Indulgence ~ a pleasure, habit, extravagance, gluttonous, lenience, something granted as a favor or privilege.
When I first started working on this week's topic I researched the word indulgence. I was completely surprised by what I found. The idea of an indulgence came from the Medieval Catholic Church. An "indulgence" was a slip of paper sold to someone to absolve them from the "good works" part of the forgiveness of sins. If you are not familiar with Catholic Church doctrine...when you have sinned, you must confess your sins. In order for these sins to be forgiven you must do good works, things like feed the poor. Well, the church leadership determined that the good works of the priests were kind of superfluous, so they sold their "extra" goodwill with God to the parishioners that could afford to pay. What a great deal! If you've got the money, you can just buy your way out of doing anything to pay back for your sins. Seems as though this may be where people first started getting the idea that they could buy their way out of bad behavior, it's been working for centuries!
After knowing what I now know about the history of it, the definition takes on a whole new meaning. I was really on the more pleasurable side of things when I asked the question of folks: When you need a pick-me-up, what kind of small indulgence do you allow yourself?
Several people expressed a use of their vices: I have a (fill in your favorite one). I heard massages, "chocolate definitely chocolate" from several people, a bath with yummy bath salts. I also heard "go for a drive", "ride my motorcycle", which considering the price of gas these days, are definitely indulgences.
For me, it's things like, get a pedicure, buy the flowers on special at the grocery, chocolate (really more of a daily necessity), an afternoon wandering in my favorite bookstore, a nap, a new anything from my favorite metaphysical shop. In my mind, a "small" indulgence that costs more than $20 is no longer "small". When I was young and broke and living in New York City, I used to get my shoes shined. It was like a mini foot massage. Plus, your shoes look great, all for around $3 with tip.
The point isn't really what you do, the point is that you do something. I subscribe to a blog that talked about this just today! It was about indulging yourself to show that you are worth the indulgence. I loved that we were thinking the same thing! It's true however. How often do you deny yourself something because you "shouldn't" have it? It's too expensive. It's extravagant. You're "supposed" to be saving money. You have bills to pay. This list goes on. This is why I came up with the $20 rule. If you treat yourself to something, but you never have to use more than a $20 you will feel less guilt about doing it.
However, it is important to do "something" good for yourself or you will feel deprived and short-changed. This is no way to live. This will definitely not make you feel joyful. The longer you deny yourself any pleasure, even small ones, the longer you will be denying your self-worth.
Don't postpone joy! Each day is a gift, so finding a way to celebrate the gift that is your life will give you a deeper appreciation for it.
So, I have a homework assignment for you dear friends...for the next two weeks, find small ways to indulge yourself. Nothing can cost more than $20, remember think small but wonderful. Then leave a comment about what you did. I want to hear back from you to know that you understand what a gift your life is, plus you're creative and I love to hear what you came up with.
Until the next time...
Yours in joy,
Robyn
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