Self Love February, Day 16:

Many people, but especially women, have a tendency to put ourselves last. We spoil the crap out of everyone else and often don’t have the time, money, or energy for ourselves

I started indulging myself maybe 6 months ago when I decided to start going to the salon and getting my nails done. I hadn’t colored my hair in almost 7 years at that point, and it had probably been 2 decades the last time I had my nails done.

Now, for some women, these “indulgences” are essential. For me, they’re not. Yes, going to the salon for a proper style is essential; not as much when I was growing my hair out, but now that it’s short, the salon is essential. However, the salon color is an indulgence – it’s expensive!

As for my nails, that is 1000% an indulgence. I don’t bite my nails – some people use manicures as a deterrent. My nails are beautiful; their shape is perfect and grow perfectly. However, I like painting them (or having them painted) but because of how rough I am, the polish only lasts a day or two. I don’t have the time or patience to be doing my nails that often!

So 4 months ago, I started indulging in getting my nails done. I love it! That little bit of pampering every 5-6 weeks is super nice!

How do you indulge? A monthly facial?

(OH…. now that’s a great idea!!!!)

Or maybe electrolysis. Fake eyelashes. Pedicures – bonus points for in the wintertime! A weekly Starbucks. A super expensive bottle of wine or scotch….

When people say “indulging” it’s often thought of as food, but it certainly shouldn’t be limited to that. I believe that when we label food as “good” or “bad” (food has no morals, so these labels are inappropriate, anyhow) and indulging in these “bad” foods is “cheating”, it creates a disordered relationship with food.

However, if you’re going to use food as an indulgence, here is a perfect example.

Backing September 2022, hubby and I took a trip to Old Quebec City. One day, when we were looking for a restaurant to eat, I found a restaurant just down the street, but irritatingly, they didn’t have a menu posted online. I ended up back at this restaurant a couple of times during my search, and then I actually read what they had to say. It was a blind menu – you choose either a 3 or 5 course meal, and you can add a wine pairing to it, but you have no idea what’s being served! And there were things I NEVER would have ordered in a restaurant if I had a choice. It was the most expensive meal we’ve ever had, but the most amazing dining experience as well!

Now, THAT’S indulging!!!!

How about you?