you deserve to enjoy today

Growing up on Halloween, after we'd gone door to door asking neighbors for candy, we'd all bring our pillow cases full of treats into the living room. Freshly bathed with wet hair, we'd flip the pillowcases over and and watch the candy rain down. Then we'd sit in a circle making trades. Duke wanted all the Reese's and Sam wanted all the gummies. The rest of us would use this knowledge to leverage the best possible outcomes.

Once I had the candy I wanted, I'd always take the pillowcase and hang it on a hook in my closet. And then? I'd do nothing. I would save it and save it until Christmas. And then it would be too stale to eat. You see, I was so worried about saving it for the right moment and getting maximum pleasure out of it, that I'd never eat it. 

As I've gotten older, I've found I do the same thing today. I don't use gift cards, because I am so set on buying the perfect thing. I don't wear new clothing items because I want to save them for the right occasion. I save the little things that bring me joy and make me happy, because I'm so concerned about enjoying them at the exact right moment. 

But I think it's important that we let ourselves enjoy the right now. It's really easy to get into a habit of thinking life is meant to be enjoyed later. It's easy to say things like: I'll do that when I have a boyfriend. Or, I'll get to do that when I'm married. Or, I'll let myself buy that when I own a house. 

The things you have or don't have and the phase of life you're in or not in should not dictate the amount of joy you're allowed to have today. 

Whether you are single or married, a homeowner or living with your parents. Whether you have a job or are in school or are doing neither need not matter. You deserve to enjoy today because you exist and you were fearfully and wonderfully made. You deserve to use the gift card, wear the special shirt and eat the candy. You deserve to drink the good wine and download a good movie. Not because of what today is or isn't or what you have or don't have. Simply because you are enough; you are valuable. And you deserve to get the most joy out of life right now.

PS: Speaking of enjoying today, treat yourself to a free coffee via my Instagram. No more hoarding my gift cards. I shall share them with you! Happy Monday!