TREAT YO SELF - Cas (Havertford) Young

I think we should all learn a lesson from Tom and Donna- the two most iconic role models of our generation. I love Parks and Rec more than I love potatoes and I'm pretty sure I could survive for years on a desert island with it, and I've taken many a life lesson from Leslie Knope and Ron Swanson alike, but the lesson I've taken most into heart is actually Tom and Donna's advice to Ben- "Treat Yo' Self!"

At the beginning of high school, I dumped my self-depreciative attitude for one far more positive and self-loving, and that alone has made my life a hundred times better. These past three years have been fraught with late nights, long term projects I put off for too long, and me wearing the same pair of leggings for three days straight every week. I was stressed out so much. Needless to say, it sucked. 

So, per the advice of these two charismatic characters, I've since decided to treat myself more often. More often meaning doing something nice for myself at least every other day. It could be something like blowing a hundred dollars on jeans on Valentine's Day to simply going to bed within 30 minutes of midnight every night. These little things I've done for myself have made my life so much easier.

I'm not exhausted every morning when I wake up thanks to my sleeping rule- very important for my mental health. My skin is as clear and soft as ever thanks to splurging on Proactiv and face masks. I dress impeccably thanks to my new jeans. All in all, it makes me super motivated. 

Now, treating yo' self every day isn't really treating yo' self, so I keep it up as a sort of reward system. I reward myself for sitting down and finishing my math homework by spending ten to fifteen minutes on Twitter. I reward myself for staying on task on APUSH work by taking a few days off for the next assignment. There's a very good balance I've found, and it's my contemporary zen.

"Swag."
-Tom Havertford