Dec 2, 20182 min read

When 'Treat Yo Self' Leads to Hurting Yourself

Most people have a funny way of justifying things that aren't necessarily good for them or helpful to them by calling them a treat. The term 'Treat Yo Self' has gained so much popularity lately that any excuse to indulge feels like valid reasoning. Had a bad day? You deserve that glass of wine, or sometimes bottle. Feeling low or discouraged about your looks? You deserve a new look, even if it means racking up the balance on your credit card. You didn't get that new job you were looking forward to? Totally fine to have your favorite fattening meal and self loathe with a bag of cookies.

We all have weaknesses, one of mine tends to be overindulgence. Since I was little I always felt like more was better, more toys, more clothes, more stuff... Now that I'm older my indulgences have changed to unhealthy delicious food, alcohol, and items that make me happy in the moment but don't fix the problem. Recently, there have been more and more reasons why I find myself justifying a treat and feeling even worse after the fact, realizing that by doing so I am getting farther and farther away from any real solutions to my problems. Overindulgence to the point of hurting myself and sometimes others in the cross-fire.

It's hard when you're down to think you can get any lower... but you can. With the holiday's in full swing and the urge to do more, have more, be more in full effect, it's important to stop and realize that more isn't the important thing. Sometimes less is what you need to feel the things that matter most... love, kindness, and compassion. I have so much to be grateful for, it's reckless to jeopardize those blessings by overindulging in things that are hurtful as a way of consoling myself for things that I have no control over. I am currently trying to take my own advise by finding alternative positive activities to partake in when I'm feeling low. Changing the "treat" to something that is helpful instead of harmful.

This holiday season, I hope you remember my experience and focus on the less is more

mantra. There is no need to overindulge in anything that will be harmful to your body, mind, or spirit. Over eating, having more cocktails than you should, spending money that you don't have... none of those things are what the holiday's are about. Try not to stress about all the excess and focus on what the real treats are, your blessings.

XOXO-M

My blessings...