“As much as Americans are portrayed as an overindulgent society, the truth is that when we decide to care for ourselves in a more attentive, proactive, and soul-nourishing way, we’re forced to confront a cultural view that selfish is a dirty word.” Cheryl Richardson-The Art of Extreme Self Care
I have a sign that hangs over my kitchen sink,
“Life is Short. Eat Dessert First.” I bought it at a yard sale for something like $1.00. I loved it because it was such a freeing statement. When you think about it, everyone would like to eat dessert first, but why don’t we? Perhaps it goes back to the days when our mother used to yell at us, “You can’t have dessert until you finish your dinner!” In my case, it was pot roast. It was as if we had to punish ourselves by eating something we didn’t like, before we deserved to indulge in something we enjoyed.
“Life is Short. Eat Dessert First.” I bought it at a yard sale for something like $1.00. I loved it because it was such a freeing statement. When you think about it, everyone would like to eat dessert first, but why don’t we? Perhaps it goes back to the days when our mother used to yell at us, “You can’t have dessert until you finish your dinner!” In my case, it was pot roast. It was as if we had to punish ourselves by eating something we didn’t like, before we deserved to indulge in something we enjoyed. Well, I found someone who is speaking up. All the suffers of Dessert Denial out there need Cheryl Richardson’s new book, The Art of Extreme Self Care
where she talks about allowing in and appreciating the simple pleasures of life. Often, people are so stressed and busy doing things for other people that they feel guilty about allowing themselves the simple pleasures of life like getting a facial, reading a racy novel, having a clutter free home office or eating a beautiful dessert in public. ,”
To me, a great meal including a luscious dessert is a work of art that we deserve and should treat ourselves to daily. If it’s not dessert that you absolutely love, maybe it’s a walk on the beach or game of golf. When we put ourselves first and do the things we love as a practice, it allows us to be fully at peace and joyful in the present moment. Taking time during the day to walk on the beach, enjoy nature in some way, make love, or eat a beautiful dessert is like putting your oxygen mask on before helping others. If you don’t take care of yourself and feed your soul with pleasure on a regular basis, how can you take care of others effectively?
In her new book, The Art of Extreme Self Care
, Cheryl Richardson says, “…I’ve learned that when we care for ourselves deeply and deliberately, we naturally begin to care for others—our families, our friends, and the world—in a healthier and more effective way…We tell the truth…We make choices from a place of love and compassion instead of guilt and obligation…The Art of Extreme Self Care
takes patience, commitment, and practice. It initially requires a willingness to sit with some uncomfortable feelings, too, such as guilt—for putting your own needs first, fear--of being judged and criticized by others, or anxiety—from challenging long-held beliefs and behaviors.”
Do your soul a favor. Practice The Art of Extreme Self Care
. Next time you decide to go out to eat, take a walk on the wild side. Pretend you’re French and order a whole dessert for yourself. Linger over the dessert with wine and feel the intense experience of pleasuring yourself with a little piece of heaven. You’re worth it.
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Copyright© R. Ann Rousseau. R. Ann Rousseau reviews spiritual metaphysical books on her blog http://www.explorebeyondtheusual.blogspot.com/ and website http://www.explorebeyondtheusual.com/ She has completed her first novel Portsmouth, A Love Story.
Other Blog Posts by R. Ann Rousseau: Your Life is Whispering to You. Pay Attention. Oprah's Life Class Discussion, The Power of a Second Chance: Oprah's Life Class Discussion, Aging : Oprah's Life Class Discussion, Connecting the Dots- Steve Jobs' Stanford Commencement Speech, The Truth Will Set You Free, Discussion of Oprah's Super Soul Sunday Premiere: The World Beyond, A Women's Bodies, Women's Wisdom Moment, Breaking Out the Top Shelf Advice for Rough Times, Eat Dessert First -The Art of Extreme Self Care, Queen of the Law of Least Effort-Seven Spiritual Laws of Success Book Review, The Secret of Instant Healing Book Review, Transforming Fate into Destiny Book Review, Awakening the Lightworker Within Book Review, The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane Book Review, Trust Your Gut Book Review, The Spirit Whisperer Book Review, Astrology for the Light Side of the Brain Book Review, My 9/11 Story, How to Be Inspired Book Review, Infinite Quest Book Review, Biology of Belief Book Review, The Morning Breeze Has Secrets to Tell, The Gentle Way II Book Review, Do You Fear or Respect Mother Nature?, You Can Heal Your Life Movie Review, Hereafter Movie Review, North Wind Blowing -Time for a Change, Presence University, Impossible Situations are Great Opportunities, Do You Have Enough?, Moon Tides Soul Passages Book Review, Compromise with the Varmints! Yankee Doodle Discord Book Review, A Wright Brothers Moment! The Sacred Promise Book Review
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