What if “treating yourself” isn’t indulgence but a psychological necessity? In this week’s Mid Week Tease, Adelle reflects on how she’s learned to intentionally place joy into her life, especially around birthdays. From solo stays by the pool with poetry and silence, to beach days and bicycle tours, this episode explores why joy deserves to be planned, not postponed. Drawing from personal ritual and psychology-backed research, Adelle unpacks why joy plays a critical role in emotional regulation, resilience, and healing, particularly for women who have been conditioned to survive instead of savor.
You’ll also hear insights inspired by the work of Barbara Fredrickson, whose research shows that positive emotions don’t just feel good they broaden our thinking and build long-term emotional strength. This episode is an invitation to stop waiting for permission to enjoy your life, and to start treating joy as maintenance not a reward. In this episode, we explore:
- Why treating yourself isn’t about luxury, but nervous system regulation
- How intentional joy builds emotional resilience over time
- The difference between escapism and self-attunement
- Why small, repeated pleasures matter more than big, rare ones
- How to identify what actually brings you joy (not what looks good online)
- Simple, accessible ways to begin treating yourself without guilt
Gentle reflection questions from the episode:
- When was the last time I did something purely because it brought me joy?
- What environments help my body soften and expand?
- What small joy have I been postponing and why?
Listen if you’re:
- Emotionally exhausted but still “functioning”
- Learning how to stop abandoning yourself
- Trying to build a softer, more intentional life
- Curious about the psychology behind joy and wellbeing
- Ready to treat yourself without justification
About Mid Week Tease Mid Week Tease is a reflective audio series by Legally Clueless Africa offering grounding conversations about healing, self-awareness, relationships, and becoming more emotionally honest with ourselves.
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