Putting Ourselves First

Day 299

During the last few years my children were in high school, I was a single parent. Everything was about them. I was fortunate to have a good job and making sure they had all the things they needed was the most important thing.

I remember so many times I took them shopping for their school supplies, clothes or shoes. I would see things I liked and would often put them in the shopping cart. As we shopped and picked up the things they needed, I would think more and more about the things I had picked up and placed in the cart. By the time we were ready to check out, I had taken the items I had put in the shopping cart and put them back on the shelf.

This process was one I would repeat many times. It became known in our family as mom taking things for a ride and it upset my children. Now that they have children of their own, I am sure they better understand my motives than they could have at the time.

I was no martyr. I had the things I needed — clothes for work, plenty to eat, the ability to pay the rent, etc. I just put aside the extra non-necessities.

It’s funny how we get into a habit because of certain circumstances and those habits become hard to break. I still have a hard time buying things for myself, but it has gotten easier through the years. It’s not because I think I do not deserve those things, it’s just that I have learned what was and is important.

Yesterday, I broke down and splurged on some pricey cleansers and moisturizers for my face for the first time in my life. I really needed to do something and in just 24 hours I can really tell the difference. I really felt amazing making that purchase for myself. It was the type of thing I would not normally ever do.

I guess I’m just a simple pleasures kind of gal. For example, yesterday I splurged and bought a bag of Rainier cherries. Hubby won’t eat them, so they will all be for me. They remind me of my sisters — we always took them when we went on our annual trek to the mountains of Georgia for our sister retreat. And of course, they are delicious!

I do not have a fancy wardrobe, because, well…I’m just not fancy. I wear mostly jeans and t-shirts. I do buy warm clothes in the winter, though. Last year I fell in love with turtle-neck sweaters again, so I bought myself several — and I put them on my Christmas wish-list to boot!

Yesterday I realized I have a $200 gift card my son gave me two years ago that I still have not spent. Today I sat down and figured out what I wanted to buy for myself. I am excited.

I much prefer spending money on experiences. Trips, classes, going to the theatre and traveling to the mountain-tops enrich my life much more than things do. But those facial products are heavenly and will be well-enjoyed!

It is important to take care of ourselves and to give to ourselves as well as others. It’s okay to say no, but it is equally okay to say yes if that is where our heart leads us. I am so fortunate to be able to splurge a little when the spirit moves me. I am thankful for that. But let me tell you, old habits die hard.

Hubby bought himself a truck. He’s so happy! It’s the first new vehicle he has bought for himself since we were married. He did what I did — always put someone else first. It makes me happy just watching him in his excitement. I decided to wait on buying a car for myself. The truck is automatic, so I will be able to drive it if need be. I do love my old Volvo and I may just keep it until it just won’t go anymore. For now, I am quite content with my decision.

I hope you do something nice for yourself today. It feels good to treat yourself once in a while.

Now I am off to do a facial and have some cherries!

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