NIght One of Indulgance

Every year I reflect on the past and come up with a theme for the coming year, as well a three priorities to focus on using the book "Discovering Your Intentional & Exceptional Life". My theme this year is "Forging my Own Path". It stems from a quote I came across

"If you can see your path laid out in front of you step by step, you know it's not your path. Your own path you make with every step you take. That's why it's your path."

Joseph Campbell

As I forge my own path in this challenge I decided to see what indulgances presented themselves to me each day instead of planning and creating a list. During day one while I was picking up a book for my financial independence class I came across a beautiful keepsake book, Mother and next to it Grandmother. As I reached for Mother, Grandmother slipped down on the shelf literally into my hands. "Ok" I told myself, "Grandmother it is". As I explored the pages I realized what a wonderful mothers day gift these would be for my three mothers (mum, step-mum and mum-in-law). I snapped up three copies. When I got home I placed the books at the top of the stairs, intending to put them in the gift cupboard and went off to coach a client.

My night of indulgance will always begin when I log off from work. I have fallen into a habit of going directly upstairs and cracking open a nice bottle of red wine. I am looking to reprogram myself with tthis challenge of indulgances. On day one when my three year old, Sofie, excitedly spilled down the stairs, hands full of papers which she proudly waved at me while at the same time celebrating, words popping out like pop corn, I saved my work and marched upstairs with her. I then gave her centre stage to guide me through all her wonderful work with the letter O, the number 7 and the color green.

After dinner, with The Beatles playing in the backgound and the TV off, Sofie and I dragged her dollhouse into the living room and I spent a wonderful 30 minutes marching my figureen all aound it's three story mansion. Then Sofie and I preceeded to bath the dogs, swing the babies, water the plants and enjoy a BBQ breakfast. At 7:30 PM after a large white bull dog caused, what Kirk called, a natural disaster, we packed up the house and Sofie went off to bed with daddy.

I then segued into my night time routine. 20 minutes of meditation and then a 30 minute support call. Then it was time for indulgence. What would it be I contemplated as I climbed the stairs? As I reached the top I came across the three "Grandmother" books. Ah ha. I went to the gift cupboard and pulled out three large sheets of paper decorated by Sofie with bright coloured, primary paint. I then pulled together some beautiful fabric, fairy stickers and ribbons and indulged in wrapping these wonderful books. I then spent 30 minutes showcasing Sofie's art and decorating the packages.

Giving a thoughtful gift and taking the time to present it in a beautiful way felt wonderfully indulgent. For a long time wrapping the present has been "a chore" I hand off to my husband because I am too busy, although I love to wrap them when I have time. What a great way to begin my 100 night of indulgence, wrapping it up in a huge bow for myself.