If I’m going to have a treat, and I am, it’s going to be the best one for the moment. I’m not just talking about sweet snacks. In fact, As I let myself include larger non food related treats, I think what I choose actually helps me define me. It has helped me to better know who I am. Where I used to crave, sometimes in a sad or tired way, starchy sweet treats pretty much daily, I now try to spread out and elevate the things I treat myself to. I even choose adventures as treats that I look forward to.
I’ve never been a billionaire, but if I was, I likely would have done most of the same things (maybe in more style, but I don’t regret the gritty finagling I had to do on my tighter budget)
My more memorable treat experiences, have taken me quite outside my day to day comfort zone. Going to the opera comes to mind.
I didn’t know a single fellow opera fan. I treated myself regularly to listening to Pavorotii loudly in my car, alone. Venturing out became a whole thing. I ended up talking a friend, her son, my son and four additional teenagers into taking part in an opera out reach program. It was affordable, (the kids were free) ended up being educational and adventurous in ways I couldn’t have predicted. Opera is a weird thing, I’m well aware, but I love it. Going to a live performance was breath-taking and fun. Even the kids had a good time.
It’s fun to have something to look forward to. It’s fun to include other people. Sometimes treats even become celebrations, but they don’t have to. A simple well steeped tea, sipped lazily by yourself can be a luxurious treat.
Life has plenty of treat options. As I look around ideas just pop up. What do I like? What do I enjoy? What gives me pleasure? A trip to the grocery store for ingredients to make a delicious supper or a dessert can be a treat. A trip to a craft store, or thrift shop or book store. Often other people’s ideas are treats we wouldn’t have thought of
My treat today is a less that successful fishing trip with some people who like fishing a lot. After a fairly successful garage sale, I found it relaxing. The overcast day had a gentle breeze blowing, the sound of water lapping the shore, pleasant company, I didn’t know fishing was a nice treat and a great way to unwind. I would never have thought of it on my own!
I’m hoping to be open to more and more ways to be treated, because there is nothing like a good treat to help me feel satiated and regulated and ready for more of what life has in store for me!
Peace Kit 