TREAT YO' SELF

Yesterday, my friend, Lauren, did a Treat Yourself Tuesday blog post, and it got me thinking. I recently saw this image on Pinterest and was suddenly stricken with how my priorities have changed over the past year.

Last year, these words couldn't have rang truer. We had been going through some stressful times as a family, and honestly, the only thing I had control over in my life was food. And, damn it! I wanted queso! (Seriously. I've been known to lick the queso bowl at a restaurant, and there's photographic evidence.) Despite how horrible my body felt every time I reached for the cheese, I just kept shoveling it in. When I came up for air, I would be filled with regret and rush to Zumba. When I put on the dress I was going to wear to my company holiday party the night before I started my first 24-day challenge, I felt like a stuffed sausage. I think I tried on every dressy garment I owned while my husband stared in disbelief as I cried. (There may have been a similar incident with ski pants before cutting our Christmas tree that prompted me to finally break down and order the challenge to begin with.) One of the hardest things about change is deciding you're ready for it. And, at that moment, I knew that I couldn't keep on keeping on, or things would just get worse. The next morning, I was all in and was determined to turn things around. This past Sunday, I put on those dreaded ski pants from last year, and my husband commented on how they look huge on me. And now, as I prep for that company holiday party, I'm actually looking forward to getting all dolled up instead of dreading it. 

When I think about "treating myself", I think in much different terms than I did a little over a year ago. I'm treating myself to a better life. I treat myself with another 24-day challenge every 90 days. I'm treating myself to another marathon entry or three (although I may not think it's a treat when the time comes to actually run them). I'm treating myself to being a happier person for my husband, son and myself. I'm treating myself to better sleep. Now, let's be honest... I'm not immune to wanting to treat myself with "things" either. I got a manicure and pedicure on Sunday, which is a rarity for me these days, but with all the running, my dogs were looking rough! It was an anniversary present to myself for sticking with my long-term goals and keeping 20 pounds off! I also decided to treat myself by signing up for some running classes at a different gym than I have a membership to (and by refusing to feel guilty about spending the extra money). And, now that I have what my husband likes to call "saggy bottom jeans", I think I may just treat myself to a couple new pair.

So... how do you plan to treat yo' self? I dare you to go after something you've been putting off. I promise you won't regret it. Take that leap.