march 13, 2020
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reflection section
rewarding ourselves


This small colorful card I have posted near my makeup mirror reminds me daily to gripe less . I like the other phrases, too, yet want to scratch out "order dessert."

Let's talk about rewarding ourselves. What is a reward?



re·ward -- /rəˈwôrd/
noun: a thing given in recognition of one's service,
effort, or achievement
synonyms: prize ,  honor ,  advantage ,  benefit ,  bonus , 
premium , gift , payment, perk

Notice the definition reads "a thing" not "a food." (Are we dogs waiting for treats?) What excuses do we regularly use to convince ourselves a reward should be in the form of sweets, junk food, Fireball, and Slurpees?

  • "I'm on vacation!" (you don't care about yourself on vacation?)
  • "I deserve it!" (you deserve a more beneficial reward)
  • "It's the weekend!" (plenty of activities to do besides munching chips)
  • "I'm upset!" (eating a half-gallon of ice cream might make you more upset)

Being "on vacation" from self-care and mindful eating can sabotage our bodies, and later - we might pay. Shoveling "rewards" down our throats, such as Doritos, ice cream cake, or a mocha cookie crumble frappuccino; or slurping up seven margaritas won't feel like such a good-time reward if we're nauseous or hungover the following day. Isn't that more like a punishment ? Just sayin'.

Consider how society offers rewards:

  • If we performed a heroic act in the community, would the mayor honor us with a dozen doughnuts?

  • If we reached 30 years of employment with a company, does Human Resources gift us with a year's worth of French fries and soda?

  • When a reward is offered for finding a lost cat or piece of sentimental jewelry, is it given in food or cash?

REWARD!!
12 CASES OF CHEEZ-ITS FOR THE RETURN
OF THIS DIAMOND BRACELET!

Listen, I am far from perfect. Have I ever rewarded myself with an enormous pink cotton candy at the fairground or a bag of kettle-cooked chips, a hot dog, and three giant beers at the baseball game? And did I feel well that night? And did I beat up myself over its consumption? Yes ... no ... yes.

This snippet of awareness can apply to kids as well. Uh-oh, look at the ways we reward (and bribe) children: with lollipops, chocolate bars, candy, cookies, root beer, and other "treats." We're so nice - and dentists love us! Kids think sugar is the ultimate prize; they may not know better, but we do. (By the way, is FUN attainable only with alcohol? But wait, kids are notorious at enjoying themselves with silly giggly fun most anywhere they go - without touching a drop. Cool.)

There are ways to reward ourselves without involving food/alcohol:

  • buy a bouquet of flowers to brighten up the desk or your spirits
  • get a manicure, a pedicure or both
  • clock time off from work to recharge (an hour, an afternoon)
  • venture out with a favorite person, someone who inspires you
  • do a hobby you most enjoy
  • watch the sunrise, sunset, sit on a pier or park bench
  • soak in a warm bath with Mr. Bubble
  • buy a new colorful lunch box or water bottle
  • take a hike, ride a bike, do something you like
  • check out a new book or music CD from the library
  • schedule a little time away (an hour, day, weekend) from husbands, wives, pets, kids, grandkids, and/or other exhausting critters living in your space :D
  • play music (kitchen dancing not required but fun!)

Returning to the colorful card at the start of this snippet: LAUGH MORE (and remember it the next day) ... GRIPE LESS (no stomachache) ... IGNORE CRITICS (delete this snippet if you want) ... SAY YES (to rewards better for us than cake) ... DO NOT ORDER DESSERT (cheaper dinner bill) and ... LOVE LIFE (without treating yourself like a dog).
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snippeteer backtalk
"I so look forward to your column every week, even if I don't often respond. As you may remember, the last year has been a difficult one for my family and me, losing my dad and my husband Tom within seven weeks of each other. Monday was the one-year anniversary of my husband's passing. Two of my sons, two granddaughters, and I are taking off and spending the day together celebrating his life. We are going to Gettysburg, a place he enjoyed, as he loved history, shopping at the outlets (he loved buying running shoes), and eating lunch at a pub we liked. We are thinking of writing notes to Tom and sending them off in a balloon to end the day."
~ Karen in Maryland

"Love the term 'Queenager!'"
~ Phyllis in Maryland

"Funny this is the subject this week. I had a day - and I mean A DAY . And yes, I giggled each time a wrench was thrown into my task, along with 'SERIOUSLY!!??' Was it a productive day? Maybe on a much smaller scale than I had anticipated, but that was fine. Sharing the events with my husband created some giggles. He shared that when he opened his lunch box, he saw I had accidentally placed an entire container of cornbread inside, instead of his expected lunch. He said to his coworkers, 'I hope the rest of her day goes better.' Ummm no, but I didn’t let it stop me as I said a little prayer and moved on to another task. I remind myself, 'I GET to do this,' and send up a prayer for those who don’t get to. I think of the TV ad where the dad tells his daughter, 'Make good choices.' She in turn says, “ You make good choices.” God gives us lots of choices. I do my best to make them good. Great message, thanks!!"
~ Nancy in West Virginia

"Bravo to you! First thing last Friday morning, I received a text from a friend who I had guided to SNIPPETS some time ago. She thanked me for your weekly inspiration and called me her Angel on Earth. Had to share this feel-good morning with you, my friend. Carry on your Good Works! You are making a positive difference in many lives. What a blessing God has bestowed on you. You impact the lives of strangers! I know it has to feel like work some weeks, as life happens, but you keep going and I am just one of the many who feel grateful for your stamina and endless cheer."
~ Geri in Delaware
prayer flares
'pray' artwork

FOR the whole world!!
good to giggle :-D
learning gets better with age
I've learned that our dog doesn't want to
eat my broccoli either.

~ age 7
I've learned that just when I get my room the way I like it, Mom makes me clean it
up again.
~ age 12
I've learned that wherever I go,
the world's worst drivers have followed me there.
~ age 29

I've learned that children and their
grandparents are natural allies.

~ age 36
I've learned that motel mattresses are better
on the side away from the phone. 
~ age 45
I've learned that even when I have pains,
I don't have to be one.

~ age 74
queen of quotes
more writing by Suzanna on Snippets of Faith ...
Ciao until you snippet again ...
grazie for reading

suzanna molino singleton
writer, editor, author

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