My "F*cking Lilies" was a Masters Degree

Early in 2020, when COVID was only being covered on the foreign segments on the evening national news, a friend recommended that I read the book "Buy Yourself the F*cking Lilies".

In this book, Tara Schuster shares story after hilarious, and resonating, story of how she learned that it is not, in fact, a sin to treat yourself - let alone simply take care of yourself.

As a woman, a mom and a leader, I often find myself ignoring the "put on your own oxygen mask first" principle". I know, I know, shame on me. For the most part, I am actually OK with prioritizing others because I have seen the long-term benefits when everyone else is well cared for, my life does get better.

Schuster points out that, in addition to some of the big things she wasn't allowing for herself, it was a simple indulgence of buying herself a $10 bouquet of flowers that woke her up. She could afford the purchase. She loved lilies. The flower is seasonal so it wouldn't be an ongoing expense. And yet, she always talked herself out of it, as though she wasn't worthy of such a splurge.

By the time I finished the final chapter of the book, COVID had moved from the foreign affairs desk to daily provincial and federal press announcements and the world seemed upside down.

Schuster closed her book with a call to action. What are your "f*cking lilies"? What are you senselessly depriving yourself of? Stop it!

For me, it was a bit more significant than a bouquet of supermarket flowers. I had a desire to complete more education for over a decade. I had dabbled over the years, with a class here and a certification there, but never fully committed. The cost; The time; Would it advance my career or earning potential?

In September 2020, I entered the University of Saskatchewan, JSGS School of Public Policy, Master's program and I convocate this week. And, guess what, I found the time. I had the money. And, I am no longer concerned about whether it will affect my earning potential. It has given me confidence and personal fulfillment.

I don't think any of us should prioritize ourselves all of the time. I also don't think we should always put ourselves last. This book and the subsequent 2 years as a Master's student, showed me that the key is to better evaluate why I am saying no to myself. I need to evaluate whether the reasons are valid and if there are ways to mitigate or eliminate those downsides.

From Schuster's lilies to my Master's degree and everything in between, what are you not allowing yourself to have or do? And, why?