Sweet Treats: The Joy Diet - Week Seven

Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.
(Leo Buscaglia)

This week’s chapter in Martha Beck’s The Joy Diet is all about positive reinforcement. I am so happy that after all our hard work on nothing, truth, desire, creativity and risk, it is finally time for a treat!

As I mentioned in my post last week, this journey has taught me to breathe through my perfectionism. I have stopped taking Beck’s instructions literally and begun to implement her practices in a way that works for my life. This revelation has turned the book into a kind voice of guidance instead of a scary drill sergeant standing over me.

In this chapter, I enjoyed cataloging my instant smile triggers…

• Snuggling up in a warm blanket

• Discovering a new quote

• Sending and receiving snail mail

• Being silly with my mister

• Eating anything chocolate

• Watching Grey’s Anatomy

• Catching up with an old friend

• Using the perfect font

• Connecting with bloggy & twitter friends

…and creating a list of my sensory delights!

• I love the taste of cupcakes, chai tea, Rachel’s yogurt, mashed potatoes, and salsa

• I love the sight of my family, sandy beaches, sunrises, water and emails from friends

• I love the feel of bubble baths, sunshine, grassy lawns, crisp sheets and my yoga mat

• I love the smell of chlorine, candles, Christmas, men’s cologne and flowers

• I love the sound of a new playlist, ocean waves, popcorn, jingle bells and laughter

Practicing treats has been a total delight. I am excited to read about your experiences and get silly next week as we explore play!