A transformed shopaholic

  

Date Posted: 12/18/2012 12:56:42 AM

Posted By: warira  Membership Level: Gold  Total Points: 1095

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If there is one thing that I love in this world its got to be shopping. Want me to give you a beautiful smile the whole day just take me shopping even if it is window shopping. Be it Ngara, Gikomba, Toi market to name but a few , I do not mind. I use shopping to relieve my stress, to reward myself for my achievements, to keep myself occupied or in clearing up my mind. My friends look at it as an addiction while my parents say it is an unhealthy obsession. Recently someone told me that it is not shopping that I am addicted to but I have an ‘insatiable appetite for new things” as he put it. This addiction, obsession, insatiable appetite or whatever people call it has put me into problems especially with my parents. As I am yet to be independent financially they often refuse to give me money when am in the spending mode. To me this has been an innocent habit and never thought that it is a harmful habit as I am being told.

It is heartbreaking that the thing that makes me feel complete, happy is the weapon of mass destruction for me. If you have watched the movie ‘confessions of a shopaholic’ then you will understand what I am talking about. In my room I have so many things that I have never worn, jewelry that I never wear among other things that I buy for no apparent reason. Ironically I have so much yet I feel I have nothing hence the need for going shopping every now and then.

How is shopping harmful? Many of you will ask. Shopping is a good thing but what is harmful is excessive shopping. Shopping becomes a problem when you find yourself

spending a lot of time in malls, supermarkets, markets buying stuff; or when you start overspending and buying things that you have no use for. If you are the kind of person who hits their favorite shop the moment they receive their pay check then you are a shopaholic. Shopping tops your priorities list such that you forget material obligations such as rent, school fees, mortgage etc. Being in possession of money gives one the urge to spend it all. It is no wonder that most shopaholics are neck deep in debt; luckily I have not fallen to this.

I am a bit embarrassed to say that most shopaholic are selfish people me being one of them. This is because they always want the best for themselves and want people to break their backs for them in getting the stuff. For instance I would insist to be given money even despite the fact that my parents were broke at the particular moment.

Additionally it leads to poor time management. A lot of time will be wasted in shopping malls hence having little time for your studies, work and other important duties. You will also spend a lot of time surfing the net looking for the best online bargains and deals. It also strains your relationships with those dear to you. Sometimes you will borrow money from them and fail to repay or you may not have time to be with them.

Old habits are hard to die but eventually they do. With discipline one can overcome any habit as I am told and as witnessed. There are few helpful tips that I would not mind to share:
First and fore most avoid walking around with a lot of money. Carry with you with the necessary money for use on that day that is to say your fare, lunch and a little extra for emergency purposes. When you have limited money you will not have the urge to spend. If you have an ATM card avoid walking around it as it tempts one to withdraw money to freely spend. If this is a problem have a trusted friend or relative keep the money for you.

Stay away from your favorite shops or avoid hanging around such places. Find new hobbies or schedule more time for other important stuff. For instance if you are a student you can be going to the library and read instead of going to shopping. When you keep yourself occupied you will have no time to waste in shopping. Have a particular time for shopping; say end month should be the only time you shop.

Create a budget for yourself. Set a particular amount for each item and it should be items that are of great importance. When your spending is based on a budget impulsive buying is avoided and you will not have unimportant stuff in your shopping basket. Additionally always carry with you a list when going for shopping.

Divert your money to useful projects. The money that you used to waste while shopping can be invested wisely. For instance you may use that money in advancing your talent by taking short inexpensive courses. You can also start a business that you have always wanted to do. During these processes you will acquire skills that will help you in becoming a wise shopper.

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