I was wondering. What would my day be like if I had a pleasure tracker, a checkbox waiting to be filled with all sorts of delicious choices?
Your Homework Assignment: Find Pleasure Each Day
This week we explore pleasure. It is not the same as gratitude but it is not a stretch to say that I am always grateful to experience pleasure. So why do I let days slip by without allowing myself this rejuvenating, spirit-connecting, inspiring and fulfilling experience?
I can find gratitude no matter what but some days I actually prioritize experiences that I know will bring me gratitude. And often those experiences are pleasurable. Sometimes I choose things that I know I find pleasurable. Other times I am just following my impulses. But in all honesty this hasn’t happened consistently since I have returned from vacation. Why is that? Is that the result of overwhelm and busyness? Is it a deficit of self-worth?
How might each day be different if I was held accountable to pleasure? Practicing gratitude each day makes me more aware and appreciative throughout my day. I can do the same thing with pleasure. And since my gratitude habit is already strong, I will add this to that practice. Each day this week I will write at least three things I am grateful for (as usual) and one of those things will be something that gave me pleasure.
I hope that this assignment will re-prioritize pleasure. And I hope that I will deliberately add at least one pleasurable activity to each day.
Because pleasure is important.
Because I am worth it.
Because when I am more generous with myself I am more generous with others.
Because pleasure does not take too much time or too much money.
Because it feels good.
She followed the pleasure where it led.
~Elizabeth Gilbert
What pleasure did you follow today?
FORGOTTEN GRATITUDE: Last week I was also grateful for those roses still giving, this time on our ceremonial altar … Local businesses … A perfect three-day weekend, just enough time for getting things done, a little work, a lot of relaxing and connecting.