Oh, my goodness. This struck a chord for me! Our family adopted a rescue from Mississippi last December, our first dog ever. Talk about life-changing! I describe him as the embodiment of Joy, which I really need because I have ongoing anxiety and chronic illness that makes it hard to stay active. Playing with him and taking him for interesting long walks were some of my best "treats." Then 6 months after arriving, he tested positive for heartworm, which is potentially fatal and means several months of treatment, sedation, restricted activity... not much doggie joy. So now, I'm working to find those "treats" you described for myself and new "treats" for him.
Your essay was a good reminder that I can notice and appreciate those everyday treats, which we modern folks consider necessities but which are really indulgences and luxuries. Like flavored coffee or lovely smelling shampoo. Just acknowledging it as a treat would probably trigger that little dopamine hit that we end up looking for in more and bigger "treats" as time goes on.
That’s a great point! Much of this practice is just recognizing the very fact that it’s a treat at all. And I’m so sorry about the heartworm. Poor little guy.
I’m really trying to stick to treats that cost no (or almost no) money. I just don’t want to cement that association in my mind, that reward = buying something.
This is my postpartum strategy for loving my body as it is - I splurge on some beautiful body scrubs, washes, and creams, and every time I use them it feels like I'm doing something nice to give gratitude to a body that has worked hard and done something amazing, rather than being upset that I look and feel different than I used to :)
What a good idea! I agree with Jenn - that being conscious of treats will help me pick out those moments that are in my life. And, this is what I really need, to take a moment out of everything I have to do, to enjoy. And that tea looks amazing. I wonder if you could do something similar as a jam tea. Hmm.
I love how you draw such an apt metaphor for life through caring for your new rescue dog! He's just adorable, I love Australian Shepherds, and Gordy has such a beautiful coat. I know my readers will enjoy your story of him and your essay, so I've shared it with them in my Sunday post.
Gordy is our second too, both Aussies. Apparently, Gordy was a pandemic puppy that a family realized they couldn’t take care of. They’re needy and high energy for sure, but I adore them!
I love Aussies. But being realistic, I couldn’t give them enough exercise.. they can eat your home if they are bored 😂 I have a chocolate labrador ( a Covid dog too) and a Jack Russel cross who had spent over a year in the pound… awful character, hates everything except his humans and he is incredibly loyal and loving. Dogs are joy in a fur coat ❤️
I am really enjoying your posts, Sarai, thank you 💜. This one made my eyes wet. Thank you for having a huge heart and adopting a rescue🙏. He looks adorable.
He’s pretty awesome. He’s super affectionate, funny, and loves to play with Lucy already. And a real gentleman with the cats! He has clearly lived with cats before (and probably been put in his place by them, unlike Lucy).
Oh, my goodness. This struck a chord for me! Our family adopted a rescue from Mississippi last December, our first dog ever. Talk about life-changing! I describe him as the embodiment of Joy, which I really need because I have ongoing anxiety and chronic illness that makes it hard to stay active. Playing with him and taking him for interesting long walks were some of my best "treats." Then 6 months after arriving, he tested positive for heartworm, which is potentially fatal and means several months of treatment, sedation, restricted activity... not much doggie joy. So now, I'm working to find those "treats" you described for myself and new "treats" for him.
Your essay was a good reminder that I can notice and appreciate those everyday treats, which we modern folks consider necessities but which are really indulgences and luxuries. Like flavored coffee or lovely smelling shampoo. Just acknowledging it as a treat would probably trigger that little dopamine hit that we end up looking for in more and bigger "treats" as time goes on.
That’s a great point! Much of this practice is just recognizing the very fact that it’s a treat at all. And I’m so sorry about the heartworm. Poor little guy.
I loved this idea.
Money has been tight around my house and it gets to be a little depressing. This could give us little perks to enjoy the day.
Thank you
I’m really trying to stick to treats that cost no (or almost no) money. I just don’t want to cement that association in my mind, that reward = buying something.
This is my postpartum strategy for loving my body as it is - I splurge on some beautiful body scrubs, washes, and creams, and every time I use them it feels like I'm doing something nice to give gratitude to a body that has worked hard and done something amazing, rather than being upset that I look and feel different than I used to :)
I love that, Gemma.
What a good idea! I agree with Jenn - that being conscious of treats will help me pick out those moments that are in my life. And, this is what I really need, to take a moment out of everything I have to do, to enjoy. And that tea looks amazing. I wonder if you could do something similar as a jam tea. Hmm.
I bet you could! I made jam last night, and it was similar to the first step in the recipe (except heated).
I have blackberry jelly and tried it with that. It was okay but the jelly is a bit too firm. Try, try again.
I love how you draw such an apt metaphor for life through caring for your new rescue dog! He's just adorable, I love Australian Shepherds, and Gordy has such a beautiful coat. I know my readers will enjoy your story of him and your essay, so I've shared it with them in my Sunday post.
Thanks Jodie! I definitely feel like a rescue dog sometimes.
What a lovely idea… mini treats that bring joy. And how beautiful that you have taken on a rescue dog. I have two, and they both bring me great joy. 💕
Gordy is our second too, both Aussies. Apparently, Gordy was a pandemic puppy that a family realized they couldn’t take care of. They’re needy and high energy for sure, but I adore them!
I love Aussies. But being realistic, I couldn’t give them enough exercise.. they can eat your home if they are bored 😂 I have a chocolate labrador ( a Covid dog too) and a Jack Russel cross who had spent over a year in the pound… awful character, hates everything except his humans and he is incredibly loyal and loving. Dogs are joy in a fur coat ❤️
I am really enjoying your posts, Sarai, thank you 💜. This one made my eyes wet. Thank you for having a huge heart and adopting a rescue🙏. He looks adorable.
He’s pretty awesome. He’s super affectionate, funny, and loves to play with Lucy already. And a real gentleman with the cats! He has clearly lived with cats before (and probably been put in his place by them, unlike Lucy).
:) I just had a memory of our Lucy (cat) putting Deli (dog) in her place :D.
I am so glad for you all :) His face told me he was a darling. Lucy looks like a sweetheart too.