The shopping fast has been a great adventure. It has probably helped that I have been sick as it has suppressed my desires to be out and about. I have actually found the limits I set to be very freeing. It has helped me realize when I shop out of boredom or a desire for comfort. I have also recognized shopping as a tool of procrastination to put off things that I don't want to do. The best part is that I have been able to stretch the budget further by not randomly or repeatedly shopping.
You might be wondering if I have cheated. Well lets just say I have tweaked the parameters on a couple of occasions. There was an extra trip that would take me near Trader Joe's that I didn't account for. And considering Trader Joe's is an hour plus away I couldn't pass up getting Sweet Potato Tortilla Chips and a few other goodies when so close! I also had an emergency run into a grocery store for a forgotten item I was to carry to church. And yes I have been in Wal-Mart. I had been given a Wal-Mart gift card, we needed toilet paper, and the household budget was empty! I also confess I think I am going to need to look for one unexpected Christmas gift because one of my Christmas gift plans didn't quite work out. Over all I consider the shopping fast a success. It has helped considerably curb impulsive shopping and made me aware of less healthy shopping habits.
One interesting observations has been how by decreasing the shopping habit, other coping habits intensified. My time watching Netflix increased as well as seeking comfort and procrastinating with food. I have become keenly aware of how I find it easier to look to earthly things for comfort than to look to Christ. I have not moved much further than that observation at this point but I guess awareness is always a good place to start.
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