Reinvent Therapy by Blinging It On
Written for PureHome.com
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We’ve often heard the phrase, “Necessity is the mother of invention.” If that holds true, can a tough day be the mother of reinvention? Sometimes a little bling therapy can do the trick.
We’ve all had those really tough days. A few turn into tough weeks or months, those difficult stretches in life when nothing seems to go right. Life can hand us a lot of opportunities for reinvention, sometimes taking the form of divorce, economic downturn, or even becoming an empty-nester, sending us back to the drawing board to reinvent our journey.
All of that change takes effort and energy, which can be in short supply when things are so rough. I know this well—last year was my roughest to date. I felt like I was at war with the universe! Ultimately though, I came up with a winning battle strategy. It was… to do nothing. Yes, you read that right. I learned that often when faced with a huge obstacle or reinvention, the best thing you can do is to stop, breathe, relax, and pamper yourself.
During that difficult year I wined and dined myself, even when I was doing it solo. This included enjoying lavish meals with a frou-frou cocktail here and a nearly overflowing glass of wine there. On top of that, I would light candles, sprinkle Epsom salts and bubble bath into my tub, and soak for hours. I gave myself permission to use the best of everything I owned, even the expensive and breakable pieces normally reserved for important company. I coined this “bling therapy.”
Bling therapy is more than just using what I like to call your “shinies and fancies.” It’s also more than just self-pampering. It’s giving yourself permission to be kind—to yourself. When you can see yourself as worthy and deserving, whatever challenge you’re facing loses some of its power over you. Becoming calm, centered, and confident is half of winning the battle.
Bling therapy may just be the most enjoyable therapy you ever try. Sing in the tub (I do!), play music that speaks to your soul. There will be no talk of your mom, your childhood, or your boss. In fact, there will be no talking at all. There’s just gorgeous bling, soulful pampering, and blissful reinvention.
Start your new bling therapy with your favorite meal served on your finest dishes. Decorate the table, light the candles, and dim the lights. You deserve it.
My favorite part of an elegant dinner is the wine, and one of the benefits of wining and dining yourself is getting to choose exactly what you want to drink. No compromising. No cajoling. If you like it white or a little bubbly, don’t forget the ice bucket. (I love this one by GO Home.)
Take yourself and your wine to the tub for a long, hot soak. Be generous with the bath salts; lose yourself in the sweet-smelling water and the welcoming glow of candlelight. Immerse yourself in bubbles until you’re surrounded by warmth and comfort. Let go of your cares.
Surround your space with candlelight. Place them all around the bathroom for an ethereal glow.
Pamper yourself after bath time with more comforts: your favorite lotion, a delicate scent, and the perfect tray to present it all.
Reinventing yourself is never easy. Some of us fight it tooth and nail; others adjust, albeit kicking and screaming. When it comes to making major life changes, I’ll start with bling therapy any day.
We’re partial to bling therapy, but we’d also love to hear how you’ve gotten through life’s tough times. Send us a comment and share your thoughts.