The Art of Treating Yourself
By: Emmylou Ethan
The Magic Behind a Treat
There is something truly special and uplifting about having a little treat to get you through life’s unsettling, stressful, or even regular day-to-day moments. Maybe it’s stopping at Matcha Me for an afternoon pick-me-up, cutting open the perfectly green avocado for your morning toast, or strolling through the aisles of TJMaxx not to buy anything, but just because you have an extra half-hour to spare. It doesn’t have to be a big purchase or invigorating. Yet, sometimes it helps put a smile on our face when we know theres at least one thing we can control.
In college, it can be very difficult to have a picture-perfect day. With classes and homework piling up, while trying to balance friends, school, and other overwheling things life throws at you, I’ve come to realize that I have the power to make my day feel special. I’ve slowly learned not to let the little things, like staining my shirt or running out of oat milk for my morning coffee, have such a large impact on my life. lately, I’ve decided to do one nice thing a day for myself, something I can look forward to despite all of the chaos.
Image source: Borror
A little More Intention
Growing up, it feels like the special things were already done for me, and I didn’t think twice about them. My favorite breakfast was already being made as I came down the stairs for school, or a surprise treat was waiting for me after practice without having to ask. Now, in college, I have to create these little moments for myself. They don’t disappear; they just become more intentional. Now, I get to create my own little things to look forward to.
Recently, I have been choosing to walk to my workout class instead of driving so I can call my mom and feel the sun on my face. Not every treat has to be bought. It is really about making the ordinary moments throughout my day feel more exciting. Picking out my outfit the night before, or snoozing my alarm five times just to get that deserved extra moment of sleep.
Image source: Food and Wine
I can’t control every part of my day. Don’t get me wrong, there are many days that take a quick unexpected turn. But with my new treat ritual, the dreaded Mondays and boring afternoons become a little more special. Because normal days can be special too. With this ritual, I get to celebrate normal things like finishing my work or reaching my step goal for the day. So get your Warios sandwich you’ve been waiting all week for, take the scenic route home from Fisher, and find the little pockets of peace in your day that remind you to ground yourself and that life doesn’t need to be as chaotic as it’s made out to be.
