Why is it so hard to stop shopping? 5 reasons you may not think of.

What do you struggle with when it comes to shopping less or decluttering?

Love this so raw and honest.

She is so honest to her feelings.

So for people with body dysmorphia disorder and eating disorders and ocd , this takes on a different level

I’m struggling with the no buy and found myself shopping again. I don’t know how to stop

It’s the instant adrenal rush for me to purchase something and as soon as I hit the confirm button, I get this “ I need to cancel this” right away feeling. I get the item, try it on, love it and then it sits in my closet.

You get the thumbs up almost immediately for the phrase, "looking for something to want" (!!) But as I listen longer, I just love the way you speak on this. Your reason #2, commonality: years ago when I looked carefully at the feelings behind my spending, it boiled down to connection with others, even though on the surface it sure didn't look like it.

The second reason!!! Yes!!!

Am I the only one who can spend money on SO many things, no problem, no guilt, but then there is one thing that when you spend money on it, for some reason, you feel guilty about it? I can buy makeup, skin care, hair care, food, almost anything and I don’t feel bad about it, despite not needing it, knowing I won’t actually use them, but the things I actually need, like clothes, I feel horrible about. I struggle so bad buying clothes.

Being bored and not really feeling like I have a purpose in life...ugh, felt that. My biggest struggle is finding the answers to those. Help?

😊😊😊🎉

I love a bargain and am a fashionista. I enjoy all of my purchases and pay all of my bills in full each month. Never pay interest. Also, have a lot of disposable income that accrues every month. When you go into debt and are a compulsive shopper, you do have a problem.

Another thought on the luxury items though: a lot of people go broke buying cheap junk. Always searching for an affordable version of something, when maybe getting the one luxury item is cheaper in the long run. Since I discovered a Chanel blush and face powder that are so much superior to every other, I stopped considering any other blush or powder. When I buy a luxury coat that lasts 5-8 years I don’t buy a coat every winter, etc. The question is whether it’s an intentional purchase or impulsive purchase, whether it’s for fulfilling a true need that is in line with our identity, or trying to fake an identity we wish were true. When you spend more to actually get a need met, you CAN stop searching for the next better thing, or you can always feel like you need to find something better. It’s a mindset. By buying the expensive item that lasts, that is quality, that fits my needs, I often stop the endless searching and spending that occurs when I buy a cheaper version that doesn’t quite work. I never even look at the beauty section in Target or CVS anymore, I just buy my few luxe items that last me all year. Everything lasts me years, now, so I shop for those items once every year or three or five or even ten. So my time is free of those considerations for years. Its freeing! But I was never buying for status, I was buying to protect my budget and to get my time back. To not be frustrated by the inconvenience of dealing with broken items or a coat that’s not warm enough or is pilling or worn, to just know things will work and meet my needs without stealing my energy or time or peace of mind. I think “what item can I invest in?” And what return will I get for that investment.

This video is BANG ON! Thank you so much for sharing it!! 💕🙌🏾

In our defense, China has been producing too much knock off fast fashion and cheap products that last for a short time or don't even work. Adding to the consumerism. I like purchasing quality items now I don't have to repurchase. I started buying used and vintage. Things made with wood or cast iron and natural materials, and only certain brand products.

Your thoughts on luxury is not something most influencers would want to admit to themselves. It's that silent brag, and that constant seeking of validation from the audience -- comments like, they worked hard for it anyway so they deserve to have that expensive item.

I think God created us and we have a space that only He can fill. I have struggled a lot with materialism and impulse shopping even as a Christian. I attend when I can to the Renewal and Recovery class. I need to avoid the mall just like an alcoholic needs to avoid the bar.

Loved this video. So honest and without any sugar coating. I struggle myself, but I dont have dept, just spending too much on clothes. Need to put the breaks on, but like you said. Itvis so hard FOMO is real

Thank you for this video. I saw myself in a lot of what you said and I’m reaping the consequences currently, but working to claw my way back up. Stay strong!

This was so vulnerable. Thank you for sharing! I see many of these same behaviors in myself.

Damn nice toes

This is so me.

I feel that we do not trust money as we trust stuff. A stack of money or a card can not make you warm as a sweater for example. Or, having money doesn’t make us feel as beautiful as a beautiful dress does… A lot of us live alone, and we have to be able to gift and surprise ourselves. Shopping can be dangerous, but not as dangerous as alcohol or drugs…

I can totally relate and identify, and appreciate your honesty. It has been very cathartic for me to watch your videos.
Thank you😊

Thank you for your honest and insightful video. Many elements struck a common chord for me; you opened my eyes further, and I am grateful to your speaking your truth.

Oh I really relate myself to the 3. reason. I shop because I have nothing else to do. I’m lazy to find what my passion is. It’s sad.

I have seen your content! The most marvelous personal "aha" for me from this video was the "social connection crutch." I imagine "If I have this, then I can post about it on socials. Then, people may like something about it and they may be more open to connecting with me." It is such a slippery slope! People judge appearances and the "right" appearance can open doors, yet constantly on the search for what is "right" closes them all.

Anyone have thoughts on this?

This is so honest and truthful. I have been there as well. Boredom is self inflicted and it is a journey to find ways to be engaged. Thanks❤

The book "30 Days to Stop Being a Shopaholic" by Harper Daniels taught me some good mindfulness exercises

I have the opposite problem, I am a bargain hunter and I love flexing about how cheap I was able to find it 😖😖 I never thought of that being one of my motivators to shop. You hit the nail on the head!

What im currently feeling right now. Your video is so timely. Thank you.

The feeling of having something to do definitely resonates with me. I know what my interests are but I don’t have the concentration to do stuff outside of work. That fuels shopping and food addiction.

I like collecting particular beautiful things…..

I know you posted this an entire year ago, but I just stumbled on this video after following some of your tips on tees and jeans that would help me build a simple, minimal closet. A lot of the points you brought up with the silent brag and how we see ourselves hit me hard. I'm really glad I was able to relate and I was even dragging out a search for a bag, but guiltily found myself looking towards luxury/high end brands more and more. This video helped me identify the same problems I had myself that I couldn't put into words. Thank you for making the video and continue to do what you do ♥

Christina, thank you so much for being honest and vulnerable in sharing your reflections. While my situation and experiences aren't the same as yours, BUT the underlying feelings and motivations you talk about are. Thank you for sharing... you've encouraged me to do better financially and to look-at and address the issues behind my actions. I would love to see more videos like this. Thank you.

This level of sincerity... omg. Thank you for everything you've said ❤

The best podcast ive watched on shopping addiction. Really resonated with me on every point. Once you understand your own personal underlying emotional reasons for over buying it really helps you stop and think and begins the process to motivate change. I found this so helpful. Thankyou 🌈

This is interesting to hear, and sorry that this habit got out of hand it’s got out of hand for myself and I suffer from a shopping addiction too mainly clothes and clothes and clothes, and I want to reduce and eventually stop my spending habit on buying clothes, how did you do it?, from the UK 🇬🇧☺️

This video changed my life. That first point you made about how it feels like you’re being productive, is literally the reason I love spending money as well. It was such a lightbulb moment like the answer I have been searching my whole life for

The part that gets me is feeling productive. Depending on what I bought it made me feel as if I was improving my life in some way

You are amazing and so honest. Thank you

3) having something to do yes . As a stay at home gf years back and having a spoilt life I would do this .

this level of self-awareness is impressive - I didn't realize that I also see online shopping as "productive" until you said it 😞

I also went shopping because I don’t have anything to do. Too much time on my hands.

i can relate to that 9 to 5 burnout thing and being aimless and bored

online spending is addicting so easy to do & not have to leave your home, :(

"It feels productive" oof wow that hit

What gives you the purpose now? I can't find anything else I get enjoyment from to replace the shopping addiction with. I used to overeat and now it's throwing away all my money on clothes and shoes.

You literally made this whole video for me. You were speaking right to me. Thank you for telling your story.

Wow! You nailed it!