I had my first weak moment yesterday. After a TV interview on a local San Antonio morning show (We discussed my memoir The Package Deal Hint: it’s not clothes. You can buy it), I felt that rush of accomplishment– I did it– the relief that comes after a performance– I didn’t bomb. Yay, me!– that I equate with REWARD. I left the TV station feeling completely entitled. I DESERVE A TREAT!
It just so happened that my next stop was the Alamo Quarry Market- the location of my book signing later that night. I knew there was a Borders there, but I had no idea that this “market” was also home to Lululemon Athletica, Banana Republic, Ann Taylor and The Gap. Uh oh. The temptation to reward myself with something “pretty, shiny and new” took over. GIMME. GIMME. GIMME. I circled the mall a few times (like a stalker) until I pulled in front of Borders.
I told myself, you don’t need clothes. You just want new clothes. Stop being a spoiled brat and stick to the diet. I headed into Borders, cased out the joint, browsed the new titles, bought myself a coffee and headed for the door. Major rainstorm. Without an umbrella, I positioned myself inside Border’s foyer, looking out at the pounding rain and Ann Taylor winking at me from across the parking lot.
I realized then that finding other ways to reward myself is going to be the biggest challenge for me over the next year. I primarily shop for clothes for a job well done. So, if it’s not a new garment, what is it? Fresh flowers? A massage? A nice bottle of wine? Or do I really need to “get” anything? Why isn’t it enough to just say to myself, “You knocked it out of the park today. And by the way, you’re still rockin’ last years pencil skirt.”
Loading ...
First of all, congrats on the book signing and PR stuff! As a former book pulishing employee (Harcourt Children’s Books), I so get all the work behind this and the accomplishment to get the publicity. So. . .wahooo to you!!!!
Then I love your comment about ‘reward’. . this is definitely one of “the” elements of this diet that intrigues me. What is it about needing a tangible reward vs just the sense of satisfaction in a job well-done? I’m hoping to explore that about myself over the next year and see if I learn, well, anything. Good for you for staying committed and not slipping into any of the clothes stores for a treat. Wahoo for you. . .TWICE!
You rock sister! Of course you knocked it out of the park! Think of all those kick ass women in Africa or Guatamala trying to save their families and villagesin their sarongs. They are thinking of treating themselves with a bottle of water. I guess that puts it all in perspective, eh?
Well done Izzy!!! I’d probably absolutely cack it infront of a TV camera so kudos to you!!
Yeah, I reckon your best bet is to get out of the mindset of “big” treats and maybe start thinking of small treats as “enough”. Like chocs or a magazine. We still need to mark our achievements in some way huh??
Sounds like everything is going really well with the book!!! xxx