Most people project an exciting life...

After reading all our friends' social media posts, we may get the sense that the rest of the world is doing nothing but winning awards, going to parties and having a freakin' ball. But nobody gets off that easy. Interspersed with the best of times can be the worst of times, the letdowns when we are blown off, finish in last place or, heavens to Betsy, have nothing to share. And even those with wilder social lives have their own intricate and challenging issues. 

There is solace in the fact that uninterrupted euphoria is simply impossible. It is the downs that help us appreciate the ups.  And no matter how rough a crashing wave may be, there is always a crest somewhere on the horizon. The trick is to appreciate exactly who you are at all times, perhaps especially the bad times. And to love yourself throughout the journey.

Singles Day was built around the concept that we are each special, making the effort to know ourselves better one moment at a time. And on that day, we reward ourselves with a treat. It may be as small as an inspirational mug or as large as a trip to Aruba. The point is to realize splurging on yourself isn't a guilty pleasure. It is a well-earned pleasure.