This week we had two options. The first was to perform random acts of kindness towards others and the second was to nurture ourselves. Since I’m on leave this week and not really in contact with people (more about that in an upcoming post), I opted for the second.
Today I had a Swedish Massage. My first massage in over four years. Money’s been tight these last four years with the global recession and I have neglected to pamper myself. Sure, I get regular waxes and pedicures, but those aren’t really treats – they’re maintenance. Yes, even the pedicures – I can’t reach my feet to do it myself.
I further justified the expense of the massage by telling myself that this week is my annual holiday and I’m not going anywhere – apart from the movies and the gym. I deserve this.
On top of that, I’ve been going to gym every day this week for aqua aerobics and I’m quite stiff. So, a massage is just what the doctor ordered.
It was heaven. And a little bit of hell. But mostly heaven. It left me feeling languid and sleepy.
I’m already figuring out how I can afford this once a month. If I stop spending money on things that harm me – a cup of coffee here, a drink there, a convenience meal here, a little “treat” there – I will not only be helping my weight loss efforts, but I will be able to afford myself this little luxury, this nurturing.
I also bought myself two other “treats” today – a new mascara and a battery for my guitar tuner.
I feel goooooood!
This is the last week of the Hate Loss Challenge, and I want to thank Ellen for hosting it and coming up with such worthwhile and edifying exercises. I’ve learned and grown throughout this challenge and feel much more grounded and resourceful as a result. It was an excellent way to kick off 2012!
That sounds awesome. We definitely need to pamper ourselves from time to time, and if you can work it into the budget, all the better.
Jeremy Logsdon recently posted..An Open Letter from my Muse to Myself #2 –
Oh, a massage would perfectly fit the bill for any human being, I swear. I went 37 years before ever allowing myself a massage. I couldn’t get past that mental block of negativity (I thought no one would want to touch me). But once I had my first one, I thought: where have you BEEN all my life??
Having a massage is almost a spiritual thing, I think. Healing hands, nurturing your body. What a beautiful present to yourself, and rightly deserved, considering you’ve been to the pool all week. I do hope you can find a way to do this for yourself once a month.
Thank you so much for participating this month, Hanlie. What a wonderful example you are – both to me, and I know to everyone else.
Ellen recently posted..Group Therapy Thursday: Week Four
I had a massage once. It was fantastic. I wished I had done it sooner…I too decided I need to give up certain things…so that I can buy or use my money in more healthful ways. Great post.
chris recently posted..D2- Destructive thought patterns…why I harp on them.
my husband does massages at least twice a month.
I MAKE THE APPT FOR HIM
I need to make one for myself.
Miz recently posted..Living my priorities
That is a lovely gift for yourself. And it is a good reward for work (gym) and renewal.
I never go unless I am in pain. Pity. I may have to follow your lead. I want to associate pleasure with guilt. That needs to go.
Munchberry recently posted..Pant Size Distortion
Sounds like you had an awesome week of nurture.
I have never ever had any form of professional massage before. It just feels so extremely self-indulgent. I guess I need to realise that I am deserving of it but it’s quite a shift that I need to make in my brain. It is on my to-do list for my year of nurturing.
Julia recently posted..Sunday highlights and some stuff about clicks
Massage is a spiritual experience! Taking care of yourself hopefully will never take a back seat… you can save by giving yourself pedicures, making your own coffee, & for fun maybe take a hike. You deserve to have a relaxing massage!