Permission to Treat Yourself

When I compare what I consider a treat for myself at age 39 with what I considered a treat in my early twenties, it’s quite comical. Although I’m sure some of my treats back then made me happy for a second or two, but it’s what I love now that seems to last. As a mom of three and a teacher of teenagers, I have found enjoyment taking part in three rituals for myself.

Jane.com

Once a month, I allow myself to purchase something ridiculously cute from an online boutique. Jane.com is gorgeous. It’s affordable. And it’s everything you never knew you wanted in terms of clothing, accessories, and shoes. Much like you should never construct a text at 2 am after adult beverages, I probably shouldn’t order anything from Jane.com before a mug of coffee either. Before my morning “cup of reason”, I could seriously buy two or three things without even realizing it. This is good and bad. It’s good because when the product arrives in my mailbox, I’m delightfully surprised and get to walk back down the memory lane of my purchase. It’s bad because it’s hard to explain to my husband why all of these cute clothes keep showing up in my mailbox. I love how soft and durable the shirts and pants have been, and my friend really loves the statement t-shirts she’s purchased recently. If you visit Jane.com, you can sign up to get an email a day with their new items. That’s when things get dangerous. You forget about Jane, but she’s waiting in your inbox when you wake up.

Meditation/Alone Time

Like most moms and teachers, I am providing information, support, bandages, food, love, attention, etc. all day and all night. The time I steal for my writing is super early in the morning during the school year, and it feels a bit rushed. Due to this, I’ve learned that I need to treat myself to some quiet time on the weekend, and you should too. My husband can see in my face when I need to jet for two-three hours. My weekend quiet time isn’t glamorous, but it makes me a better mom. I escape to the library or an old coffee shop where my creativity is better. I sneak away on a walk or a run with my two dogs or I go to a yoga class. I found a new trail this summer in our forest and there is an amazing studio by my house that keeps growing and adding new classes.

Meditation goes hand in hand with sanity, I try to work in meditation each day. Even five minutes of quiet time is better than none. When meditating alone isn’t an option, sometimes, my daughter joins me. She’s seven and she can actually breathe quietly for ten minutes. It’s a miracle. There are free YouTube videos like the one I mentioned in this article, but I have recently downloaded the Headspace app for free. I like Headspace because it is silent unless the leader is directing your thoughts, and it will also allow you to put a reminder on your phone to remind yourself to take time for yourself. My very busy friend and colleague started Headspace three days ago, and she can already tell a difference in her day. She chooses to make time in the morning for meditation, and she instantly felt the positive effects.

Girls Trip/Spa

The first time I entered an actual spa was when I was 36 on the first of many girls trips with…you guessed it…some of my favorite girls. About three years ago, my friends and I realized we weren’t getting any younger, and our kids were easier to manage, so we decided to make getting away a yearly event. Let me tell you, this is the best thing ever.

We don’t go crazy, we don’t party all weekend; we spa hard and we relax even harder. I know I’m speaking for all humans when I say we can have the best time with our best friends by just being together. Add in some cucumbers over the eyes and a peppermint soaked towel around the neck, and I’m loving life. Two or three days away from the grind is the ultimate way I treat myself. We’ve been dancing, eating, and spa-ing for three years, and it always fills up our soul.

Permission

By the power invested in us (at Family Footnote), we hereby declare you worthy of some pampering. Do it. Do some guilty pleasure shopping on Jane.com, grab some quiet time for your brain with Headspace, or figure out how to get away for a lunch, a weekend, or even a week. Laugh till your belly hurts, go get a pedicure, go fishing, go swimming, or go to happy hour. Filling your heart with the company of your friends is the ultimate pampering. Here at Family Footnote, we give you permission to treat yourself right.