I have recently been reading
The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin.
(It's been fabulous so far! I highly recommend it.)
Gretchen mentioned something that really struck a cord with me.
Happiness Myth No. 5: A "treat" Will Cheer You Up.
Oh. my. goodness.
As I thought on it, I realized how true this was for me.
When I think of something tasty to eat (typically sweet...and chocolate) my mouth starts to water. I think of how wonderful that food is and how happy it'll make me feel just eating it.
And so I treat myself.
At the first few bites, I do get an initial rush of happiness.
But then something funny happens.
It quickly diminishes.
By the time my treat has ended, I've already decided that I want more; I want to try and extend that happiness.
I'll take more.
And sometimes more.
But as soon as I am done, my happiness rush is over and is replaced by guilt. And shame. (And sometimes a stomach ache.)
The happiness is fleeting. It lasts but a moment and my "treat" is so short lived that within an hour I find myself looking for the next treat to give me another boost.
It DOESN'T truly make me happy.
I've gone back to something that I've done before (and what I realize really works for me). Instead of handling treats as the urge strikes, I portion out one treat for the end of each day.
As other temptations come along, I find that I can resist them more knowing that I have my special treat waiting for me.
In the evening, I'll put the kids down to bed and I'll sit with my treat. I try to have less distractions so that I can savor and taste each bite.
Not only do I truly enjoy my treat, but I am happy all day just thinking about it and knowing that I've remained in control and not over-indulgent.
Happy.
