I’ve become very aware
that my blog might be a guilty pleasure for some. After all, I don't claim to
be an authority on literature or a master of writing epic essays. So, because I'm not
either of those, you may have a sense of guilt reading my little blog.
Maybe you
keep returning and reading it because it makes you smile, you feel a connection, or it might be just entertaining enough to fill up a space of boredom
in your day.
What's up with Guilty
Pleasures anyway? They usually bring some kind of personal
excitement and entertainment that most others wouldn't understand.
It could be something that reminds you of a childhood memory. Possibly it's a feeling of something familiar, safe or sinfully tasty.
So where does the
guilt come in? Why feel guilty for something that brings pleasure?
You may not want to admit you like something for fear of what others might think or what they'll say. What gives you happiness and contentment might be completely off someone else's radar.
Friends or family might
think it's weird, strange or they just don't get it. So we withhold or shield these
pleasures, but continue to enjoy them under a blanket of guilt.
Let's face it, we all
care a little smidgen about what others think of us. WE DON’T WANT TO BE JUDGED.
So, should we avoid our guilty pleasures?
If guilty
pleasures are harmless and make you happy, then don't deny yourself!
You must believe that the things you secretly like are GOOD or WORTHY of appreciation. These things we love and enjoy, no matter how awkward, bring simple joy and lower the stress in our lives.
In fact, an article on Den of Geek boldly asks, "Who came up with the idea that we're supposed to feel guilty about the films, TV shows and music we like?" In particular, one of the movies we're supposed to feel guilty about watching is Dirty Dancing! Whoa, I've seen it like 6 times. Loved it and never felt guilty! More are mentioned here and I'm sure some of your favorite movies are listed as guilty pleasures too.
Perhaps you really
love jamming out to ABBA or Barry Manilow. It may not be popular mainstream
music, but certain melodies give you a warm fuzzy feeling that you can only get
from listening to your favorite artists.
It could be curling up on
the couch reading gossip magazines and blogs. Maybe
binge watching Netflix, soap operas or TV Land oldies.
Sometimes food is the
guilty pleasure. You know it might not be a good choice, but you can't get
enough of eating sugar donuts in bed or chocolate sandwiched in a croissant.
So, when do guilty
pleasures become unhealthy bad habits?
It could be that you
feel the need to overcome your guilty pleasures. Too much of something can be
an issue. Food is a common source of guilty pleasure that can turn unhealthy. A Huffington Post article “How to Overcome Guilty Pleasures” has a few creative
solutions.
Guilty pleasures don't
have to be off the wall or unhealthy. Sometimes it's as simple as lounging in
your pajamas and drinking coffee on the patio while watching the birds fly by.
Yeah, I feel a little
guilty about this! When did I become an old boring bird lady? But, guess what? The hell with it...it's my way of unwinding and enjoying some R&R.
Of course, chocolate
is another guilty pleasure. I do try to keep that in check. It's all about
moderation and not denying the pleasure.
Sometimes, I'm feeling quite Downton Abbey-ish and will enjoy a cup of tea and
crumpets after dinner. Actually, they're Pepperidge
Farm Milano's - I don't even know what crumpets are. Unfortunately, a Yorkshire estate and a butler don't come with the Milano's, but a girl can dream. Don't judge!
In some ways writing
this blog is a guilty pleasure. It brings pleasure for me to write and be
expressive, but I feel guilty that it's too silly to spend so much time on it, or maybe not enough time is spent on it.
If you're a regular
reader and subscriber to my blog, then I hope it leans on the pleasure
side for you. So, my friends…why not spread the pleasure around without feeling guilty.
Don't deny those healthy guilty pleasures. Trust me it's good for the soul!
I loved this post and I say that proud and out loud! True confession: I have about four Barry Manilow songs on my Spotify playlist and I watch Hart to Hart reruns on the Hallmark Channel...but only when I'm not browsing through Russian literature and nuclear physics texts. And, well, chocolate.
ReplyDeleteNow, this warms my heart! Thank you for your confession of guilty pleasures. Love it and, yes, there is always chocolate! Especially while reading nuclear physics texts. ;0
DeleteI look forward to your blogs and I don't consider what you write a "waste of time"! Your blog is a way for me to stay grounded and remind myself that I am not in this alone. You remind me not to feel guilty about chocolate or relaxing on the deck when my house could use a good cleaning...... Keep it up!
ReplyDeleteChris, thank you for the virtual hug! So glad it brings pleasure without any guilt. Also knowing we're all in this together is what it's all about! It's Friday, so just relax and enjoy.
DeleteWell said! First timer here and I love it. I have many guilty pleasures but my favorite is good ole chocolate. Any way I can get it! :)
ReplyDeleteGlad you took the time to stop by Brenda! My motto, when in doubt bring the chocolate out! :)
DeleteHA! Love those guilty pleasure books recommended by NPR. I now have my summer reading list.
ReplyDeleteAwesome Kim! It is quite a list of every guilty sort. I noticed Valley Of the Dolls is listed and that's one I've never read yet. Hope you find a favorite and enjoy with pleasure!!
DeleteI am a firm believer in 'guilty pleasures' - I think the key is only indulging on occasion. This keeps them special, and while it might be embarrassing to admit you watched all three Sharknado movies instead of cleaning the bathrooms (hence the guilt) you can still revel in the ludicrous plot and terrible acting (pleasure) because you know you won't do it again for a long time...
ReplyDeleteLaura, I give you credit for watching all three Sharknado movies! Wow, I couldn't even get through the first one!! I must say, any guilty pleasure is better than cleaning bathrooms. Wishing you many more guilty pleasures :)
DeleteDefinitely a believer in the benefits of guilty pleasures! I've never been one to deny myself pleasure. Life is too short! As long as we practice moderation, we can indulge in just about about anything -- especially dark chocolate.
ReplyDeleteDoreen, everything in moderation is my mantra! I'm so charmed that you stopped by my little blog spot. I so enjoy your Chocolatetour adventures and I'm just a little bit jealous. ;)
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