How to Battle Shopping Addiction

It is true that a bad day at work would send me to the nearest thrift store for a reward treasure. I know the merchandise in all the Goodwills in town better than the employees. I had a lot of bad days at work. How about thinking how lucky I am to have a job instead? I do not have credit cards, i've known for a long time that is not a priviledge I can handle. I do not have outstanding debt - anymore - but it has taken years to be rid of it (and the former spouse that helped feed it.) I work on not going shopping, or returning, everyday. It is so much fun to be on the hunt for any find but not at such a risk as to lose valuable sleep over. Now I stick to a list, don't allow myself the first thing I see, so I can get the right item instead, or find I already have one! of every item! If I need a reminder I look at my daughter's photo IN MY WALLET and know her college education is worth more than a quikfix deal. I continue to tell myself "I don't really NEED anything" at all. Being very grateful for what I have, family, friends, music, books and tv! I try to walk a shopping crave away and when nothing else works, leave the money at home and browse for ideas. If one shops, one has stuff with which to do things. arrange dry flowers in an old bucket...it's free. The first thing to do is admit one has a shopping addiction and half the battle is won. Shopping alone is very dangerous, no kidding!

The consequences of having to have that sweater in lieu of, not going to the dentist, hmm, lost a tooth. oh no! or, no power at home tonite, do your homework by candle lite (hope you bought them by the hundreds on sale...) are not going away until you quit spending on things you don't need with money you don't have. I am a recovering shopaholic. I hope this helps someone. The best thing to do is don't. It is very rewarding to say I didn't waste any money today. Believe me, you can't hide an addiction. People know. Let it out and be free of it. Hope this helps someone somewhere think about the severity of the need to fill a hole that won't fill up. Stuff no matter how good a deal, doesn't take away a hurt inside. Whether you know you hurt or not isn't the issue. Addiction is the issue, a disease and it needs to be treated. Find some local help, talk to family and friends and know you are not alone. Addiction takes on many faces and all of them are ugly. You are NOT ugly, you can get better and be happy. I am living proof. I am 58 yrs old and have been in all kinds of therapy for all kinds of crazies but shopping is my biggest demon and we know each other so well. I just tell it and myself NO. NO is a complete sentence. No needs no explantion, excuse, or reason to follow it to make it easier, or softer. You won't have to remember where the receipt is or if its too late to return an item and that is easier and softer. Please be kind to yourself and think first before you buy something, (even another DVD, Meesha!) You are just as worthy without stuff as well. Thxs.

jan parker of OR 6:49PM January 10, 2012