"One of the secrets of a happy life is continuous small treats."
-- Iris Murdoch
I read this quote in a book recently and loved it, even penned it on a Post-it note for the message board near my writing table so I would be continuously reminded. I need all the secrets I can learn about being happy because I am prone to having the black funks. A black funk, as defined in my book "Life Gone South," is: death of the soul; wanting to crawl in a hole and never come out; a fortress around my heart that blocks out joy; can't taste food -- yes, even chocolate, and yes, I tried every kind -- don't even crave sex. Feeling low, low, low, down dirty low. As you might imagine, these black funks are no damn fun so I do everything I possibly can to avoid them. I figured if throwing continuous small treats into my life will help, then sign me up.
Today was the kick-off of my "CST" therapy. I was off work and had errands to do, and some not so fun (gyno exam and groceries -- YUCK!). Instead of only doing the have-tos, I wheeled into $1 Jewelry Galore (on Battlefield, near National) and splurged on some bling. I got a tiger striped belt with hot rainbow colors, a six-pack of various sized silver hoops, a bangle bracelet, and a funky chunky wood necklace. Plus they had the cutest little mood rings -- I got the one with peace signs -- that must have made me happier because it changed to blue (calm, relaxed) and purple (sensual) the rest of the day. And all that happiness cost less than eleven bucks!
Besides the bling treats, I sipped a Diet Coke as I was cruising around (something I love but rarely do), sang along with the radio, and really paid attention to my surroundings instead of rushing and being stressed out by traffic. I noticed the Bradford pear blossoms falling down like snow, that a lot of drivers are actually courteous and not jerks, and two red Mini Coopers. It may be silly but DMan and I trade "Mini Cooper kisses" for every one we see, so I got two extra kisses just from paying attention. Turned out to be a pretty happy day despite the not-so-pleasant errands.
Feel free to give the CST therapy a try, see if you end up a bit happier. I'd love to hear if it works for you too. Now I'm going to give myself one more little treat and pour a big glass of wine to enjoy while I finish the laundry. Just because it's a small treat doesn't mean it has to come in a small glass! Cheers!
-- Iris Murdoch
I read this quote in a book recently and loved it, even penned it on a Post-it note for the message board near my writing table so I would be continuously reminded. I need all the secrets I can learn about being happy because I am prone to having the black funks. A black funk, as defined in my book "Life Gone South," is: death of the soul; wanting to crawl in a hole and never come out; a fortress around my heart that blocks out joy; can't taste food -- yes, even chocolate, and yes, I tried every kind -- don't even crave sex. Feeling low, low, low, down dirty low. As you might imagine, these black funks are no damn fun so I do everything I possibly can to avoid them. I figured if throwing continuous small treats into my life will help, then sign me up.
Today was the kick-off of my "CST" therapy. I was off work and had errands to do, and some not so fun (gyno exam and groceries -- YUCK!). Instead of only doing the have-tos, I wheeled into $1 Jewelry Galore (on Battlefield, near National) and splurged on some bling. I got a tiger striped belt with hot rainbow colors, a six-pack of various sized silver hoops, a bangle bracelet, and a funky chunky wood necklace. Plus they had the cutest little mood rings -- I got the one with peace signs -- that must have made me happier because it changed to blue (calm, relaxed) and purple (sensual) the rest of the day. And all that happiness cost less than eleven bucks!
Besides the bling treats, I sipped a Diet Coke as I was cruising around (something I love but rarely do), sang along with the radio, and really paid attention to my surroundings instead of rushing and being stressed out by traffic. I noticed the Bradford pear blossoms falling down like snow, that a lot of drivers are actually courteous and not jerks, and two red Mini Coopers. It may be silly but DMan and I trade "Mini Cooper kisses" for every one we see, so I got two extra kisses just from paying attention. Turned out to be a pretty happy day despite the not-so-pleasant errands.
Feel free to give the CST therapy a try, see if you end up a bit happier. I'd love to hear if it works for you too. Now I'm going to give myself one more little treat and pour a big glass of wine to enjoy while I finish the laundry. Just because it's a small treat doesn't mean it has to come in a small glass! Cheers!
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