Source: Olivia Wong / Getty
It seems as if Essence Atkins is aging backwards and if you ask her, she’s not seeking the fountain of youth. She’s dedicated to the fountain of peace.
In an appearance on Sherri last month, Atkins, 52, touched on her latest projects and shared intimate details on her personal life. When Sherri Shepherd complimented her on looking ageless, the actress said peace is the key and you must actively seek it out.
“You have to actively participate and that means that you can’t just…what you intake needs to be peaceful and what you put out needs to be peaceful,” she said.
Adding to a life of peace, Atkins also revealed she’s super single and has been abstaining from sex for the past four years. She believes her decision will pay off.
“It was something that I heard very clearly,” she told Shepherd. “I believe there’s honor in what I’m doing, and my obedience is going to yield a great harvest.”
RELATED: Is Celibacy Good for Your Mental Health?
A study from the University of Michigan found more young American adults aged 21 to 30 are abstaining from sex. Abstinence rose from 12.8% in 2008 to 16.5% in 2020 among women in that age range. Many Black women are taking it a step forward and fully committing to a life to celibacy. Celibacy is when you abstain from marriage as well as sexual relations. According to a recent survey by BLK, a dating app for the Black community, 64% of Black Gen Z women are celibate.
Atkins said she’s seeing the benefits from choosing a life of abstinence.
“I have tremendous clarity,” she said. “When I meet someone, I can really assess and listen with much better ears because I’m not distracted by the possibility [of physical intimacy].”
She hopes her journey will produce clarity for young women.
“It’s important that we value ourselves and make sure that others are valuing us,” she said in her message to young women. “Can you spend time with someone without physical companionship? Do they make you laugh? Are they joyful? Are they purposed? Are they responsible. Are they intentional? Learn that. Give yourself time and space to learn that.”
DON’T MISS…
Movie Based On Pastor Mike Todd’s “Relationship Goals” Is Headed To Production
Tamela Mann Shares Advice for Finding Long-Lasting Love
How To Know If You Should ‘Spin the Block’ With An Ex
