Treat Yourself
"You deserve a reward!" That's a common refrain in our society today. We see it on TV commercials and billboards. We hear it on the radio. From frappuccinos to day spas, we are bombarded with options for treating ourselves to the rewards we deserve. I was recently challenged by a friend's comment about what passes for a reward. I began to rethink my definition of a "treat." I realized that what I have long considered treats may actually be harmful or cause more stress for me in the long run.
If I reward myself with an ice cream sundae, I'm filling my body with something that tastes good, but is ultimately a drain on my body's systems. There are very few nutrients in an ice cream sundae that actually treat my body well. (I have to admit I'm still in the rethinking process on this. I said I was challenged, not changed!).
If I spend an afternoon at the spa, I'll be relaxed for a few hours. However, I may spend the rest of the month fretting over my finances. Of course, there is nothing wrong with an occasional ice cream or massage. But, very often we choose our "treats" based on immediate satisfaction without consideration to the long-term effect. In the end, the rewards we choose may not be treating ourselves well at all.
So, how do you reward yourself? Maybe you have just the replacement for our sundaes and spa days!