There are certain joys in life that are irreplaceable: a new book, a fresh garden tomato, a perfect blanket of snow on a winter morning. Joys like these are seemingly insignificant, yet they can have the biggest impact on us. Little joys can be the difference between a cherished memory and a normal Tuesday. I see the importance of creating time and space for new little joys in my day-to-day existence. To some, they seem indulgent or selfish, but I view them as necessary breaks in the monotony that awaken the senses, bring clarity and renewed optimism.  One thing that I rely on to bring me so much joy are pedicures. 

I walk around barefoot most days-- not out in public, but in my home and yard. As a kid I walked around the Arizona desert in the summer without shoes on (do not recommend, it’s an awful way to learn about fire ants) and it stuck with me.  I feel more connected to the Earth, rooted in the present moment. There are even scientific studies that suggest barefoot walking to be beneficial for one’s physical and mental health. My feet get pretty beat up. I feel self conscious about how my poor little feet look in sandals; dry, cracked, callused, and needing some TLC. When this happens, I book myself a pedicure appointment. Not just a quick nail trim and polish, but a proper, long and luxurious pedicure. Because-- let’s be real here-- why only sort-of do something when you can go all out? Okay, I might be a little bit *extra*. 

So what exactly, you ask, makes for a really good pedicure? What elevates it to the status as one of life’s little joys? Firstly, the ambiance has to be right. I could get a pedicure in a noisy salon, or in a bustling mall. Or, I could have my own private room, a comfy armchair, and a soothing setting. If I’m dishing out money for a pedicure, I want the experience to be relaxing and enjoyable, a respite from my busy daily life. 

Secondly, all five senses should be treated to a little getaway. People are more likely to remember an experience when several parts of our brains are engaged, and sensory input is one of the strongest ways to evoke memories. The scent of the soaks, scrubs, and lotions. The bright, vivid colors of the gel polish I chose. The warmth of the water on tired, weary feet. A relaxing foot and lower leg massage. And, when allowed, a bubbly, fruity mimosa to sip on during the whole process. Ahh, if I close my eyes I almost feel like I’m there now. 

Last but not least, a little-joy status pedicure should give visible results. This is what separates another way to kill an hour from a memorable pedicure experience. Calluses are exfoliated and left feeling oh-so-soft. My skin is moisturized and smooth days after my appointment. My nail polish lasts for weeks before reaching that point of looking dingy and sad.  When I look at my toenails, I crack a little smile remembering the ritual of my really good pedicure. Because that is what a really good pedicure is-- a ritual. The whole process, every detail lends itself to the larger sum that makes for a memorable experience. A little joy that, even weeks or months later, when sitting in traffic, you can look back on and smile.