Growing up in Salt Lake City, Utah, Jensen was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (AKA Mormon) until they were 16 years old.
Unsurprisingly, in Mormon culture, alcohol is demonized. It goes against Mormon values to consume alcohol under any circumstances and people who drink were viewed quite negatively. Jensen developed a sincere fear of alcohol that was reinforced not only by their religion, but also by their mother.
Eventually, they broke out of that initial perception of alcohol and learned to ask their own questions about what healthy and unhealthy relationships with alcohol might look like.
Fast forward to 2023 and Jensen has had significant ups and downs in their relationship with alcohol. They still drink, but now with a lot more intention, regular breaks, and self-care.
Jensen views alcohol as a drug that they use for celebration, play and release, but works very hard to avoid patterns of abusing alcohol as a coping mechanism as they and their current partner have done in the past.
Now, Jensen runs a video production company focused on strategic storytelling for equity and sustainability called Risking Joy Productions.
You can find them at riskingjoyproductions.com
Instagram: @risking.joy
Email them directly via [email protected].
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