I’m doing a course, The Artist’s Way, and in this week’s session we explored how we spend our time.
I spent most of my time doing things I want to do. And when I shared that the word that came up was indulgent. It felt indulgent.
Am I being indulgent? Or being more intentional with what I do?
At the moment this is probably easier because there is just my daughter and I. But still it’s an interesting exercise to think about who/what is influencing what you do.
And if you do feel very much in the drivers seat, why has the feeling of indulgence come up?
I stopped writing my second book because it felt indulgent. I sometimes feel like this (daily note) is a bit indulgent. I don’t take time out to walk, treat myself, do nothing, because it feels indulgent.
It turns out Indulgence is getting in the way quite a lot.
Maybe it’s that good old chime ‘It’s alright for some’. The fear that That might get thrown at me. Noone wants to be That person, the person that people feel is having a good time. That it is better to be the struggling martyr.
So what are we all striving for then? If goals and living how you want to live now is met with awkward indulgence?
Even at times like this when our freedom, privilege and choice might start to feel like indulgence, the question I come back to is, so how else would it be? And what would that be achieving?
Indulgence might be just part of looking after yourself. Therefore not indulgent at all.
It might be what you deserve, so why not.
It might completely serve no purpose what so ever apart from deliver a dopamine hit that makes you feel good for a while until it doesn’t.
I’d love to know what you consider indulgent? And is it a good thing or a bad thing?
eleanor
I'm all for indulgence, but I like to call it self care. As long as you aren't causing stress to anyone else (eg taking advantage of elderly parents offering childcare when they have already done it 6 times this week) then I'd say go for it!