Ever since I can remember, I have always loved going to the store and shopping, and whether I am window shopping or actually buying things, I am always down for a trip to the mall. But, for the last couple years I have found myself getting in my car and driving to spend my money when I am upset or sad more than any other times.
I call this my therapy, or retail therapy if you will. I’m not quite sure if this is 100% healthy for me, but it works in the moment. I love sitting in my car and blasting my favorite Taylor Swift song, or Bruno Mars song, or really anything I am in the mood for that day and driving to get a fun drink (usually a 7-Brew Energy) and then making my way over to the stores.
My favorite place to go is Marshalls or TJ Maxx; I could spend all day in there if I wanted to. I start in the shoes, then the jewelry and beauty care/makeup isles, glance around the home-goods area, and then finally end in clothes. I just walk around, try on clothes I probably don’t need, smell every candle in the isle, and convince myself I need another lip gloss. I love every moment of it.
When I am in a bad mood, stressed, or just upset, it gives me a few hours to not worry about anything and just be at peace. I can just relax and walk around the store without the burden of my problem on my back. Having this opportunity to just be alone and take a deep breath soothes me.
However, as much as I love my ‘retail therapy’, I know it probably isn’t the best way to deal with every bad day. There is a difference between buying something because I genuinely like it and buying something simply because I am trying to make myself feel better. Sometimes the excitement of getting something new only last for a couple hours, then I am left with spenders’ guilt, wondering why I spent my money in the first place.
Going to the mall only distracts me from the problem, it doesn’t help me actually solve it. When I get out of the store and back into my car, I find myself back in the same state of mind, worrying about the very issue that brought me to spend money (I most definitely do not have).
I know many people have their own kind of ‘retail therapy’. Some people go on a run, some read a book, maybe some listen to music, and I obviously go and spend my money. All these activities give an escape in the moment and allow us to breathe. Maybe they aren’t the best options, but we all deserve to have that place to just go, relax, and slow down.
Next time I am stressed or upset, I probably will find myself at Marshalls, but at least I know I can find that little bit of happy in a tough time in my life!