

I tried it; it doesn't work for me. Maybe some advice next time, if you have any, on meeting men when we're older.

Expand full comment
Jackie Shabbot's avatar

I’m relating heavily to seeking out pleasure at this time in my life. When much younger l don’t remember seeking it. It was just there and maybe noticed. Now, even though it pops up unexpectedly at times I also more carefully select what l know will help it appear.

Expand full comment
Catherine Hiller's avatar

Please provide examples of what you select to bring pleasure!

Expand full comment
Francis Dumaurier's avatar

Just like the journey is often more interesting than the destination, working towards a goal and building the lego construction is often more pleasurable than the final result. For me anyway ...

Expand full comment