Every Day, Treat Yourself — Here’s What I Mean By That

Maybe you crave a morning coffee like my withering plants need their daily dose of water, but you feel too rushed. Perhaps there’s that intriguing book in the shop window calling your name, or that trendy lip gloss that is getting chuckled at by Gen Z while they sport their retro mom jeans. Maybe you just need a moment to escape to the bathroom and scroll through TikTok while your kids are busy making a ruckus.

But no matter what it is, make it a point to treat yourself every single day. Don’t overthink it, don’t postpone it. As a wise character from “Twin Peaks” once said, just let it unfold.

As a parent, your day is likely spent managing tiny humans who often resist being managed. Basically, you’re wrangling a bunch of feisty cats who occasionally throw in sweet gestures like wrapping their arms around your leg and saying, “I love you, [insert parental title].” There are missing shoes. There are forgotten lunches. And let’s not even get started on the mind-boggling decisions made by the school board.

So, give yourself a treat. Take the scenic route home and belt out your favorite tunes from Spotify. Pick up that gossip magazine and indulge in some light reading while your child is glued to “Paw Patrol.” Or, savor the luxury of that new bar of soap you’ve been eyeing.

New Parents Deserve a Treat Too

If you’re a new parent, you might be overwhelmed by the choices of breast-or-bottle, carrier-or-stroller. You might still be in disbelief that a team of nurses allowed you to leave the hospital with an infant that won’t let you put it down, or it’ll unleash a wail like a banshee. Evolutionarily speaking, this can be quite disorienting, and you find yourself carrying this little being everywhere, all while clad in three-day-old leggings and a messy bun that screams “I just survived 2020.”

So, give yourself a treat. Put down the squawking bundle, rock the bouncer with your foot, and paint your nails a bold color. Hand your baby over to your partner, a relative, or even a neighbor, and take a much-deserved shower. Shave your legs if that’s your thing. Strap your child to your back, bounce on an exercise ball while hoping your stitches hold, and order something from Amazon that you don’t really need—because paper towels don’t count!

Heat up that cold cup of coffee, you deserve it. Why? Because simply existing in this world is a challenge. Parenting adds an additional layer of complexity because you’ve got another human life in your care; when you think about it, we all deserve a cookie and a medal.

Parents of Older Kids Also Deserve Treats

And as your kids grow older, the challenges don’t lessen. Sorry, new parents; it’s just a different kind of tough. Your sweet little angel will manage to spill their sensory bin filled with rice all over your living room, which Pinterest raved about for its developmental benefits. Then they’ll decide to pee everywhere except for the toilet. As they grow, they’ll lose shoes, resist basic hygiene, and whine incessantly.

So give yourself a treat. Spend a few minutes of peace while scrolling through cat videos on YouTube. Drag them to a thrift shop, plop them down in the toy section, and hunt for some second-hand jeans or shirts. But remember, your treat cannot be something practical—don’t buy what you need. Get that wild-colored vest you might never wear in public but really want.

Spend that $3.99, let your kids heat up your coffee, or take your dog for a solo walk. Go for a walk by yourself. Indulge in that lip gloss, gaze out of your window for ten minutes, or toss your laundry into baskets rather than folding it. You deserve a treat. Give yourself one every single day. Life is fleeting, and we pour so much of ourselves into others and the relentless hustle of life.

Stop. Watch a David Bowie video. Dress up a little. Buy that journal you don’t need. Give yourself something—something that you’ll look back on and think, “I’m glad I did that.” The world is tough, and we can often lose sight of ourselves in the chaos. Remember, at least once a day: You are enough. You deserve to be treated well.

We All Deserve a Treat

Everyone deserves a little something. Why? Just look at the news. Or consider the mess your kids made. Reflect on that pile of laundry you’ve been ignoring. We need little treats as armor against life’s challenges, from rude drivers to the unexpected hurdles we face.

Loving ourselves can be difficult. Many industries thrive on making us feel inadequate. We drown in guilt—“I should have done this or that.” We often compare ourselves to others, thinking, “But she manages to…” Forget that. Everyone feels a twinge of guilt and inadequacy.

You both deserve a treat. It doesn’t have to be expensive or time-consuming. Just make sure it’s for you and you alone. Don’t plan it. Don’t search for it.

But every day, please, make sure to treat yourself.

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In summary, taking a moment each day to treat yourself is not just a luxury—it’s a necessity. Amidst the chaos of parenting and life, carving out time for yourself can rejuvenate your spirit and help you navigate the challenges ahead. So embrace those little moments of joy. You are worthy of them.