In the pleasure garden with Brigitte

This year, I’m diving deep into a single word: pleasure. For me, pleasure is a powerful way to connect with myself, with my body, and with the whole of life. I believe that for women, especially at midlife, pleasure isn't just important. It's revolutionary.

Each month, I’ll share a new interview with a woman who opens up about what nourishes her, the self-care rituals she practices, and what pleasure means to her.

How often do we wait for joy to find us, rather than actively creating it?

This month, I'm thrilled to welcome Brigitte into the pleasure garden. Brigitte is a systems and self-care witch who builds intentional systems for neurodivergent creatives. Through her work, she's discovered something profound: that we get to choose pleasure, create it, and weave it purposefully into the fabric of our daily lives.

Brigitte shares how embracing her neurodivergent identity has actually become a gateway to deeper fulfillment, how she's learned to infuse magic into even the most mundane tasks, and why morning snugs with her kitty might just be the sweetest pleasure of all.

Her approach reminds us that joy isn't just something we stumble upon. It’s something we can cultivate with intention, creativity, and a healthy dose of self-compassion.

Pour yourself something delicious, and settle in for this enchanting exchange with Brigitte Marie.

Can you share a glimpse into your world right now. What’s lighting you up these days?

I got a near life-size stuffed bunny peep for my 37th birthday. It’s excessively large, soft, cuddly, cute, & ridiculous - and it’s bringing me an immense amount of joy. It sits next to my desk, so I feel like it’s my silly work buddy.

What are three pleasurable words to describe yourself?

Excitable, passionate, sensitive

Where do you find inspiration?

I find a lot of inspiration through conversations and interactions with others.

Is there a book, podcast, or resource that has deeply influenced you?

The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo brought me a profound appreciation and intentionality in the way that I interact with everything around me.

Name a person, past or present, whom you admire and look up to.

Lady Gaga - she’s forged her own path and continues to show up in unconventional, authentic ways

What are the first things you do every morning?

First I have the hard task of convincing myself I can get out of bed ;) then I feed the cats, make a vegan protein smoothie with ingredients tailored to my menstrual cycle phase, and sit down to journal.

Is there a ritual you could not live without in your day?

I definitely could not live without that morning ritual - mornings are very slow and tired for me and that helps me move through that part of my day with more ease. I also have a work-opening ritual of doing a mini smoke cleanse in my office, lighting a candle, pulling a card, and opening my computer, which helps me transition into work mode!

What are some favourite ways you nourish yourself?

I go on a small afternoon walk most days as a way to reset and process through things. I also love listening to the birds sing and watching them in my backyard and at my office window feeder.

Do you have any bedtime rituals?

I prepare myself for the morning by putting out my smoothie ingredients & supplies and putting my clothes by the bed. I do all the regular bathroom things like brushing my teeth and then when I get in bed, I’ll take some time cleansing and protecting myself with my favorite crystals and sleep balm. Then I read a little bit. I’m currently reading all of David Sedaris’s books in publication order - he’s my fav author!

How do you define pleasure? Has your understanding of pleasure evolved over time?

Pleasure is enjoyment. Savoring the moment.

I used to think pleasure was fleeting, I’d be lucky if it showed up, I’d try to grip it as hard as I could when it arrived, and then I’d fall into despair when it was gone. Then I realized that I get to choose pleasure, I get to look for it, create it, foster it. That there could be little moments of joy everywhere. And if I want to lead a joyful, pleasurable life, I get to make it happen on purpose, and not wait for it to happen by chance.

What’s the most pleasurable thing you’ve done this month?

Morning snugs with my kitty, Chlo. She joins me for my morning journaling practice and lately she’s been wanting to be held close (she’s not typically very cuddly) while she purrs and makes biscuits in the crook of my arm. They’ve been the sweetest moments of my life.

How do you integrate moments of pleasure into your daily life, even in the midst of challenges?

I keep a digital joy journal and a daily gratitude journal in Notion where I jot down tiny moments that made me smile or felt exciting, along with daily photos from my life that bring me joy. Most of the photos are of my cats and the birds out back. Then during my weekly reviews, I get to go back and revisit all these beautiful moments!

How has embracing your neurodivergent identity influenced your approach to finding pleasure and fulfillment in both your personal life and business?

Pleasure and fulfillment have been very challenging for me as I’ve struggled through many different jobs and tasks that I’d look at and think I should be able to do, and wondered “what’s wrong with me?” when I couldn’t keep up with seemingly simple expectations. I’ve been practicing a lot of acceptance and self compassion.

Running my own business has enabled me to create a work schedule and systems that support my needs, instead of trying to squash myself into “typical” structures.

By working with my strengths and challenges (instead of against them), I have more ease so I can show up in my business and personal life and do the things that really matter to me (and feel more fulfilled!).

For neurodivergent entrepreneurs seeking to infuse more pleasure into their work and systems, what advice would you offer based on your experiences?

To approach it with openness and curiosity - be willing to experiment and see what happens. And of course, to offer yourself grace and self-compassion.

It’s been hard for me to let go of typical societal expectations and live my life and run my business in non-conventional ways. But every time I’m able to let go of another layer of that conditioning and more deeply accept myself and show up as I am, the more whole, proud of myself, and confident I feel. (which is really cool considering I spent 3+ decades feeling the opposite!)

Also, reach out to other neurodivergent entrepreneurs. One of my favorite parts of my business is the amazing connections and community I’ve fostered. You don’t have to do this alone!

How have you made task management a more pleasurable experience?

I started infusing magic into my digital workspace. I put intentions, spells, and beautiful visuals all throughout my Notion workspace, and especially on my Daily Dashboard, which is my go-to page to get my daily tasks done. They serve as reminders for what I’m focusing on and exciting motivation when I show up to work each day. It’s like a little shot of dopamine whenever I open my computer!

I’d love for you to share about microscopic pleasures that you have recently experienced:

A taste: vegan orange cardamom cupcakes my bff made for her daughter’s birthday party

A sound: “How Bad Do U Want Me” by Lady Gaga (on repeat!). Also, the house finches singing outside my window

A sight: the first tufted titmouse (ever!) at my bird feeder

A smell: the Badger Sleep Balm I use before bed - I like to put a lil on my nose cuz it smells so good

A touch: petting my kitties, they’re both soft in their own unique ways

Brigitte (she/her) is a systems & self-care witch who builds intentional systems for neurodivergent creatives who want to feel proud, successful, and get shit done. Her Notion templates, custom dashboards, & strategy sessions are a launch pad to helping you cross the finish line on your projects.

Website: Brigitte Marie Energy Design

Social: YouTube Channel

Freebie: Notion Gratitude & Joy Journal