Why It’s Okay to Treat Yourself Sometimes — Even on a Frugal Budget

Why It’s Okay to Treat Yourself Sometimes,  

Even on a Frugal Budget.

The most delicious chocolates in Brussels, Belgium

Recently, I came across a video that raised an important question: Do we still feel the need for treats while living a frugal lifestyle?

The truth is, yes—we do. And more importantly, we should.

A nice stroll on a beach is free.

There are many people, especially retirees or families living on a tight budget, who can’t afford small luxuries like a cup of coffee, an ice cream, or a simple meal out. I can relate. For many years, I sacrificed these little indulgences because there were always bills to pay. By the end of the month, there was nothing left.

A Culture of Waiting

Growing up in the USSR, we were taught to wait. The message was clear: “Sacrifice now and a bright future will come.”

We waited and waited—until the country collapsed.

Later, during my marriage, I sacrificed again. I married very young and spent my youth building a family and a home. While our friends were taking holidays and dining out, we poured every penny into bricks, paint, and furniture. Once the house was finally finished—picture-perfect like something out of a magazine—I only got to enjoy it for three short months.

My husband had been having an affair for over a year. I couldn’t see myself living in a marriage with three people. So I filed for divorce, packed up, and spent the next two years sleeping on my mother’s floor. It took me five years to rebuild my life in a new country.

But for the first time, I was in charge of my own life—and it felt good.

Treats on a Budget

Even while living on a strict budget, I found small ways to “recharge my batteries.” Free events, a day in nature, a cozy candlelit evening at home with a delicious homemade meal—these were my treats. They cost very little, but gave me a sense of joy, peace, and control.

Blissful days at home a true heaven

That video made me reflect deeper, and I even looked up the difference between a treat and an indulgence. Here’s what I found:

• Treating yourself is about intentionally doing something good for your long-term well-being—mentally, emotionally, or physically.
• Indulging, on the other hand, satisfies an immediate craving and may not always be the healthiest or most productive choice in the long run.

Examples of Treating Yourself (Self-Care):

• Taking a relaxing bath with essential oils
• Spending time in nature or going for a walk
• Preparing a healthy and delicious meal at home
• Journaling, reading, or working on a creative project
• Buying a single good-quality item you’ve saved for
• Booking a long-overdue checkup or massage
• Enjoying quiet time with a cup of tea and a good book

These small things support your long-term happiness and well-being.

Examples of Indulgence (Sometimes Necessary!)

• Ordering dessert at your favorite café
• Getting a spontaneous pedicure
• Spending a weekend at a cute little Airbnb
• Eating popcorn while watching a movie in bed
• Taking a lazy day to do absolutely nothing
• Buying flowers and that scented candle just because it lifts your mood.

• *** Indulgence is sometimes just as essential as being disciplined. It’s a way to say: “I’m alive. I deserve to enjoy this moment.”

Tulips at the market in Antibes, France

Finding BalanceWhile both treating and indulging bring joy, they have different long-term impacts.

• Intent: Treats are intentional and support long-term health. Indulgences are often impulsive and driven by the need for comfort.
• Consequences: Treats help you thrive; indulgences can sometimes set you back if unchecked.
• Balance: The key is not to give up one for the other. Life is about balance—not restriction.

I sacrificed too much in my earlier years—my youth, joy, even self-care. I don’t want to live that way anymore.

Today, I can afford a cup of coffee, a pedicure, a meal out, or a short trip—not because I’m careless with money, but because I cut corners elsewhere. I plan, I budget, I save. I’m resourceful in earning extra income when needed. I don’t charge it all to a credit card—I stay sensible and disciplined.

Little break in Athens, Greece

Everyone’s situation is different, and there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. But life is too short to miss out on small pleasures.

So if you’re feeling guilty about treating yourself once in a while—don’t. Celebrate the now.

You’ve earned it.

“Enjoy the little things in life, for one day you’ll look back and realize they were the big things.”

                       Robert Brault

Thank you for stopping by.💐

🌺Would love to read your comments about your own treats and indulgence

☕️💄💐

If you enjoyed this post you might like this post ⬇️

https://verasslowlivingdiaries.blogspot.com/2025/07/finding-peace-and-purpose-after.html

Why It’s Okay to Treat Yourself Sometimes,  

Even on a Frugal Budget.

The most delicious chocolates in Brussels, Belgium

Recently, I came across a video that raised an important question: Do we still feel the need for treats while living a frugal lifestyle?

The truth is, yes—we do. And more importantly, we should.

A nice stroll on a beach is free.

There are many people, especially retirees or families living on a tight budget, who can’t afford small luxuries like a cup of coffee, an ice cream, or a simple meal out. I can relate. For many years, I sacrificed these little indulgences because there were always bills to pay. By the end of the month, there was nothing left.

A Culture of Waiting

Growing up in the USSR, we were taught to wait. The message was clear: “Sacrifice now and a bright future will come.”

We waited and waited—until the country collapsed.

Later, during my marriage, I sacrificed again. I married very young and spent my youth building a family and a home. While our friends were taking holidays and dining out, we poured every penny into bricks, paint, and furniture. Once the house was finally finished—picture-perfect like something out of a magazine—I only got to enjoy it for three short months.

My husband had been having an affair for over a year. I couldn’t see myself living in a marriage with three people. So I filed for divorce, packed up, and spent the next two years sleeping on my mother’s floor. It took me five years to rebuild my life in a new country.

But for the first time, I was in charge of my own life—and it felt good.

Treats on a Budget

Even while living on a strict budget, I found small ways to “recharge my batteries.” Free events, a day in nature, a cozy candlelit evening at home with a delicious homemade meal—these were my treats. They cost very little, but gave me a sense of joy, peace, and control.

Blissful days at home a true heaven

That video made me reflect deeper, and I even looked up the difference between a treat and an indulgence. Here’s what I found:

• Treating yourself is about intentionally doing something good for your long-term well-being—mentally, emotionally, or physically.
• Indulging, on the other hand, satisfies an immediate craving and may not always be the healthiest or most productive choice in the long run.

Examples of Treating Yourself (Self-Care):

• Taking a relaxing bath with essential oils
• Spending time in nature or going for a walk
• Preparing a healthy and delicious meal at home
• Journaling, reading, or working on a creative project
• Buying a single good-quality item you’ve saved for
• Booking a long-overdue checkup or massage
• Enjoying quiet time with a cup of tea and a good book

These small things support your long-term happiness and well-being.

Examples of Indulgence (Sometimes Necessary!)

• Ordering dessert at your favorite café
• Getting a spontaneous pedicure
• Spending a weekend at a cute little Airbnb
• Eating popcorn while watching a movie in bed
• Taking a lazy day to do absolutely nothing
• Buying flowers and that scented candle just because it lifts your mood.

• *** Indulgence is sometimes just as essential as being disciplined. It’s a way to say: “I’m alive. I deserve to enjoy this moment.”

Tulips at the market in Antibes, France

Finding BalanceWhile both treating and indulging bring joy, they have different long-term impacts.

• Intent: Treats are intentional and support long-term health. Indulgences are often impulsive and driven by the need for comfort.
• Consequences: Treats help you thrive; indulgences can sometimes set you back if unchecked.
• Balance: The key is not to give up one for the other. Life is about balance—not restriction.

I sacrificed too much in my earlier years—my youth, joy, even self-care. I don’t want to live that way anymore.

Today, I can afford a cup of coffee, a pedicure, a meal out, or a short trip—not because I’m careless with money, but because I cut corners elsewhere. I plan, I budget, I save. I’m resourceful in earning extra income when needed. I don’t charge it all to a credit card—I stay sensible and disciplined.

Little break in Athens, Greece

Everyone’s situation is different, and there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. But life is too short to miss out on small pleasures.

So if you’re feeling guilty about treating yourself once in a while—don’t. Celebrate the now.

You’ve earned it.

“Enjoy the little things in life, for one day you’ll look back and realize they were the big things.”

                       Robert Brault

Thank you for stopping by.💐

🌺Would love to read your comments about your own treats and indulgence

☕️💄💐

If you enjoyed this post you might like this post ⬇️

https://verasslowlivingdiaries.blogspot.com/2025/07/finding-peace-and-purpose-after.html