I had plans that fell through at the last minute this afternoon, and since I was feeling myself steering towards the prospect of spend said afternoon in front of the TV eating crap, I said: “No.” And I took my bike to head downtown, with the sudden aim of doing something I should have done a long time ago: having the third hole in my left ear pierced again. (Silly me had broken the ring that was in it a few years ago, and by the time I found something else to put in it, the hole was closed again. Feh.)
Well, I didn’t just go to town, to be honest. I also put on sexy clothes, and decided–again, at the last moment–to try on a tube of temporary blue dye a friend had offered me some time ago. And I put on make-up as well. And jewellery. Whatever I could lay my hands on to make me realize that getting out and showing off to the rest of the world was much better than plopping down on the couch with a bowl of cereals.
So I biked downtown, went to a store where I knew I could have my ear pierced in a safe and non-expensive way, and took this as an opportunity to buy some more jewelry and accessories that were on sale (they also had scarves for 1 euro, things like that). It took me quite some time–mostly because the first store I walked in was too full, and the employees at the second one had me apologetically wait because they had to deal with two kids who had attempted to steal earrings. But since it took me so long, I also was kept away from the TV+food temptation long enough for it to dwindle.
Anyway, I went back home more than two hours later with my new earrings and scarf and bracelets and stuff… and boy, was I glad I went on that shopping spree. I know it seems silly, but doing that kind of things from time to time really feels nice, and reminds me that, yes, I am worth the care and trendy clothes.
Or maybe I’m just so vain, but as long as it helps me not regaining that darned weight, I’m okay with that!
January 19th, 2008 at 19:35
I think it’s great that you went out on the town and got some nice things for yourself! We all need to do that more often, I think.
January 19th, 2008 at 20:32
Oh yes, we do! It’s silly, but IMHO it’s really like telling oneself “I am worth taking care of myself”. And liking oneself is important…
January 19th, 2008 at 21:02
I’m impressed that you were able to come up with something to do to quell your craving! I really need to get in that habit. I usually just sit around and keep thinking about how I am NOT going to eat whatever it is… which of course only makes it harder.
January 19th, 2008 at 21:59
Uh, well, it was a good method, but it’s one I can’t do every time some silly craving hits… because it’s expensive in the end! XD
January 20th, 2008 at 23:15
I agree, getting out (especially on a bike) for a fun errand beats sitting at home feeling deprived.
And what you bought sounded really reasonable. You ARE worth it!
January 22nd, 2008 at 19:08
Good for you!
I spend more money when I’m slender and healthy. What’s that all about? A reward, I guess, and a distraction. Personally, it doesn’t bother me. I’m so cheap I don’t tend to go overboard. Usually.
January 24th, 2008 at 22:26
Well, to be honest, I also tend to ‘treat’ and spend money on myself when I feel right about my body–it doesn’t have to be ‘being slender’, but let’s admit that the last thing I feel like doing if I binged is to buy jewelry or nice clothes.
Hm, isn’t that the egg and the chicken problem? Will I feel better (and therefore not binge) if I treat myself more often? Or do I have to stop bingeing so that I will treat myself?
Oh well. Currently applying my school and work motto: “just do it”, because if I think too much about these things, I tend to collapse.