Appreciating the Pleasure of Life's Treats

They say that the best things in life are free, and in many respects, this statement is very true. Money doesn’t buy happiness, and the super-rich are as likely to be unhappy as the rest of us. However, what money can do is relieve the pressure of worrying about covering basic living costs and caring for your family. Being able to support your loved ones without incurring debts and the associated stress is the goal most people wish to achieve. Once you have succeeded in maintaining this level of essential expenditure, you are then free to indulge yourself and enjoy the finer things in life.

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It’s okay to treat yourself

If you have taken care of your responsibilities, then there is no reason why you shouldn’t treat yourself to a little of what you fancy. Some people find it hard to justify spending money on themselves because they are programmed to put their loved ones first. It is a very honorable notion and one that is worth aspiring to, but that doesn’t mean you have to become a martyr to your family. Being kind to yourself is just as important as being kind to others. This is because for you to be healthy and happy, you need to look after yourself, and that includes treating yourself whenever you can. You deserve pleasure and pampering as much as anyone else, and your loved ones will almost certainly want you to treat yourself because your happiness is equally important to them.

Treating yourself to possessions

There are two broad options when it comes to spending money on yourself. You can choose to buy things you have always wanted such as jewelry, clothes, art, books, or anything else that you long to possess. What you buy is not as important as the reason why you buy it, because your motivation is what will determine how much pleasure you get out of something. For example, you might have always wanted some expensive, Italian leather boots. You could get the very boots you want for your budget, or you could get a cheaper version and still have some spare cash to get the new bestselling novel you’ve been after as well. Buying the cheaper version may make more sense financially, but will it satisfy your longing for the genuine article? The answer to this depends on what brings you more satisfaction, expensive boots or being able to make your money go further. However, it’s important to understand your own thought processes. Which part of you is being fulfilled, is it the part that loves expensive leather or the part that loves a bargain?

Treating yourself to experiences

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The other option is to treat yourself to an experience, something that you have always wanted to do but have never had the chance to do before. It is now possible to experience an incredible array of activities covering all areas of interest. Maybe you’ve always wanted to try surfing or horseback riding. Now is your chance to give these activities a chance! The popularity of experiences over possessions has grown enormously in the last few years. Many people have recognized the value of the long-term rewards that are gained from doing something special compared to the fleeting pleasure derived from purchasing possessions. Experiences form lasting memories that will be a source of pleasure and a shared form of enjoyment that will be appreciated for years to come. If the idea of an experience appeals to you as a way of treating yourself, why not involve your partner, family, or friends to participate with you? Choose something you truly want to do, even if it’s a little scary and is outside of your comfort zone (and the comfort zone of your loved ones!). Taking on a challenge is one of the most satisfying things you can do because, as well as enjoying the experience, you will feel a genuine sense of achievement.

Allowing others to treat you

There are certain times in life when your nearest and dearest wish to express their love by treating you to something special. When this happens, it can be hard to accept the gesture graciously simply because you may feel that in some way you don’t deserve this. On the other hand, if you tend to feel a touch entitled, you may fail to show the proper degree of appreciation, which will be unfair to your benefactor. Finding the balance between these two positions is where the sweet spot of mutual happiness lies. Accept that someone wants to give you a gift because you are worthy of it and it makes them happy to do so. Something that is often said is “Don’t spend all your money on me” or “Don’t buy the most expensive thing just for me.” It is up to the person who is giving you a gift to decide how much they want to spend, and by saying they should spend less, you are diminishing both their gesture and your own worth. Imagine your partner proposes to you. Overjoyed, you accept, and they present you with an exquisite diamond engagement ring, or anillos de pedida as the Spanish call it. The ring is a stunning high-quality item, made with love, care and with the finest jewels. This awe-inspiring gift and gesture will not only enable them to show their love and commitment, but you find mutual pleasure and joy in the exquisite jewelry you’re now the proud owner of. It truly is a fitting expression of their love for you and your worth, and will show the world your love, devotion, and commitment together as a couple. This same principle applies whenever you are given a gift or treat. You do deserve the best, so don’t think you are worth any less.

Sharing your treats

One of the nicest things you can do is share your treats with those you love. If you can take your family with you to enjoy your special experience or help you choose your treasured purchases, it will be all the more enjoyable. They will be happy to share your pleasure and see your appreciation, and for children, it is important to understand that you need and deserve to have things for yourself. It doesn’t mean that the focus shouldn’t remain on you. For example, if you have been invited out for a special meal at an expensive restaurant, if this is something your kids would enjoy and be able to share, then there is no reason not to include them. If, however, they are likely to be disruptive and unappreciative then don’t sacrifice your special occasion just because you feel a responsibility to include them. Book them a babysitter or a play date and make the most of your evening off.

Choosing your treats

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This is almost entirely subjective because only you know what will make you truly happy. For some people, the idea of a pamper day at the spa is the height of luxury. For others, this is the last thing they would want to do. The point is that you should choose what pleases you rather than conforming to anyone else’s idea of what constitutes a treat. It can be useful to listen to other people’s ideas and see what is available that you may not have thought of before. This is a great way of coming up with alternative ideas and expanding your horizons. For example, maybe you enjoy having a nice bottle of wine with your meal. It may not have occurred to you that buying some more expensive bottles would be a perfect way to treat yourself. This is a good example of the nature of treats; they are not things that you need, but things that you would like, whether that be possessions or experiences that you desire. A new vacuum cleaner might be just what you need and extremely useful. However, it is not a treat. Visiting an art gallery, viewing the exhibits, and selecting a painting that will look good in your home and give you pleasure for years to come is far more of a treat. Both the vacuum cleaner and the painting may bring you happiness in different forms, but whereas the vacuum is something you require in your life, the painting is not. It is an unnecessary indulgence but one that will enhance your life in a purely pleasurable way. It is the very essence of what a treat is all about.

Spending your money on yourself can be a wonderful experience, providing you choose the right things to spend it on. Think luxury and high quality rather than getting a bargain. This is about rewarding yourself for all the hard work and effort you put into your life and your family, and for them, it is all about showing their appreciation of everything that you do for them. Whether you are treating yourself, or someone else is treating you, embrace the joy of the experience and celebrate having the freedom and opportunity to reward yourself.

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