If you have a basic mental file folder of pop culture references or have just spent your summer (or life) exhausting your show choices on Netflix, then you're probably aware of one of the most empowering statements to come out of Pawnee, Indiana. Three little words that allow the world to rest comfortably at your Tory Burch adorned feet. Three words. Eleven letters. Treat. Yo'. Self. So simple. So inspiring. Even as a broke college student, I've learned the value of treating yourself to all that life has to offer, and I'm here to be your tiny, blonde Sherpa who will guide you on your journey to self-love.
According to the wise founders of the treat yo' self lifestyle, Tom Haverford and Donna Meagle, your objective is to take a little time each day/week/month to do something to boost your morale. Did you get an A on the super hard bio test you've been studying weeks for? Hit up the mall and buy yourself those wedges. Did you you just have an overall crappy day? Go ahead — give yourself another scoop of ice cream. Finally kicked that manipulative, trash-man boyfriend ex-boyfriend of yours to the curb? Girl, treat yo' self.
It doesn't matter the occasion. Loving yourself and doing things to make yourself happy are vital. Happiness isn't a destination; it's a journey. At the end of the day, your happiness is what matters. If you don't take the time to invest in yourself, to appreciate yourself, it can end up being detrimental to your overall well-being. When you never take the time to decompress and step back from all that life throws at you, you either end up internalizing all of your stress or becoming so unbearably grumpy that you should really consider just getting a trashcan and moving to 123 Sesame Street.
I'm sure that, at first thought, the treat yo' self lifestyle seems a bit frivolous. To spend your time and/or money on yourself instead of doing something "worthwhile." It's sometimes hard to justify being a little selfish, and I can probably guess what you're thinking: "Sarah," you say, "I'm a broke college kid! I can't afford to treat myself willy nilly. I have bills to pay and food to buy." And I completely understand. I myself suffer from a condition known as "Champagne taste, Natty Light budget." So by all means, please do not run around waving a credit card in the air, screaming "TREAT YO' SELF," thus ruining your financial prospects because some girl on the Internet told you to. I don't think I could handle being responsible for that. Don't treat yourself solely to tangible things or shiny items with price tags. Don't put yourself in a position that will only cause more stress. That is NOT how you treat yo' self.
Perhaps the most important thing to remember when embracing this lifestyle is this: There are no rules to what you can and can't treat yourself to. If volunteering at a soup kitchen or paying it forward makes you happy, do it. If pursuing a higher education for yourself makes you happy, do it. If buying yourself a new dress makes you happy, please, do it. Treat yourself to experiences. Treat yourself to relationships. Treat yourself to life. Stay in and make dinner and watch cheesy movies with your roommate. Have a conversation with a stranger on the bus. Take a risk and try something new. Love yourself, respect yourself, treat yo' self, because you damn well deserve it.
