It is easy to fall into the trap of thinking, “I will be happy when……” In my case I found myself saying that yesterday a lot (I will be happy when I can run again). But WE SIMPLY cannot live that way because before we know it we will be 90 and realize that we were never truly happy because we were constantly trying to fast forward to future events and circumstances.
I decided last night that I was going to make myself happy NOW by pampering myself.
Sure it would be easy to pamper yourself if you had millions of dollars (think day spa, fancy restaurants, Jimmy Choo’s and Kate Spade) but I am poor so, I wanted to share with you the SIMPLE ways that I use so that I can come back to the moment and realize how blessed I truly am…..
1. Create a new playlist of your FAVORITE songs and listen to them as you……..
2. Make a homemade meal that pleases your stomach, husband and eyes. Pizza recipe found here...topped with roasted red potatoes (with olive oil and rosemary), spinach and tomatoes.
3. Paint your toenails. I will spare you the picture of this one….you are welcome.
4. Strategically place your arm on your significant other/friend/co-worker (IDK) and they will magically know that an arm scratch will make you feel like a queen. Most of the time that is true, but sometimes you have to ASK for what YOU NEED. Don’t rely on people knowing exactly what you need from them……sometimes, you just gotta tell them you need a foot rub, some alone time, someone to go on a walk with or a hug.
5. Read a book. Simple as that. Find a topic/genre that you are passionate about and curl up under the covers and read your little heart out.
6. Light a candle or two or three and think about how much you love the smell each time you breath in……breath deeply.
7. Of course a little chocolate or ice cream always helps, take the time to savor each bite.
8. Take a nap or go to bed a little earlier than usual and you will wake up feeling like a trillion bucks.
——————————————————————————————
What are your favorite ways to pamper yourself? How are you going to PAMPER YOURSELF TODAY?
Do you fall into the trap of saying, “I will be happy when…..” How do you overcome that and live in the present??
What is your food of the week (what food have you currently been loving and overdosing on)?
-I think we all know the answer for me is thin crust pizza.
80 comments
Vanessa @ Gourmet Runner
All of these are so great! I think the most important one is being able to ask for what you want. Sometimes our loved ones can't mind read (crazy right?)
I like to take long walks for myself and just zone out. I always feel better when I'm done.
If Nerds count as food that's mine for the week. I can't stop eating those tiny little guys!
:)
FashionablyFit
when i shop, i find it an immediate mood lifter. it's instant gratification for me :) and sleeping – i love sleeping.
hot ticket food item for me? eggs. and mushrooms. can't get enough of them lately.
hope you had a good day yesterday! you were so in my thoughts!
ashley & sundance
I will pamper myself today by washing my hair! ha! and i just got back from an invigorating 5 mile run in the rain (take that Coach!)
food of the week? greek yogurt and spinach salads with lots of fruit and veggies and mango salsa, YUM-O!
have a good day Janae!!!
Paula @ Eat: Watch: Run
Ha! I love the "arm scratch!" My husband always thinks I'm looney when I extend my arm over him and give him puppy dog eyes.
I think I look forward to things but I never think "I will be happy" then. I'm a pretty content person in general. If I'm in a bad mood, I drop everything for a little bit and do something that I enjoy. Even if it's just getting some ice cream or watching Cougar Town. :-)
Briana
You DEFINITELY can't get into the trap of 'I'll be happy when…' It's deadly! Mine is currently… 'I'll be happy when I'm pregnant!' but I know that I am happy now… and getting pregnant will come and then I will ALSO be happy!
Boston just wasn't the same yesterday without you. Next year it's on!
Lately… I am eating all things CHOCOLATE! Yum.
BeePieRuns
I'm totally into homemade chex mix right now… I put all kinds of extras in it like cheetos and bugles and honey mustard pretzel nuggets. Not exactly healthy but so delicious!
And lately I've been saying I'll be happy when the baby gets here, but with that one I think it's true ;)
Chels
Ohhh girl, you read my mind. I've been doing that a lot lately: "I'll be happy when…"
Thank you for the reminder :)
Coy Martinez
Food of the week is brocoli! Thanks to you!!
marathonmaiden
i never tell people what i want a la #4. i need to get better with that.
and i totally have a "happy playlist". it makes me want to DANCE
Jogging with Fiction
I'm loving your nap chair!
I love sticking my feet in Mike's lap and getting a foot rub. I'm not so sure he enjoys the situation, though.
I like to pamper myself at work by making a million cups of tea and occationally staring out the window :)
Euniece Santiago
what a lovely post. sometimes i just get so caught up in the hustle and bustle of life that i dont get to just enjoy the things around me. this post definately reminded me that pampering myself is necessary. i want to deeply breathe the sweet smell of a candle and curl up to a book!
Aneta
sometimes i paint my toes a different colour! and everytime i look down it makes me giggle!
321delish
I LOVE this post :)
# 2) Add some shrimp and feta to that pizza…YUMMO
# 4) In high school we used to sit in study hall rubbing each others arms…odd…yes…pleasurable..DEFINITELY.
You are going to become a MUCH stronger athlete, person, friend and wife by dealing with life's twists and turns :)
Have another Happy Day! :)
Chloe
Chad Wood
my fave way is a nice cup of pressed coffee, good music, and a clean house.
Katelyn @ Chef Katelyn
I have been overdosing on PANCAKES but no complaining there:))) I have been MIA for awhile and I finally caught up with all of your posts and it made my heart sad to see that you couldn't run Boston:(( BUT you are going to make a Kara Goucher comeback and we are all going to feel so special because we knew you before you got famous!! I take so many naps its a joke, and obviously pizza and books make everything better:) I will be thinking of you during my run today babygirl!! Come cheer me on during my first Half Marathon on May 1st???
Jess
Like you, I often wish that I had more money so I could drop hundreds on a day of pampering. I am learning though, that even a 15 minute break from "life" is pampering! I LOVE pampering myself by always having my nails painted! 5 Minutes for feeling a little more girly :)
Yikes! This week is all about the PB for me! I love it and want to eat it on everything!
Have a great day!
Pam
I'm with you on thin crust pizza! Made an awesome one last night :)
This is such good advice! I'm bad about trying to fast forward time, but I need to learn to live in the moment!!
I'm going to pamper myself today by enjoying nice weather in some pretty outdoor places. That always soothes me :)
Britt Burns Kelly
Girl you are wise beyond your years!
fitchocoholic
aaw what awesome ways to pamper ourselves!! :D
indecisiveathlete
Enjoying my coffee in the morning is my daily pampering idk why but I love savoring a delicious cup of coffee. And painting my nails is always nice and so is reading :)
Well I've kinda been obsessed with PB so far because I was out all last week… but I'm always obsessed with greek yogurt yummm
movesnmunchies
YES we must pamper ourselves!! i say yay to ice cream! eheheh and reality tv!
Olivia
You are too cute!! :) Reading and chocolate ice cream (froyo too!) totally make me happy:) Definitely agree that we should pamper ourselves and live it up now…we've only got this one life to live! love it!
Pamela
Love this. I have fallen into the abyss of "when I.." way too often. I'm working to keep living in the now my focus. This is a great reminder to work on personal pampering and to enjoy the simple things, the pleasurable things that you don't have to spend a lot of $$ on. Now I'm enjoying my coffee.
Missy
I think we defintely all fall into the category of "I will be happy when…" because alot of things we want cost MONEY that we don't have lol
Currently I am not happy at my job but I figured out what I want to pursue in the future, photography, but first I have to pay off some debt in order to buy a nice camera and pay for classes…but it will all come in good time. You have to remember to enjoy life in the moment…your examples are great, I just enjoy spending times with friends and reading a good book that I already own! lol or go for a run, that's free!
SbMac
I love some of the things you said. I pamper myself by snuggling up with a book and some Enya. Which will most likely lead to a nice soothing nap!
Laura
I have been falling into that trap for almost a year! But now that I'm settled into a new city, house and job I'm trying to tell myself "THIS, is the when. This is what you were waiting for!!"
The candle trick is good… I also like burning incense at night if it's a soothing smell like lemongrass or lavender! Great post as always!!
Stefanie
You're so right! There have been so many times when I've said "I'll be happy when…" but I just need to do something to make myself happy now! :)
Allison
Great post. It's good that you are learning this now because it will happen again after you have kids. "I'll be happy when…"
-he sleeps through the night
-he doesn't want to nurse every 37 minutes
-he can wipe his own butt
-he can get his own breakfast
…and so on and so forth.
It's always something!
You just reminded me that I need to treat myself to a pre-marathon pedicure later this week. :) Thanks!
Mon Amour
My favorite way to pamper myself is to take a bubble bath with bath salts. It has the effects of aromatherapy plus the effects of being in warm water. Perfect
Natalie Cates
I try to always live in the present, but I typically find myself "looking forward" to other things (the weekend, summer, vacation, etc). I remind myself how special and important each day is and try to think of positive points for each and every day.
I pamper myself by getting frozen yogurt, snuggling with the husband, or maybe going to bed a few minutes early so I can read (okay, this one is always a good intention but rarely happens).
My food for the past two weeks has been the fresh sliced mango from Sam's! It comes in 2 lb boxes, and oh my gosh I love it!!! And of course, frozen yogurt!
Tessa @ Amazing Asset
I admit to falling into this trap, and really appreciate you posting these tips to get out of a "funk!"
Reading is definitely one of my favorite ways to feel happy, getting lost in a story is a fantastic, healthy escape :)
What food have I been loving lately? Ice cream/froyo/sorbet/gelato aka cold treats! Now that the weather is finally getting warmer, I can't seem to quell the hunger beast for these
Mallory
I love all your ideas! The other thing I do it make a list of things I'm THANKFUL for so I remember all that I have!!!
Mel
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Melissa
I always think I'll be happy when…I get an A on something, or turn a certain age, or reach a certain weight…but it is so not true!! I'm the happiest when I take time for myself, spend time with my hubby and fur babies, and realize how lucky I am!!
Rachelle Wardle
I like to pamper myself by going out for icecream, or simply laying in my bed when I know I shouldn't be.
Current food obsession is anything in a tortilla shell. Tacos, enchiladas, fajitas, quesadillas, anything I can stuff in a tortilla.
Have a wonderful day my dear!
Stefanie D.
I love to get a pedicure. Makes me feel like a trillion bucks! Plus, they can always paint my toenails so much better than I can. It's ridiculous.
Right now I am obsessed with cheese. Any kind. But mostly hard cheeses for some reason. Parmasean, Asiago, Fontina. They have so much flavor and are AWESOME on a spinach salad. Mmmm.
Julia
I am SO glad we are friends. I pretty much had the same realization yesterday that the majority of my stress is coming from living in the future constantly!!! Which is fine but it is stressful and keeping me from getting ANYTHING done in the present.
So last night I treated myself to homemade Chinese food and yogurtland. Then I got up early and went to the gym at 5am for the first time since pre-foot problems. I was still in some pain but it felt good to care enough to get out of bed and get my workout on!
I am obsessed with all fruit lately. I like can't get enough of it. And it is making me poor.
can I see you soon? please?
Caitlin
Good for you beautiful girl!! I for sure fall into that trap too. Recently when I get in the mindset I try to find someone on my floor to talk to in order to make a new friend!
Caroline
pampering…not something I do since 2004…I don't even think I have done it once in the last almost 7 yrs…sad…sad.sad
you see on the list of priority I am after the kids, Bill, and my dog. I guess getting a haircute is the closest to pampering I get. it is ok though.
I think I am pretty good at being in the present..being told I have a tumor on one kidney did make me change that a lot
Food: hmm lucky lemon smoothie at juice it up!
Amylee
NEVER fast forward your life. I learned this mostly after I had my kids. It's so good that you are learning it (or know it) now! You will run again in no time.
I went to bed at 10 last night, and I do feel like a trillion bucks! To pamper myself I watched Grey's on Hulu and enjoyed a smallish stack of fresh chocolate chip cookies (I'm saying I only ate 5, but the truth is that I lost track. It happens when the tupperware is sitting right next to you!) And nothing beats cuddle time with the hubby.
Mandee
my snack of the week is rice cakes with peanut butter and dark chocolate squares, and meal of the week is fish tacos!
Penny
I overdose french vanilla Cappucinos, can you call that a food.
Pamper myself by haveing my hubby give me a foot massage.
I will be happy when I'm skinner. But that is so faults. I know now that I will be happier if I eat health and exercise regular.
Suza
I been overdosing on DRIED SEAWEED, hahahaha.
I just painted my toenails blue and sparkly before I read your post :)
Kristen Waby
I heart this post! You´re such a sweetie!
ihatepickleslikewoah
i love you and i'm soooo glad i found your blog. :)
ummm, i take a HOT bath every morning to wake up my muscles and get ready to jump into the day.
i definitely get caught in that trap, too. "i'll be happy when my legs look like giselles"….
yesterday i overdosed on swedish fish. mmmmm :)
Lorraine
I like to pamper myself with a good-chick flick movie and curled up on the couch :)
For this week, I have been obsessed with good-old fashioned Trail Mix. We just got a new bag from Costco and it is always calling my name…..I think it is the M&M's and raisins mostly lol
Katie
Hey girl! I came across your blog about a week ago but forgot to say something until now :) I love reading your blog, you are too cute. I'm a food junky as well and love running. I knew I had to comment when I saw you mention 'perfectly placing your hand/arm to get it scratched' because I do this all the time with my husband and unfortunately he's caught on to my game. LOL I love it!
Laura
I've totally been ODing on salsa lately. It's so filling and healthy to have it with peppers, celery, and carrot sticks – I love that I can eat basically an unlimited amount and not have to worry. I'm obsessed with Trader Joe's Peach Salsa and also their Jalapeno and Lime Salsa…. but today I picked up THREE new kinds from there to try. I'm psyched :)
Tara
I looove this :)
Maria
I kind of pampered myself with my first ever sports massage- not sure if pain counts as pampering?
I had rather a lot of ice cream in Italy, but when in Rome….(please, continue)- had to get the Anchorman in there somewhere!
jensdaily
It's a bad trap to get caught in, my trap was "when I lose weight i'll be happy." But, I have an awesome husband, beautiful kids and I'm happy now, but still need to lose weight ;)
Jen
http://jensdaily.wordpress.com/
Rachel @ The Perseverance Diaries
Thanks for the tips! I am also poor and living in Manhattan. I'm always tempted to go blow my money on expensive activities until I realize my bank account can't handle it :(
I'm overdosing on peanut butter chocolate soy delicious ice cream! Ate the entire container in about two days, I just can't help it :)
Neon Blonde Runner
Oh I really like the idea of sliced red potatoes on your pizza, I'm going to have to try that!
Chelsea
I find myself saying that alot lately as well, I will be happy when my milage increases and I can complete a 6 miler…or when I have a 6 pack…what I have realized is that there will always be something that I am pushing more towards and I will never be happy if I continue to think that way. I have to learn to be content and happy with the present.
I love to pamper myself on Friday nights, light a candle, cuddle up in a blanket and read a good book…and enjoy some chocolate covered almonds with yogert.
runyogarepeat
I love these inspirational posts of yours! There's no reason to wait to be happy. I'm gonna pamper myself by getting to bed early.
Food of the week: maple syrup! There's maple syrup samples & sugar on snow (maple syrup on snow/ice) samples on campus today.
myhighonlife
This is so cute Janae! You're doing an amazing job handling the no-running blues, you're such an inspiration!
I had a bad migraine last night/this morning so I allowed myself to sleep in until 10 & it was glorious! Maybe I'll even paint my toe nails tonight too. (while consuming chocolate of some sort of course!)
Misty
Thanks for this post. My boyfriend and I broke up this past weekend after being together for a year and a half so I think I need some me time and pampering…..
Misty
Gracie (Complicated Day)
My work is killing me right now and I really need pampering but my problem is I don't have TIME!
Hannah Berg
Pampering: Today I will treat myself to a slow and steady run at the gym after work, a refreshing shower, and a cooked dinner w sweet potato fries ;) Then some quality time with my bf!
Samantha
Oh, pedicure for sure.
Lindsay and James Cotter
I like to go on coffee dates with the hubs. Pampering my time. I love that arm picture, so sweet!
Did you see Kara's baby? OH my, chunk of love! haha.
Recession Is The New Blonde
loooove your blog, its one of my favorites!!
check out mine, i left you a present :)
http://blonderecession.blogspot.com/
Erika
I find myself stalking your blog a lot lately for a good laugh…thank you for helping my spirit lately! Being injured is NO fun!! I'm on week 6 of no running and I find myself with the same mentality ALL THE TIME! But today, I'm going to enjoy every second, rain and all! Thank you!
hungry-dancer.com
I think this quote may inspire you!
"We tend to forget that happiness doesn't come as a result of getting something we don't have, but rather of recognizing and appreciating what we do have."
Alyssa @ Life of bLyss
I so agree… you've gotta pamper yourself!
I loove indulging in some brownie batter (I'm not joking). Or a nice massage, although I never actually do so.
I noticed you are a Sara B fan… listen to her song "Uncharted." It talks about happiness and the subject you're touching on. It's my current anthem. ;)
"Compare where you are to where you wanna be and you get nowhere.."
Leanne@Coffeeandclaptrap
Good on you Janae for pampering yourself :D
Pampering fo' me tonight is an early night, I'm that sad!
Hope your better soon sweet x
Annette @ EnjoyYourHealthyLife
I am going to pamper myself today by teaching BodyPUMP (check), cleaning my house (half check), taking a nap, do lots of reading (a fun book), and going to bed early!! My husband will prob give me a massage too….. (hope he is reading this right now!)
I try not to say I will be happy when….but I too need to work on this badly!!
Monica Whitney
Oh, I love this post. It just makes me happy. We need to learn to enjoy the present, don't we?
What if pampering myself involves Diet Coke but in one of my previous comments I vowed to give it up with you? Hmmm..
http://asktheduplex.blogspot.com/
Chloé
i just had yogurtland for lunch and thought of you :) also.. my friend Lee who was with me when we ran into each other there? she just sent me this video and she thought you might enjoy it! maybe you have already seen it though. here is the link!
Mrs. JM
i don't do "i will be happy when …" – fortunately. that was back when i was older. now that i'm younger, and more mature, i try to be aware of how fleeting life can be and live it well by doing those things that make me happy. no matter how small they may seem to others.
i do believe that rosemary can bring great happiness! pampering for me is pretty dang simple these days; i feel special when i get to go ANYWHERE by myself. even if it's just to get gas. or, go grocery shopping. twice weekly yoga classes make me feel pampered too.
i'm glad you are paying attention. your very self aware and i like that about you. a great quality.
ATTrio
I love to get my nails done! I hate painting them myself and so it is a totally treat. Especially when I get a mani and a pedi :)
I guess I will say I will be happy when I have traveled the world! That is my dream goal but overall I would say I am happy with how things are going. For the most past, I guess I could also add that I will be happy when I can run faster and it is easier to run faster (double smile)
This week…craving hot cross buns from Amy's Bread in Chelsea market. Going to get one this weekend! (I love and crave bread everyday of my life)
Sarah
Jen
You're so deep. And so wise. Make yourself happy today! Love the advice. I usually eat which is not always good. I did the Diet Coke thing Saturday to drown my sorrows in and it was oh so good.
I guess I need to come up with some good ways like you have to treat myself without it being food. Thanks for the good ideas!
Lauren
Ahh you amaze me. And that pizza amazes me too. I need to make that.
Kate (What Kate is Cooking)
I've been OD-ing on ice cream, but really, what's new?!
indecisiveari
Ah this post totally made me happy. And now I need ice cream.
Running Around the Kitchen
These are my favorite things to do when I have the day to myself. If you haven't tried Pandora you need to start, it creates playlists for you so you don't have to take the time to do it.
Cara
I think finding new hobbies that can make you happy as well work too! How about going to the driving range or golf course! That could be something fun you and the hubbs do together!
ratherthecouch
I absolutely fall into the trap of "I will be happy when". I don't know that I'm very successful at finding ways out, but I did make a really yummy pizza this weekend!
Dorry
I've been eating so much dried fruit and nut mix – it's ridiculous! But I love it. I pamper myself with a manicure or pedicure every now and then…pretty rare, but I love to have my feet massaged!
athletic chick
Thanks so much for this post – I've been doing a lot of the "I'll be happy when I can … train/ride/run/swim" thinking lately. It doesn't get me anywhere but depressed, so thank you for the reminder not to dwell on that!
Pampering – sleeping in. :)
Kat
I'm going to go to bed a little earlier today (like before 2am..) and actually remember to pamper my skin a little tonight, I've been abusing it lately.
And I always fall into the trap of "I'll be happy when.." Usually it's when I'm thinner, have my braces off, etc. I need to stop!
You have me craving pizza like crazy now, there's actually a bunch of mini pizza thingy in the fridge, just waiting for me to add tomato sauce and cheese to them! My lunch for tomorrow is set, haha.