Okay everyone, we have made it for 4 weeks. I don't know about you but I am feeling great about my spending habits. I have been able to save a bit extra in my savings accounts and I paid off a bill today! I never really realized(or perhaps I didn't want to know) how much money I was spending a month on NOTHING. I really had nothing to show for the things that I purchased. I could easily make a $120.00 trip to Wal-Mart, a $75.00 trip to JCPenny's, and $100.00 to Winco(with food already at home) in one weekend,this really adds up. Then I was wondering why, when I wrote out my bills on paper, I have enough money, but in reality I was not factoring in my impulse spending.
After Kathy's great blog on emotional shopping. Our week #4 challenge will be to take a good look inside ourselves and ask; How and why did I get here in my finances. Is there an area in my life that God needs to heal? Am I attempting to sooth my pain with material "Things". Often, when one area in our lives is out of control, we cling to the things that we can control. For example, when our marriage/relationship is not working out or at a rocky point, we cling or start "over controlling" our children. If our place of employment is out of balance, we become very strick at home.
Personally, when I didn't feel good about my body, instead of working out and making a lasting change, I would go buy a cute outfit to cover up the flaws on a temporay basis. Also, I would find myself purchasing items for my children(Ashayla needs new jeans), but in reality I wanted my children to look at me as a great mom. This spending had to do with my emotional issues and not their needs.
When we started this fast, several ladies told me "I can't do that". So does that mean they don't want to have control over their spending or is it that they don't want to deal with the reasons why they are spending.
That is why I am so proud of you ladies and myself. We are doing this and learning about ourselves. I don't know about you, but this fast is causing me to take a look at other areas in my life. So let me hear it ladies, Why are you spending? What are you covering or hiding?
Kendria, this is a really inspiring article and it spoke directly to some of my challenges...so much of spending is a distraction...I'd rather be preocupied with living my best life...I'm going to repost this on the OurHealth Movement Blog tomorrow... So much of what everyone has been talking about in this fast translates to our mission of helping women of color - especially Black women - to heal.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great post!
ReplyDeleteAt first, when I ask myself why I shop, my answer was....well I didn't know! Then, I get confused. Is it for me or for outward appearances?
I will definitely reflect prayerfully!!!