“Indulgence”, even the word itself sounds a bit naughty, much like a piece of contraband blowing in the wind. Maybe because it connotes an element of excess or avarice.
However, I’m here to advocate for a little indulgence every day, indulgence that is neither excessive nor avaricious. As indulgence is often linked to the concept of self consciousness, we often feel that we should not indulge ourselves or that we should indulge everyone else ahead of ourselves. There is often guilt associated with our indulgence, often diluting what could be positive outcomes and effects.
Indulge doesn’t have to be time consuming, lavish or expensive. The key to indulging is to pursue whatever feeds your soul and nurtures your spirit. It could be for as little as 15 minutes out of your day, it could be for an hour. We all need to take time for a little self-care, so that we can carry on for those who count on us.
So, let me introduce you to some of my favorite indulgences:
No raindrops on roses or whiskers on kittens here.
Rather, and with apologies to Julie Andrews:
Baseball with Red Sox
And peanuts with butter
Massage for footsies
Makes my heart a flutter
A great stack of books all tied up with string
These are a few of my favorite things
Laughter and smiles
And tears of pure joy
Walking the bush
With hubby and my boys
A road trip to somewhere
Adventures it brings
These are a few of my favorite things.
By the way, who really needs bread with peanut butter? Or a knife? Or a plate?
Give yourself permission to indulge your soul without guilt daily. Fifteen minutes just for you. It could be something as simple as enjoying fresh air after being stuck in air-conditioning all day or catching the sunshine on your back and face after a cold spell. The best indulgences are probably free.
Today I give myself permission to indulge.
What are some of your favorite indulgences?
Raising the Curtain 
I was singing along to the list of your favorite things…..permission granted.
Does that mean we should go skipping through the European Alps together :)?
Mmm.. yes.. Lately it’s been some perfectly indulgent chocolate truffles from my favorite chocolatier. So good!
Sounds absolutely divine. Chocolate is also on my list 🙂
I have often been guilty of indulgence, sometimes good and other times bad. I’ve been getting better. For the most part.
Life is a certainly learning experience, isn’t it?
today my indulgence is my acupuncture visit. It served several purposes but it’s def an indulgence
I’m glad you had the opportunity to indulge today, Sue.
Let’s go, Red Sox! 😀 I’ve come to the conclusion that many of the things we were taught are indulgences are closer to the necessities point. Nourishment that tastes great and is laced with nostalgia feeds us on more than a nutrition level. Manicures, pedicures, massages, and the like, afford us the healing powers of human touch and the mental benefits it engenders. Indulgence FTW, I say. 🙂 Also, I totally sang along with your revised lyrics. 😀
Hello, fellow Red Soxer :). Happy with the start to the season so far.
You’re so right about nostalgia, witness the concept of comfort food. We have one steak place here who specialises in comfort food sides – onion rings, mac-n-cheese, creamed corned etc. All terrible for your wasteline, but as an occassional indulgence – perfect!
The Sound of Music produced some great songs, didn’t it?
I indulge each time I sit down to read (which isn’t as often or long as in the past). I don’t need a lot or anything else which I consider indulgence.
My reading span is getting shorter too, much to my dismay. You sound like life indulges with you, which is probably the perfect point to reach.
I indulge in reading your blog 🙂
Ha, ha Elke :). Blogging is also an indulgence of mine.
I’m pretty good at indulging myself. A little chocolate, a few minutes with a book. I don’t require much…
Just some Cheddar Chex mix perhaps…:)