Nudged: Take myself out for a sweet treat

I’m looking back at my notes on why I included this Nudge, and I guess this came out of brainstorming how I might delight my sense of taste. But what I wrote was “not eating at home in private (a cookie, a slice of fudgy cake, ice cream, Irish coffee), but really savor it, take my time.”

I’m not a binge eater, and I can’t remember the last time I had a cookie or “fudgy cake” in the house, but okay. As I sit here thinking this over today, I sense there are two elements of this Nudge that are important to me: (1) Take myself out and (2) truly enjoy whatever it is I’m eating.

And it might not be about food at all. Maybe your idea of a “sweet treat” is going to the local cineplex for a matinee of a chick-flick. Or browsing an antiques or book shop. Or wandering an art gallery or grove of tall trees.

Let’s see how this goes.

What Happened: I could have used any number of excuses for passing on this Nudge: work to do, a messy house, the need to shower first. 😉 Fortunately, I had plans on the calendar to meet up with a friend yesterday afternoon. I thought about cancelling at the last minute, and I’m pleased to report the Nudge helped me decide to drop everything, grab the keys, and go.

Over lemonade and cookies (both were so sweet, I didn’t finish either), we exchanged book recommendations, caught up on each other’s lives, and shared daydreams about our futures. After nearly 90 minutes together, we left mid-conversation, knowing we’ll pick up where we left off soon.

The Ah-Hahs: Turns out the “sweet treat” had nothing to do with food for me. It was about spending quality time with a “sweet” friend. Just what I needed.