I'm not the glamorous "shopaholic" like in the series of books or in the same "shopaholic" category as the "housewives of _________ (fill in the name of the city)" tv reality series fame. Just a working girl who loves to shop! It's always been my "past-time of choice" - it was always fun and something to do when I was bored. It was my hobby. And, it brought me a lot of joy.
So now - now that my number one hobby is no longer an option for me.....I'm looking for something else to fill my time. I'm still searching for that thing to do! I've been reading ----I've read a lot of books in the past few weeks, probably more than I have in past few years! And, I am trying to devote more time to working out - on a regular basis. Get motivated and get fit! And, I'm trying to do more writing, although the blog is the only thing I've written lately. Maybe I'll do my own version of "raising kids the Chinese way!"
Back to shopping. My massive spending habits started a long time ago. When I first got the chance to “be away from home” and could spend whatever I wanted – when ever I wanted – where ever I wanted. I never really got the lectures from my mother – and she knew it – they went in one ear and out the other. She worried about me – the “daughter who would be like her – the one who would have to work like a dog all her life” – is what she always said. And I listened to her like all children listen to what their parent’s say to them…..not really.
And I continued my “evil ways” – buying and putting on credit cards. Not “making a dollar and spending 50 cents” as mom would tell me. And she warned my husband when we got married about the way I was. I worked – hard all my life – not in high salary generating careers, but in things that I enjoyed doing - TV journalism, advertising/public relations, marketing and eventually sales. I was happy – taking care of my family and my parents. And of course….my hobby of shopping!
I got into the credit card habit…..and did have to get bailed out of my credit card bills – not by anyone – but myself. I refinanced my house; paid off the cards – cut them up. Then started all again. And again. Enough!
Then the bottom fell out. The years of 2008 – 2009 – 2010. Difficult years. My parents; my job; my house; my savings. I think everyone reacts differently to loss and you really don’t know how it will affect you until it happens.
For me, I've reflected inward. Looking at myself and what makes me happy. Although shopping always made me happy, the aftermath did (and does not). I realize that I can't be happy with "stuff". New stuff....better stuff....the "perfect" stuff. Doesn't do it. I've realized what job makes me happy. What relationships make me happy. I realized how to put "me first" and go into things looking for making me happy - not trying to make someone else happy.
It's been a journey. Don't want to fall into the same trap, you know?
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