You Deserve a Little Treat 

College life isn’t for the weak. There’s constantly someone asking something of you — whether it’s school, family, friends or roommates, there’s rarely a moment when you’re your only priority. 

Except when it’s little treat time. 

My love for a little treat has been with me for as long as I can remember. It’s a habit I credit my mom with cultivating. She was always there to say yes to my brothers and I begging to get candy as a reward for accompanying her to the grocery store. If I had a rough day, some cookies or ice cream would be waiting in the kitchen to remind me maybe life wasn’t so bad. 

The term “little treat” grew out of the popular show “Parks and Recreation” quote, “Treat Yo’ Self” — two characters’ catchphrase on their annual day of treats, according to The New York Times. With COVID-19 came a new mindset of people turning to these little treats to commemorate small wins or ease the sting of pain, according to Daily Mail. 

A little treat is a mindset, not a monetary transaction. They include setting aside time to listen to your favorite album or watch a new show, and they’re just as important as writing an essay or completing a project. No matter who you are, you deserve to enjoy at least one thing in the day. 

It’s something I’ve made a habit of, and while it may lack my mom’s thoughtfulness, it still always manages to lift my spirits. Looking forward to these small things has become a treasured — and even necessary — aspect of my days.

I’m not too proud to admit there were times when my reward yourself mindset went too far. When the Dunkin employees under the Loyola L-stop didn’t need me to say my name before handing me an iced latte and strawberry-frosted donut, I knew I had a problem. It took about two days for me to return, head held slightly lower, to retrieve my typical order. 

But if all it takes for me to go to class is an iced coffee, then so be it. While the treat yourself mindset can sometimes be taken too far, its core message should never be forgotten.

Life is too short to not add joy into a daily routine. 

There’s no better part of my day than when one of my roommates turns to me, eyebrows raised quizzically, to ask if I’d like to go on a run for a little sweet treat.

The question is always met with a wide smile and an enthusiastic yes. Little treats are always enjoyable, but they’re even better when shared with friends.

The next time it feels like the world’s falling apart and nothing can go right, take a deep breath and go get yourself a little treat. It may not fix everything, but it certainly won’t hurt to have some ice cream with friends and a quick laugh.

After all, life isn’t that serious — there’s always time for a little sweet treat.