15 + 9 points
Black Coffee and Cherry Pie by C. C.
October 29th, 2012 8:31 AM
I tend to stress easily -- anyone who knows me can support this statement. So, when I allow myself "presents" I tend to feel guilty that I am not managing my time well or I should be reading/writing/doing work. This week is especially crazy for me and I want to add this task of "Every day, [giving myself] one present" in order to better appreciate my days and the time I do spend working.
*I will be updating each day this week...*
Sunday, October 28: I have been craving something pumpkin flavored, so I took 30 minutes out of my Sunday to make pumpkin spiced muffins. I used this recipe: http://smittenkitchen.com/blog/2006/10/promise-keeper-pumpkin-eater/. They made my home smell delicious and my taste buds satisfied. Is it okay if when I eat one (probably each day this week) that I count it as a present to myself?
Monday, October 29: As I ate one (just one!) of my spiced pumpkin muffins I browsed Pinterest for five minutes and fantasized about a return trip to Paris (see picture).
Tuesday, October 30: During my office hours today I put on my headphones and listened to wonderfully terrible 90s music. I have a soft spot for 90s girly rock and bands like Smashing Pumpkins or Third Eye Blind. So, I indulged while I was meant to be grading papers, and it felt oh-so-good.
Wednesday, October 31: I stayed in bed for an extra 10 minutes and I didn't feel an ounce of guilt for it.
Thursday, November 1: Today I took a long walk. In the middle of the day. It was a pure gift, without expectations and without a specific route.
Friday, November 2: My present to myself was rather big: I gave myself the night off. (!). I drank beer, laughed with friends, and stayed up late.
Saturday, November 3: I saw the play Wit today. I love going to the theater (and live performances in general), and this play was particularly great. I felt very engaged and immersed in the performance, allowing myself to be present and in the moment. On a side note, seeing the performance also gives me an advantage when I teach this play in my class next week :)
Reflection: I am meant to recognize "how this changes my life." I notice that some gifts felt more fulfilling than others, even though they were all pleasurable. For instance, the happiness I felt after my walk lasted with me throughout the whole day and evening, and seeing the play provoked interesting conversation and self-reflection. In general, this week made me recognize that I allow myself more presents than I ever realized and I should develop more of an awareness of these gifts.
*I will be updating each day this week...*
Sunday, October 28: I have been craving something pumpkin flavored, so I took 30 minutes out of my Sunday to make pumpkin spiced muffins. I used this recipe: http://smittenkitchen.com/blog/2006/10/promise-keeper-pumpkin-eater/. They made my home smell delicious and my taste buds satisfied. Is it okay if when I eat one (probably each day this week) that I count it as a present to myself?
Monday, October 29: As I ate one (just one!) of my spiced pumpkin muffins I browsed Pinterest for five minutes and fantasized about a return trip to Paris (see picture).
Tuesday, October 30: During my office hours today I put on my headphones and listened to wonderfully terrible 90s music. I have a soft spot for 90s girly rock and bands like Smashing Pumpkins or Third Eye Blind. So, I indulged while I was meant to be grading papers, and it felt oh-so-good.
Wednesday, October 31: I stayed in bed for an extra 10 minutes and I didn't feel an ounce of guilt for it.
Thursday, November 1: Today I took a long walk. In the middle of the day. It was a pure gift, without expectations and without a specific route.
Friday, November 2: My present to myself was rather big: I gave myself the night off. (!). I drank beer, laughed with friends, and stayed up late.
Saturday, November 3: I saw the play Wit today. I love going to the theater (and live performances in general), and this play was particularly great. I felt very engaged and immersed in the performance, allowing myself to be present and in the moment. On a side note, seeing the performance also gives me an advantage when I teach this play in my class next week :)
Reflection: I am meant to recognize "how this changes my life." I notice that some gifts felt more fulfilling than others, even though they were all pleasurable. For instance, the happiness I felt after my walk lasted with me throughout the whole day and evening, and seeing the play provoked interesting conversation and self-reflection. In general, this week made me recognize that I allow myself more presents than I ever realized and I should develop more of an awareness of these gifts.
I like the derive just sorta thrown in there with little explanation.
I want more pictures!
Also: yay for someone else who remembers the glory days of 90's women music!
Also: hooray for fighting the guilt!