I am an extreme relaxation athlete.

I love treating myself.⠀
Reflexology, massage, facials, Tibetan massage. When I went to Madeira, I took every spot they had on the calendar.⠀
I am an athlete, and I compete in Extreme Relaxation.⠀
“So good for you”- I hear you say. And yes, it is sooo good for me. Those who know me are delighted that a single mama boss can do this post lockdown.⠀
You don’t have to justify treating yourself for those who don’t know you.⠀
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We usually trick ourselves into believing that we need to earn our treats. Work hard for them to deserve them. So in the context of knowing just what a hard-working woman I am, everyone can say, “Yes, Evelyne, you really deserve this”.⠀
But the truth is, we don’t really deserve anything. Life is not granted, and luxury writing retreats are not a given, even when you work hard. My mother worked hard raising us, and she didn’t go to the spa.⠀
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We tend to trick ourselves into believing we don’t need the treat. “Oh, it’s luxury... I just need a little break.” It’s true you don’t “need” luxury. But if you love it, you start really opening up inside and thrive.⠀
In fact, the reason I love Extreme Relaxation is that it’s a great way to recover quickly. Some of us don’t have a lot of breaks because we have businesses or children or both.⠀
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We need to get to a good place too.⠀
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And so luxury is, on the one hand, a totally wonderful experience and also actually a means to an end, too. It is very easy for me to relax and enjoy and find gratitude in luxury. In luxury, my nervous system settles fast. I feel beautiful and safe.⠀
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That has value. So treat yourself. Like the Queen you are.⠀
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PS: you don’t have to go on luxury retreats to do so. Treating yourself is an act of generosity towards yourself. It can be to speak kindly to yourself, go for a walk, replace your underwear or even take a nap.