Treat. Yo. Self.

Seriously, Parks and Rec is amazing. One of the most brilliant episodes is called Pawnee Rangers and, yes, that’s partly for introducing me to the concept of Treat Yo Self. The idea that one day a year you get to spoil yourself, to do whatever it is that makes you smile (really, this should probably happen more often than once a year). Here’s the catch: being selfish can be hard.

I love cooking for family and friends, to show that I care through delicious food. But for a long time I didn’t see the point of making a meal just for me. Why go to all that trouble? But the question should really be, why not treat myself the same way I treat those I care about?

That’s what Treat Yo Self is about, giving yourself permission to be selfish. Other ways I spoil myself: lounging in bed for hours on weekend mornings reading a really good book, buying colorful flowers to brighten up the house, and getting pedicures.

What do you do to Treat Yo Self?

What I’m reading: Front Page Fatality by LynDee Walker (cozy mystery + Manolo Blahniks = happy reading)

What I’m listening to: Darren Korb – Bastion Soundtrack