manda_wong via Compfight
When is the last time you treated yourself to anything?
Have you noticed that your children ask for treats throughout the day? Whether it’s chocolate pudding for breakfast, a sleepover on a school night or popcorn AND candy at the movies, they just keep asking.
And undaunted by the word “no,” they continue to think of and ask for, more treats.
Every so often, they receive a “yes,” and that is just enough inspiration to move on to more thinking and asking.
What can we learn from this approach?
This point was driven home the other day when one of my children asked for a treat – a donut. I think we can all agree, that there is virtually no redeeming value in a donut. At least with an ice cream, you may be getting a bit of nutrition. But even so, I stopped at the donut store and purchased a beautiful little donut with white icing and multi-colored sprinkles.
And, being a responsible adult with about 5lbs to lose, I ordered myself a cup of coffee – black. No donuts for me! I didn’t even consider indulging in a treat until suddenly something came over me (my evil twin?) and whispered in my ear that I deserved a treat too.
I heard myself ask the woman behind the counter, for 1 donut hole. She looked at us (my twin and me) with confusion. On second thought, I think it was pity. Clearly we had no idea how to purchase a donut hole – because apparently, you don’t just purchase 1.
When she regained her composure she told me that I could have 6 donut holes for 99cents. “Sold!” I gleefully replied. That’s a bargain I just couldn’t pass up! And that was it. I was getting my treat and there was no turning back.
I proceeded to eat 1, followed immediately by 2 more.
Talk about a slippery slope. I felt like Jack LaLanne at a Vitamin popping contest except instead of Vitamin A, C and D, I was popping little glazed, deep-fried sugar balls.
And you know, as wonderful as those first 3 were, they had nothing on numbers 4 and 5. Who knew that donut holes were so marvelous? I had now boarded the Sugar High Express and I was not going to be pulling into the station anytime, soon. Number 6 didn’t have a chance, of course.
All washed down with black coffee, I embraced my treat and enjoyed every minute.
What about you? What are the treats you have asked for today? Remember, there’s no harm in asking. You may say no, but every so often, you may get a yes.
What is a treat? What is something you could do that might be a little out of the ordinary but would make you happy?
- Getting “take-out” instead of cooking?
- Going to bed 30 minutes earlier?
- Reading your book instead of doing the dishes?
- Going out to lunch instead of eating at your desk, to get more done?
What if you looked at the world as your children do – a haven for fun and deliciousness, just waiting for someone to say yes?
I am sure that like your children, you can come up with a long list of treats from which, to choose. And listing treats is a treat in itself. It gives you a break from simply thinking about your to-do list.
What can you ask for? And when the answer is no, what else will you ask for?
Coach Me Quick Tips For Asking For A Treat:
1. Notice when you are depriving yourself of something you would like to do or have. Check in and see if the deprivation is worth it.
2. Think about a treat you could give yourself after completing a project that is challenging. Make it happen, and enjoy.
3. What are some treats that you can share with your children?
4. Notice when you are giving yourself a treat and resolve to enjoy fully.
5. What if you didn’t limit your thinking? There is no harm in wanting or wishing for something even if you are going to say no to yourself. You may surprise yourself with a yes one day.
6. Remember, you don’t ask – you don’t get.
Planning a future donut run in L.A.,
Jamee