The vacation itself was a splurge, partially offset by frequent flier miles. Three Hawaiian islands over the course of two weeks. While there we splurged on a few excursions; a luau, a snorkeling trip and swimming with dolphins. The latter of which has been on my bucket list since I was a little boy.
To splurge is to knowingly indulge yourself – often with a cost that you know or feel is extravagant.
The origin of the word is uncertain. Its first use appears in the early 19th century, some suggesting it came from some combination of “splash” and “surge.” It did not become associated with extravagant spending until the Great Depression, which is interesting in that so many things – even those previously considered common necessities – may have felt like a splurge at that time.
When I was a boy, splurges were of a small scale; going out to dinner, picking anything we wanted from the ice cream truck, French toast on Sundays.
For my kids, splurges often involve a ticket to somewhere, an airplane ride, or an experience – like swimming with dolphins – that relatively few will ever get to do.
By comparison, my first airplane was for a business trip in my twenties.
With this as context, splurging now comes to me with a tension. On one hand, there is a desire to give my family – including myself – things I could only dream of as a child. On the other hand, there is the apprehensive feeling about the cost.
And yet… the look on my face and that of my kids and wife as we pet, fed, were kissed by and swam with dolphins is a memory we will probably never forget. In that regard, it is as close to the idea of priceless as it comes. It may have even inspired my youngest daughter’s future career ambition.
Splurges, of course, don’t always need to have a large price tag. To escape the daily grind by taking an afternoon off, going on a beautiful drive to nowhere in particular, sneaking in a round of golf, a bike ride, skipping a meeting to play with your kid, all may be a splurge of sorts as you experience a surge of joy or a splash of refreshment.
Whether big or small, material or experiential, I hope you splurge from time to time. Chances are you’ve earned it. Feeling a little guilty, I suppose, is healthy; a sign you appreciate the value of things.
If you’re reading this on Labor Day, it seems like the perfect time for a splurge.
This Week’s Recommendation: Join me on September 5th @ 2:30PM for a webinar with Raising a Reader, Creating Belonging: Welcoming Students Back to School with Diverse Books