I think that there is something synaptic about shopping. It can evoke strong reactions in us … for some a ‘thrill’ for others a … well I am honestly not sure what it feels like for others because I like shopping… but I am told that some people do not like shopping… not at all. Either way it seems to be associated with pretty strong emotions.
For those of us that like shopping… that enjoy experiencing the momentary guilty pleasure of ‘new’ … I would like to introduce another equally (perhaps even more) fulfilling concept. Using what you have and realizing ‘you have enough’
There is something equally (maybe more) satisfying about finishing something. Whether it is a big project, a book, the food in your fridge or even a bottle of shampoo.
At one point I think I had a shampoo addiction ...crazy… Anyways I couldn’t resist the smell of a good shampoo … if I was getting a haircut or at a friend’s house the product would be sold… just browsing the shampoo aisle of a store was a real pick me up for me. After a while… what I found was…instead of starting my day with one of my favorite things - a shower with a nice smelling shampoo- I was overwhelmed by the amount of half used bottles of shampoo I had accumulated… And I realized that while I enjoy buying a new bottle of fresh smelling shampoo … there is also something wonderful about using the last drop to it to wash my hair… Here are a few other examples
- Finish the book you are reading or decide that you won’t and give it away. These are much more energizing solutions to going to bed with a pile of books on your beside table.
- Empty your fridge and buy only what you need. Design meals ‘on the fly’ by looking at the contents of your refrigerator and making do (it feels good!). And I guarantee that you will find meals in there for a few more days even when it starts to look empty. Also think about what you ‘realistically’ do when you meal plan not what you would ideally like to do… Ideally I would like to cook a healthy meal full of protein, whole grains and a variety of multicolored vegetables each night… My reality is quite different... if you find you are too tired most nights to cook, plan on ordering in or going to a restaurant and save on your grocery bill.
Random Thought #8
Shopping for something new can be a treat but making do with what you have can also be very fun. There’s something very satisfying about finishing what you start… whether that is a huge endeavor or a book or squeezing the last bit of shampoo out of a bottle.
Good points Diane. I also like shopping, but have learned not to shop. I need to work on the making meals from what I have though. We have a ton of food in our freezer and fridge but often buy something fast because we're not prepared.
ReplyDeleteI don't have the shampoo thing though. I buy the natural stuff, costs a fortune, so I squeeze every last drop out. I'm looking for homemade recipes for shampoo, conditioner and other personal care products that are healthier and cheaper. If you hear of everything, let me know.
I do have a book fetish...lots of books but I do give lots away also!
Most of us here in Canada certainly have enough...way too much in fact. Thanks for posting about ways to deal with our over consumption.
All good points Diane.
ReplyDeleteI definitely have a thing about finishing. Books are no exception! In fact i am convinced i have a BSW more because i started than because i was passionate about pursuing the career. And given my current profession (not social work) there's lots of proof. Well i am now pursuing my PMP. I've been distracted from it a couple of times now. Perhaps i need to figure out if i'm just in it for the finish...