u/Far_Slice8561

Hello r/shoppingaddiction, what a year it has been!

This group has been so instrumental in my growth, even if it was just quietly lurking and not feeling so alone with this addiction. I’ve been reflecting a lot on my year so far and wanted to encourage you all to keep going, wherever you are at!

I’m proud to say that after going over my budget and finances, I will have a positive net worth for the first time in my adult life by the end of September if I stick to my budget. I’ve been feeling really spendy again lately, and over the last few weeks I’ve felt close to pulling the trigger on some online hauls. But realizing how close I am to this big goal has helped immensely.

I had a really big relapse in May that set me back quite a bit, and it made me realize that this really is an addiction that doesn’t exactly go away. The impulses definitely lessen, but they are still there. I’ve had to put really strong limits on myself and not allow myself to online shop, because that is by far my biggest trigger.

I’m proud of myself, though, because I recently had to shop for a few pieces of formalwear for a wedding I’m going to in October, and it felt really good to pay in cash and stick to my budget. I had a dress I really wanted to buy, but I chose to borrow one that fits me beautifully and just get a cheap pair of shoes with it. Honestly, that kind of shopping didn’t even feel that great at all. It’s funny to realize what actually scratches that addictive, dopamine-seeking itch and what doesn’t.

It is so incredibly hard some days, and honestly I’m checking in partly because I’ve felt that big impulse come up again. But realizing how close I am to my goal is really helping - although the wait feels painfully long when you’re right at the end zone. 😅

I just wanted to show my appreciation for this group and remind myself, and all of you, to keep going, no matter where you are in the process. Sometimes it’s one day, or even one hour, at a time.

Honestly, me from even a year ago would not believe that this is where I am now. It is slow, but it has been so, so worth it.

I was doing so well, but I have gone through a very rough few weeks. I ended up going to a mall and spending like $1,200. It felt so good, I’m not going to lie, but I am a bit ashamed now as I confront another credit card bill and the fact that I will not hit a big financial milestone for myself. I will also not have any fun money for my upcoming birthday, which is a bummer but I’m kind of ok with that.

But, I am actually proud that it did not trigger any online shopping, which was my biggest problem. I have not shopped, except for that one day, and I’m not letting this set back hold me back.

I’ve been in therapy for a while now, and I’ve noticed it’s really helping. I am not speaking as negatively to myself, and I’m not letting this one set back define me. I am still really proud of how far I’ve come, and how I’ve stuck to my rule about online shopping. It’s all about the progress, not perfection! Hopefully I can lean to refine my rules even more so something like this doesn’t happen down the line.