I N D U L G E N C E I S N O U R I S H M E N T. What moments in your life bring you joy? Bonus points if these moments are pure indulgence and wildly unproductive! Maybe its . . . • A movie night. • Sitting in the sun with a book you love so much you read it over and over again • Baking • Blow drying your hair • The by now “classic” self-care act of getting a
Reflect + Release
mani/pedi • A walk in the woods or in the city • A latte • A good beer with a good friend
The following prompts will help you name and celebrate indulgence in your life! Take 10 minutes to think about and respond to one or both the following questions (and then nourish yourself accordingly!):
• Chocolate. Good chocolate. • List 10 simple joys you’ve experienced in the last week
Celebrate indulgence by embracing simple joys. Be fully present for that ray of sunshine hitting your face, and that
or two. If you have trouble coming up with 10, list as many as you can. Then, keep your list handy and see what you can add to it each night for a week.
first sip of coffee in the morning. Celebrate indulgence also in its more elaborate forms. Embrace the anticipated plans with a good friend and an afternoon or morning of planned luxury. Celebrating indulgence is a way to nourish ourselves in body and soul. And I mean celebrating. Plan time for indulgences the way you would block out time for a
• Make a list of 5-7 indulgences you wish you had time for. Dream big. Imagine limitless funds and time. Then, choose one that you will make time for, even if it’s only part of the indulgence. For example, if you dream of travel to another country but aren’t sure how to make that happen right now, consider an adventure somewhere brand new, but within driving distance. If you dream of a weekend away by yourself, plan a vacation day from work where you are all on your own.
birthday party or other celebration. Make an appointment. Put it on a calendar. Add an indulgence to your to-do list.
Embrace life’s simple pleasures fully. Go ahead and indulge a bit more than you think you should! Recognize the nourishment in this celebration of you and your worthiness.
Marie Levey-Pabst is the founder of the Create Balance method. She teaches parents to create balance between family, work, and personal fulfillment. Connect with Marie at @ CreateBalanceCommunity on Facebook or at CreateABalancedLife.com. Photos by Walker Studios LLC.
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