SPENT

My motto these days is:  DON'T CHARGE, RECHARGE!

(I feel like Suze Orman the financial guru would be cheering me on, "You Go Girl!")

There is just SO MUCH coming at us these days.  I counted 68 direct mail catalogs thrust upon me in the month of February.  I kept count in an effort to get off the mailing list through a great website called:  Catalog Choice.  I was shocked to see how many I actually receive.  This is in addition to all of the catalogs and magazines that I choose to subscribe to for design, fashion, well being and personal interest.  Because I am in the design industry, I probably receive more than most people.  And then there are the blogs that I follow.....all of these advertisement laden periodicals makes you want to just go out and buy stuff!

oh, and the news.....

I've been fielding calls all week from friends.  It also feels like one of those weeks when there is a lot of personal bad news in the lives of people I know.  I have spent time being of support and counsel.  You know that expression about...bad news always comes in threes?  Well I received call number three yesterday.  In the midst of it all I feel so blessed because everything is going very well in my life (right now).  I am counting my blessings and feeling grateful for being able to lend my strength to others during their difficult time.  Bad news is bad news period.  You feel great compassion when people you know are hurting.  It weighs heavily on you.  Perhaps a little internet surfing or a stroll around the mall might be a good diversion.

Step away from the credit card!!  Maybe the stroll you really long for is out in nature for some fresh head-clearing air.  The distress seems to lift and float away when your moving and the only thing above you is the sky.  Chirping birds and barking dogs reconnect us to the continuity of life, a little sunshine always does wonders for the disposition, and nature's beauty is so awe-inspiring it reminds us that things are going to be okay.

I feel so blessed to live by the beach.  It is my go-to place when I need to clear my head.  In the afternoon of the September 11th tragedy, I took a long walk to the beach and stared out at the waves for what seems like an eternity trying to convince myself that things were going to be okay.  The rhythmic break of each wave gave me solace.  When I've had to figure out difficult situations or even rectify disputes with a family member, up into the beach preserve foothills we walk..and walk...and walk...hmmmm if those hills could talk!  When I feel overwhelmed I run through those hills.

The point is, we all have a lot of stuff.  If I took a poll, most of us would say we have too much stuff.  Much more stuff than we need.  There are things that we buy that we may regret buying.  There are things that we buy with that we think will change our lives. You get the point.  Some of our spending is rational.  We do need stuff.  A great deal of it however is impulsive and emotional.  It makes us feel better, for a little while anyway.

Today's Daily Worth blog post is just so awesome because it directly talks about this topic (read here).  According to DW we are psychologically triggered to spend and there are three common triggers for spending.  Amanda Steinberg, who is the founder of Daily Worth speaks of spending with intention (and I'd like to add, LOVE).  I highly recommend you read this posting and muse over the message. The message is don't be "trigger happy".  That kind of happy only lasts a little while.  I thought the timing of this blog was divine, given the week I have been having.  In the past I would run right out and get me a little bling or something colorful to wear to cheer myself up.  I don't do that anymore.  I am now very mindful about what I buy.  I do treat myself, but I don't purchase to feel better.  I am now a treasure hunter.

Do you know someone who buys things to cope with stress or other emotions?  What has been your experience with this?

Share your thoughts!

Jacquie