@@filippersson5256 if you are refering to the hierarchy of needs theory, sex is not the only form of fulfilling the belongingness and love needs. There are plenty others forms of intimacy so yes, someone can die a virgin and still be whole.
@@filippersson5256 The intimacy that is required for humans is spending time with others and forming close relationships with others. Humans are social creatures and without social interactions we get sick. This is why social isolation is a serious punishment and why when babies are kept away from other humans they have severe mental problems. Sex is not necessary other than for reproduction. You can abstain and still be perfectly healthy. The narrative that sex is necessary for humans is REALLY harmful and is what incels use to justify their hatred for women. I am not sure why people think this these days but it needs to stop.
You can't say life is long because you don't know what the future holds. Time flies when you're having fun, or when you are concentrating on things.. Time feels slow when life is tough. When you're young, you feel like you have all the time in the world, but there comes a time in life when you realize that you have less time rather than more.. Add in the fact that tomorrow is NEVER guaranteed. You can do everything right and your life may be affected by circumstances out of your control. When you look back, life is short.. Then you think about time you may have wasted. or money you wasted..
I’m so proud of you for doing this for yourself and healing properly- not rushing into another relationship and just repeating the cycle. It makes me sad whenever people do fully heal themselves before going right into a relationship. It might be lonely but you can really find yourself and be alone with yourself. That can change you and your mind set so much. You can focus loving yourself and not stress about loving someone else, which can be tough. We love you Leah and hope you can heal, you deserve it!
@@777q lol yes, this entire video and comment section proves it. this is what you do, just as a free choice thing? This is what yall struggle with? Not being a hole for random men to use? wow
I’m 28 and been single my entire life. I have really flourished on my own in many ways but I’ve been ready for a relationship for a long time now. It sometimes feels like I’ve hit a glass ceiling. Now I’m trying to figure out how to navigate holding this desire. Too much of anything isn’t good for me. And while it’s been a blessing to have all this time for myself my heart has been ready for that special someone. 💐
Omg I’m 28 and I’ve been always single. I thought like it’s only me having no relationships till this age and something must have been wrong with me. Happy to hear that there are people like me ❤🎉
im asexual (demisexual to be precise!) and i often go multiple years of not having sex in between partners, and i haven't been in a relationship since i was 19! it's been really wonderful for me to develop such a deep sense of understanding of myself and feel so whole as a single being. making a home in loneliness is a wonderful thing ❤ and also not being super focused on sex & relationships gives me so much more time to pursue my hobbies and passions and focus on the things in my life that make me feel like me!
Demisexual is just normal, not saying anything other than is abnormal but let's be honest nowadays hooking up has become more normal than just being a person who has sex after deeply connecting with a person
@@malihakarim1696 hi I’m demi as well and it’s definitely not the same as other people’s sexual experiences. If I’m not in a relationship I have no libido whatsoever. I don’t get crushes from physical attraction to people. I can recognize that some people are nice looking but I don’t feel any butterflies or fantasize about hooking up with people from looks alone. I have zero interest in porn. If you relate that’s cool, but I don’t think we need to invalidate people for choosing to identify with a label that best describes their experiences and how they feel. ❤
@@claja_ i think "invalidate" is the wrong word. They weren't knocking the label as much as it truly is rather unfortunate that society has gotten so sex-obsessed with hookup culture that another term needed to come along to describe the very manner that normal people have been behaving for many decades. Our society is so sexually permiscuous that being selective can lead to judgement. The term describes a real thing, but that thing never needed explaining at all at all 50yrs ago. That said, I'm pretty much demisexual also but I don't particularly enjoy it..only because it's a catch 22 trying to find someone worth my time. I want to take the time to develop a connection with the right girl but the circumstances have to be just right for me to have any drive to make it happen. My sex drive is at the whim of those circumstances, and the little bit of drive I do have when one comes along yields no guarantee that she'll stick around for my interest to finally start to peak with hers. Timing is everything but when it clicks, you just know it.
i'm 17 and have never even touched hands with anyone. i know that i'm still very young and if any relationship is supposed to be in my life it will eventually come. but being single and just observing all the teenagers my age and younger being in long-term relationships and having sex when they were around 14 y.o has helped me to come from 'i wanna experience this' , constantly feeling left out and feeling like i'm not worthy of love, cause no one has ever liked me to this day, to realization that i don't really want to be in a relationship at all, that i'm okay on my own and i feel like i'm finally slowly starting to accept myself for who i am. i think i'm glad that i didn't start dating earlier, since all this years of me observing other people has left me with knowing my worth and i know that i'm never gonna settle for the bare minimum.
I feel exactly the same way. And I'm 21. It'll happen when it's supposed to happen and I'm just grateful that I didn't start dating earlier because it would have kept me from becoming who I am today.
@@emman2052 thank you so much for sharing your story! everyone has their own journey, for some people it may sadly be something similar to yours. there's definitely no "right" age to start dating and having sex, some people need to wait, some people are ready even when they are 14. it is also great that we are able to analyze our experiences, learn so much from it and rebuild our relationships with ourselves. and i'm so glad that you're in a much better place now!!
I think its important to have the mindset that romantic love isnt the most imprtant thing, there can be many different people in your life that love and value you, and this can make romantic relationships healthier because you wont rely in only one person! I hope you have a good day!
this video is so validating to the celibate experience. I have been celibate for over a year after a heartbreak and the first few months were tough because I missed that closeness with the previous person I was seeing, that I couldn't imagine being physically intimate with someone else. About 6 months in, it became a clearer, more conscious choice for me, and presently I realize I have never looked inwards in my life until now. I've gained so much clarity and my wants have changed to things that will honor my energy and soul. I have the willpower now to set boundaries and walk away if those are crossed. This year of celibacy has taught me that my relationship with myself is the most important one to have before anyone else comes along. Sex is a beautiful thing and from my experience without it, I know when that time comes again with the right person, it'll make this journey even more worthwhile.
You don't need to be in a relationship to be fully content with your life. All you need is yourself and putting yourself first can make such a huge difference. There's nothing wrong with putting your needs and wants first before others. Sometimes you got to prioritize what really matters, and that is you.
I just ended my 4 year relationship last week as I felt I had no idea how to survive in a world by myself...this video gives me so much hope and makes me feel I did the right thing! I hope to have made as strong strides as you have in your year ❤❤
As someone who is 18 and entering adulthood- your videos mean so much to me! Just being able to watch you grow and learn to feel loved within yourself gives me so much hope
I've been single for about 6 years now after having multiple back to back relationships and it's been incredible! Having the time and energy to focus on working on myself instead of others has been such a blessing and way of healing for me. I'm so glad to hear you talk about the subject bc it's not talked about enough!
I'm 21 and never had it, it used to bother me but I've learned to accept it. Sex is not that big of a deal and I personally think I can have a fullfield life without it. Maybe Ill change in the future, but for now this is where I stand. Thanks for the lovely video, Leah 💚
Wow I took 6 months off from sex and it really changed everything for me! It really allowed me to heal from last traumas and relationship and just really learn more about loving myself! I’ve rented so much about this in my last couple YT videos cause holding space for your emotions create the greatest feeling! 💙
Ugh the timing of this video is so helpful… I’m currently going through my first ever major breakup (a partner of 2.5 years) and your point about self-encouragement resonated with me so much. I’ve already spent so much time doing things with myself that I wish I did more during my relationship. It’s validating to hear someone else say that they didn’t do as many activities/tasks/self-work as they would have liked to while with a partner. I’ve been feeling a lot of shame surrounding this- as though I wasn’t strong/focused enough to juggle everything (friends, hobbies, work, my partner) while in a long term relationship. Cultivating a relationship with yourself is a really beautiful thing and it makes complete sense that we sometimes have to be single to fully commit to ourselves. Thanks for this Leah ❤️
This content is so timely. I’m about to go celibate again for the second time, first time was 4 years and now I plan to do this journey again for 2 years so I can focus on myself and flourish in other aspects of my life. I wanna be the best person that I can be for me and my future partner. Thank you Leah, your content is always appreciated ❤
wow, thank you so much for sharing this. i’m someone who has had really intense relationships where i have one main person since i was 13 and i’d sacrifice anything and so much of myself for them. it was incredibly helpful to see how you broke a similar pattern. this is so beautiful and you should be so proud.
i have no words for this awesome talk and piece of art. i started a journey like this myself a couple of weeks ago. i was so surprised about this video coming out today. i can already feel things changing inside me and your video makes me exited for what it to come, even if it sometimes scares the hell out of me when i look closely at myself and discover all the other coping mechanisms and all the feelings (of which I had no idea i could feel them) coming up. i have been watching your videos for three years and in this one you seem to be so calm, down to earth und connected with yourself, it touches me deeply, there were a fears running down my cheeks. it takes so much courage to step out of old circles, so you have my deep esteem. much love straight from my heart to yours.
this is one of the best videos you've ever made and I loved every second!!! as a 24 yr old who's never been in a romantic relationship or dated or had sex, this video really hit and made me so grateful that I have also learned a lot of the things that you did and I feel so affirmed!!
hi leah, i love how your videos always come at the right timing whenever i need a reminder that the world is so vast and there’s so much worth living for, my tears suddenly sprang out during the part when you talk about your relationships with friends and family because its something that i hadn’t been able to prioritize lately due to work, i can’t describe how much of ur vids (especially this one) brings me comfort and soothes me during my bad days, thank you for existing and thank you for sharing parts of your life with us, i wish you a long, happy, healthy, and fulfilling life
I’ve been celibate for over 3 years. And I’ve been closing myself off to romantic interests for 2 years. For me, it’s partly religious. But I think it’s a good breather for anyone of any background to have. It’s an experience within itself just like romance is an experience of its own. I think life is beautiful regardless of love. And realizing that only makes the idea of love so much more beautiful and magical.
I just sincerely want to thank you for purely existing and sharing all these amazing experiences with the world. I've only recently discovered your channel in the last couple of months and it ha quicly became one of my favorite things on the internet. Just seeing your videos, early in the morning, has helped me so much struggling with severe anxiety and overall just feeling heavly overwhelmed thinking about "having to exist". You always show the slow, quiet life everyone always forget about and it makes such an impact in my everyday life that the least i can do is thanking you and keep supporting you the best i can. Thank you so so much for doing what you do and I sincerely wish you all the best possible, because you are an amazing human being
this video couldn’t have come at a more perfect time for me, im struggling so much with self love and pouring so much of myself into this idealized partner. you speaking about pouring all of those wishes and new experiences into yourself was very affirming. little by little im trying to be more okay with myself and i realize my main focus is surrounded by becoming a better me so i can be fit as a partner when this reframed my thinking that i should yes be the best me for myself, but also my friends and loved ones. your vulnerability about lacking pouring into your friendships is something i’ve regretfully realized about myself. i hope this year (my birthday is in a few days) i can challenge myself to be that loving person inside and out.
this is beautiful, your words and your cinematography. i've been relearning what love is and your videos always remind me to come back to what i find important in life instead of getting carried away with what other people tell me will make me happy
Thank u leah! For being so relatable to many. You’ve been through such a hard long time! Heavy hard feelings for many months is so hard but here u are now and so i am. We’re together after all thank u thank u for being here
This video is incredibly helpful for broken hearts, yearning to grow, and moving through fear. I really really appreciate being able to come here when I need some light from the other side. Thank you x
me too! I’ve been single with no sex for nine months now. I never actually decided to be celibate but it happened that way because I am demisexual and since I was healing from my past relationship and not really interested in superficial flings, it just happened that way. I agree with you completely. Loved your video, your insights, I am also trying to give myself what I want from others and I also get so much love from my existing friendships, like words of affirmation or physical touch❤ it’s really beautiful. Thanks for sharing! Lots of love Leah!
This video hits hard! All of the self-discovery practices which you have put to use honestly feel like everything I would like to do for myself and more. It really is hard drawing a line between toxicity in your life and a healthy form of self-care.
Hi Leah, i have been one of your subscribers since 2021. I was at my lowest point of my life yet i found your videos and made me keep going up until now. Anxiety comes and go but your video will always bring joy to my day. I'm happy to see you using your freedom in the positive way, freedom is a privilege that I believe not everyone could have. I wish I could have the chance to travel and to explore more of what life has got to offer as much as you have been through. Thank you for making these videos and share your life experiences with us :)
I’m moving to brighton next year so seeing you make such a nice connection with two people you had just met there makes me feel so reassured! I can’t wait to live next to a big body of water for the first time, it feels like it’ll be a comforting and consistent presence for when i feel lonely or homesick.
Hi Leah! This video hit me differently (in a good way). I love seeing how you grow and navigate through life. I’ve honestly been having a difficult time accepting myself as I am, but it’s really encouraging to see you become more patient and caring and attentive to yourself. Here’s to living slowly, compassionately, and presently. Thank you
I've been going through a similar experience lately of understanding, healing and reconnecting with myself, so this video helped me to reassure that this is a process and eventually things will get better and make more sense. I'm really glad it's working for you and I hope you're doing well! And thank you for your amazing content, the cinematography, the editing, the shared experiences, thoughts and knowledge, everything is as refreshing and comforting as ever. Take care Leah, much peace and love from Brazil!🤍🤍
I'm very proud of you for pushing through this whole year of celibacy. I hope you learned more about yourself after just this one year. Your video gave me a newfound appreciation for my life. You honestly inspire me to be better to myself and cultivate more love into the relationships I have in my life. Thank you, Leah.
Thank you for being vulnerable and sharing your feelings ❤ I love your message of expanding the space we have for ourselves and not just shutting down or frantically reaching for external distractions that will only prolong the healing process
This video is so pure and real. Thank you for sharing your life and experiences with us so openly and helping other people feel less alone. It sounds like you've manage to do a lot of reflection, growing, and healing.
i love how real you are about the world, feelings, mental health, etc. on the internet. i feel like a lot of people can relate to you, or feel at peace with your video's. lots of love and i wish you the best!
i’m a loveless aroace, my whole life i’ve viewed others with this lens so watching this video was really eye opening for me! i’ve never been able to comprehend how someone’s sex life and sexual/romantic relationships can affect someone so much but hearing about how eye opening it’s been for u in regards to celibacy is really heartwarming!! wishing u all the best on ur journey leah :DD
I have watch your channel off and on for a while. Your new enlightenment and sharing your personal self growth is something of this new generation and can be hard to accept for a lot of older generations. This process that you are sharing we all go through and yes we either embrace it or ignore it because of our up bring. As a BabyBoomer with old views I thank it is a good thing that your doing (sharing your personal growth). As human beings we struggle to find our way through or just thoughtlessly follow the old ways of expected society. I believe that knowledge is the key to life and no matter the age, race or back round you can always learn something. Who knows your sharing might save some one’s life. 👍🏽Thank you.
Hi Leah I just wanted to tell you that your videos really inspire me. This has been my comfort channel over the years and I really look up to you. The thoughtful way you articulate yourself gives me hope that change is attainable for me because you break it down in a way that eases my anxiety about the future. I hope you continue to make these videos that you put so much love and hard work into for years to come
Leah, the openness and authenticity you have in this video, giving us little slices of ur life thru these beautiful clips, was so so touching I’m so proud of u and this is one of my favorite videos of urs ❤❤
i love hearing your perspective leah! i was celibate for ~15 mo. last year. did a lot of healing from an abusive relationship, grew a lot, but also wrestled with many feelings of loneliness and tendency to be isolative. i think there is always more to learn in the ways we relate to others through intimacy whether that be sexually or non-sexually.
It's so inspiring how you were able to use the breakup as an opportunity to deconstruct, reevaluate and reconnect to transform your life. I am coming out from a very long period of burnout and depression and these videos really help me remember that I don't have to follow the pre-determined paths society pressures us to stick to, that I can make this life what I want it to be! Thank you so much for posting them and for being so open and have the courage to be so vulnerable! P.S: how did you manage to make so many wonderful friendships and attract so many cool people into your life? Please share your tips
I loved every bit of your video Leah, it felt so warm and geniune (and very beautiful too). I've always had rocky relationships with women, that made me sought love from men and fear solitude. Talking about your journey of celibacy encourages us a lot and makes us feel less alone, thank you so much. All the best
your videos always fill me with so much hope! they are like a big hug, no matter what the video's topic is i always feel so much better after watching them.
Finally had time to sit down and watch this video, and it didn’t disappoint - so peaceful and truthful - thank you for sharing this beautiful video Leah!!! Hope anyone reading this has a nice day xx
I loved this so much! I'm also trying to express my love to friends more, and seeing your journey through it makes it feel less of an obstacle as it seems now. I'm always happy seeing you grow, it's so inspiring 💗
Thank you so much for doing this! I was also in back to back relationships, and now I am ready for my celibate era! You are like the best biggest sister.
Hi Leah! I love to see you grow more in peace with your soul each day, i find it very inspiring. You have so much talent when it comes to sharing your feelings with videos and words! Thank you for sharing snippets of your life with us
this was such a beautiful video and your beautiful spirit shines through it… you are so inspiring especially to someone who is starting to explore adulthood. it’s so lovely to see someone who is so willing to explore themselves and their life in the way you do. i wish you fulfillment in everything you pursue and lots of love and light in every way
your content always resonates as a fellow young person and truly makes me feel seen. it is such a comfort for me, thank you for all the effort that goes into making these videos
leah this video is so visually stunning and full of amazing words. i love all your videos so so much and this might be my favorite. i feel like i saw so much more of your life over the past year than i knew about! you capture everything so beautifully. i love you so much ♡
I loved this sm. I came out of a 4 year relationship recently and after dating a bit initially I've found myself much more drawn to being alone and putting the energy into different forms of intimacy and as you put it, "dating my friends". It's making me really value the other relationships in my life, particularly with myself and plantoic romances, in a way that's reaffirmed how much the societal valuing of romantic love is just completely skewed. So nice to hear someone else echoing these thoughts back ❤
This is exactly what I’m doing! Its already been a year for me. I overcare and lose myself in relationships. I can relate to suppressing “negative” emotions with love but by being single I’ve been able to heal and do self inventory.
I related with almost everything you shared, also been celibate for a year to heal my PTSD (which is not healed but im on my way) and i learned to be more tender with myself and in my relationships, what i enjoy and i really related to "becoming a better partner by being a better partner for myself". Thank you for sharing, is so important to talk about these sorts of things. Felt very nice to listen to someone with a similar experience. All love to you on your journey
We are both in the same situation and you have given me so much light in feeling okay to find therapy help with my endless thoughts and how much love we have to put into ourselves first to be the best partner and friend. A lot of not being okay comes from pain and bottling it instead of opening the heartbreak and picking up those unknown pieces and molding it into something better. Learning about yourself also helps so much and helps you let go of the unrealistic thoughts that keep us from living happily/present I hope you continue on your journey with pure peace ❤ love is headed your way
I can relate 100%! The first year or two (varies person to person) is difficult and slowly you start finding joy in life. There is a lot of learning that happens once you let go.
Thank you Leah for sharing this. I've just entered my celibacy period after 3 years of being in a really meaningful relationship. It is a very disorienting and rich journey and it is so interesting and great to see you being so curious and inquisitive about your emotions, desires and energy flows. Sending you so much love
thank uuuu I’ve had a crush on a friend that doesn’t like me back for a long time and this helped me realise I don’t have to suppress it or suffer for him not feeling the same or to live thinking of what he thinks about me I will just admire him and laugh and play with him and just love him in this way not wanting more
i dont know how you do your magic that makes your videos so special, warm and touching, but I really couldn't stop crying while watching this one... it's beautiful, thank u leah
thanks for sharing your experience through the video! your voice has a sense of tranquility and that helps to invest my attention through out. i hope you continue to journey inward and experience life within this time frame. all the best!
Thank you once again for sharing your genuine thoughts on feelings you encountered during the past stages of your life (and your relationship) which are so intimate and yet is something everyone who has experienced breakups will very likely encounter. Your reconnection with your female friends and with nature is so precious and beautiful. 💛 Yes, one beautiful thing about love is that it does not have to be presented in the form of romantic gestures to potential partners but that same degree of warmth and energy can be transferred to people whom you care (without seeing them as romantic partners). I also found that walking in forests or just being in connection to nature is a good way to learn to listen to your own thoughts without judgement and in turn, you learn to be kinder to yourself. Keep being kinder to yourself as you are being kind to others 🥰
Thank you Leah, so so much. I've been watching your videos for the past few months now, and i just love how you are teaching me to feel better about being a human. Thank you and i wish you a great time
I used to get in relationships all the time & even when I tried to stop someone would come along and I’d say “but I’ll miss this chance with them” so when you said we can find each other again or something along the lines that really hit home. My year of celibacy ended a few months ago & it was beautiful, I moved in the middle of it and I’ve gained so many new friends and spent so much time with myself I think I’ve fallen in love
I’m gonna be honest, I really wanted you to post something today because I REALLY wanted to watch your videos. Plus I needed a video about relationships. Thank you so much I LOVE your videos and everything about you.
i am currently doing this. i exited a relationship that wasn’t fulfilling the new person i am growing into and i wanted to give myself the freedom to know myself and do what i wanted without considering someone else’s needs first(not in a selfish or cruel way ofc). i have come to understand that i will be the only constant person in my life not matter who i meet and i want to be able to care for myself fully and truthfully. leah, you inspired me to continue this year of introspection, as i share many of your sentiments towards honoring one’s self and your passion for life and the things around you. thank you and take care
so proud and happy for you leah :') makes me want to push myself out of my comfort zone as well. i can only imagine what it felt like to swim under the moon with the water caressing you. nature is so beautiful and important!
This was gorgeous! Both content and production ❤ I loved the introduction, it felt like we were watching a conversation you were having with yourself! 🤗💞
I'm currently about 2 months into my celibacy journey and the trials and crushes are definitely aplenty. But I'm finding so much peace and connection to my self. I'm investing so much time into my hobbies and into my mental health journey. I don't know how long I will keep going, at least a year but maybe more. I already know it's going to be one of the most important spiritual and self care practices of my life.
so proud and happy to see you grow and become more grounded in yourself! hoping/ tryiny to do the same with my friendships ( experiencing a loss of supply rn but it’ll change i kniw!) sending you so much love💗 💗💗💗
I really like how you talk about giving your friends the 'partner' treatment. I talk to my friends about seeing them on the same level as my partner because it gives the feeling of a deeper connection/relationship with them!
This is not about relationships, but you inspire and motive me. I am a high school senior and I am going through so much stress and burnout, but I still keep pushing. Next year, I plan to take a gap year (to learn German and go to uni un Germany) and be alone in a country I don’t know. Your videos give me so much hope and courage to push myself through hard thoughts of living and spending time alone. Thank you❤
Thanks so much for this beautiful video leah. Such a joy to immerse myself in. And such a wonderful boost and inspiration that i needed 6 months into celibacy xxx
I’m only 4 minutes in and I’m in literal tears. I feel so much everything you’re saying you had to go through. Even tho I’ve been single for my 22 years of life I can still relate so much to every single word you’re saying and I can’t help but feel this deep emotion within myself. I feel respect and admiration for how well you’re managing something I’ve been trying to heal for many many years now. Thank you for helping me feel all this today, thank you for being the word I needed to hear rn in my journey. You’ve always been a little angel for me ever since I found you so long ago. I only wish for you to know how important this video and you have been for me. Sending you aaaall my love and warmest hugs 💗⭐️🌷
This is amazing. A well edited video with a grounded message about life and relationships. Reminds me of Diane from Bojack Horseman when she goes to Vietnam after divorcing Mr. Peanutbutter and in the end realizes that although she is alone, and feels alone at times, she is capable of surviving through those tough emotions and experiences. Kudos Leah!
This video is so calming and yet so empowering, it’s everything I needed to hear. I’m struggling now with a breakup and I feel it is time for me to stay alone for a year but yet I still catch myself chasing for love😢
Thanks for sharing your experiences! I really appreciate you opening up discourse about being single and leaning into non romantic relationships, and I'm glad you seem so fulfilled with how the year went
I'm in college in a very intense major and am always super stressed and "working 24/7" (aka I work all the time besides sucking myself into my phone all the time). Watching your videos, I see you go out and go to amazing places and do amazing things with your life and be in the beautiful outdoors. Thank you for reminding me what's out there.
i love rewatching your videos!! seen this one a few times now but decided to journal alongside to watch with intention and make notes on what inspires me! i appreciate you so much x