How we Shop

One year I tried to not shop. That's how it started. Then I decided that really it was OK to shop for used things, at yard sales and Goodwill. Of course, I also "had" to buy groceries. Its amazing, really, what you can get at a grocery store - and all of the sudden, how much attention I was paying to the non-food items there! So, I had to redefine "grocery shopping" to mean only food items. But, the kids weren't as hip to my plan, so I mostly kept getting them what they liked/wanted, cutting back very little on our own food consumption. It was a good practice for that year, but honestly, there was alot of give & take/fluidity about how we were living into it.

As we begin a new year, I'm ultra-aware of my families economic situation. Somehow I lose sight of that during the holidays. And boy do we pay for that oversight! Again, I am considering how we spend money. I am reminded of some helpful shopping lists to help me (you?) identify what is driving the shopping - to help us make an intentional decision that is healthy for us, God's creation and our wallets:

Ask yourself, Why now?

When the impulse to buy strikes, hit pause and ask yourself:

1. why am I here?

2. how do I really feel right now?

3. how will I feel after I buy it?

4. why can't I wait? what if I wait?

Ask yourself, Why this?

If you've determined that the purchase isn't an attempt to create a feeling you're lacking or anesthetize a feeling you're having, take a closer look at the item:

1. what makes me sure that this is the right one?

2. when will I (or the giftee) use it?

3. can I afford it? how will I pay for it?

4. what might I rather do with the money?

Good use of money? Item you want? At least now you've considered the implications of your actions. That's helpful when we shop. Too much of our culture seems to act like shopping lots is a normal activity. Do you think it needs to be?

What are your thoughts on shopping mindfully.....just post your comments to let us know!

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