AChildOfTheUniverse

Never-Again-to-be-Referred-to-as-Guilty-Pleasures, Pleasures

I was reading around on the internet, like you do, one site leads to another and so on. I ended up on The Sartorialist website and an interview with designer, Sohiny Das out of New Delhi. She was doing the usual Q&A and was asked the question -

Guilty pleasure?

Her answer?

No guilt in pleasures.

I stopped and reread it.

And loved it.

What a fabulous point of view. Why hadn’t I thought of this before??? I answer that question automatically when people answer it. Dark chocolate, massages, vintage shoes and clothes, books, time by myself, wine, gelato, good cheese, flowers from the farmer’s market every week. And yes, I will admit that sometimes there is some guilt involved, regarding the time or money spent, or usually the caloric content of something. I’ve had an epiphany people, at 34, and maybe you’re already there, so thanks for waiting so patiently for me. Here it is - There is absolutely no reason to feel guilt for things that make us happy or give us pleasure, with the caveat of course, that we receive pleasure from something that doesn’t hurt anyone else. Other than that, the sky’s the limit I think. I also think that with the increased economic and mental stress from the way the American economy has gone sideways that it’s necessary to find pleasures in not only the big things, but the little, inexpensive things as well. The scene from Amelie comes to mind, where she’s skipping rocks across the water and slipping her hand into the beans to feel their texture.

My to be henceforth known as absolutely-no-guilt pleasures?

Well, the above mentioned of course

Staying at home on the couch, under a blanket with a good book, listening to the sound of rain on the roof and the feeling of safety and comfort.

Gardening. The feel of dark soil in my hands and watching things that I’ve planted grow and bloom.

Candlelight.

Taking a day off from work to play hookie and visit places that I don’t get to go during weekdays, like the park, my favorite bookstores or thrift stores.

Reading. Nothing feels more decadent than waking up on a Saturday morning and not having to hop right up and go to work, but picking up a good book and reading for a bit.

A movie by myself on a weekend night. I’ve always loved going to the movies by myself. I love not having to worry about the other person having a good time, being able to lose myself completely in the film and being able to walk out and not  immediately start discussing a completely unrelated topic, losing the mood that the movie had created.

Unplanned time with Mike, whether it’s just hanging around the house, taking a walk, or even going to Target, the man cracks me up and I love spending time with him.

The smell of used bookstores. They smell like home.

The sound of water. I have a fountain in the living room that is almost always on.

Reading or journalling in one of my favorite coffeeshops, with the pleasant chatter of people around.

Dressing well. The feeling of confidence that comes with the application of red lipstick, perfect hair, garters and stockings and a vintage outfit.

Visiting a new place. There’s a quickening of the pulse that happens for me when I get to visit a new place, whether it’s a new city, restaurant, museum or even coffeeshop. The thrill of the unknown. The potential for an undiscovered gem that will become a new favorite.

Time with the cuteness that is my nephews.

Vacation. Time away from work, not having to worry about what other people need and not be on a schedule.

The feeling of a cool breeze across my face on a warm day.

Taking photographs. It’s something that I really enjoy and sometimes I forget to find time for it.

Time with my girlfriends. We’ve been friends since high school and there’s a lightness that I feel after getting to spend time with them, laughing and sharing.

Cooking. Not every day, but on those weekend days where I have some extra time to create something delicious and homemade.

Walking places. I see so many wonderful things that I would miss if I was driving.

An act of kindness. It takes so little sometimes to do something kind for someone else, but can make such a difference in their day.

The not-so-free pleasures?

A new bottle of perfume.

Eating dinner at a restaurant, whether it’s a new place, or an old favorite.

Traveling.

And that’s the short list. What are your never-to-be-felt-guilty-about-again-pleasures?