I recently made a trip to the “shopping mall” and the “online shopping” world inundates me with ads personalized (VERY personalized ads) for all my insecurities.. almost like a bully, poking me with suggestions to “better” myself.

It’s INTENSE… the psychological manipulation has become incessant. So intricate. It’s difficult to avoid. Anyone else tired of it? 

Guess what?

YOU are way more powerful than the marketing.

Because of your adaptable brain and the magic of your physiology.

You decide what’s best for you. YOU decide. Remember that. Right up til that last click of the button. Right up until you pull your card to pay… YOU DECIDE.

There is a release of neurochemicals when we buy something/anything … and we’re essentially “hooked” on shopping – literally addicted to the chemicals released in our brain. We used to joke about “shopaholics” but it’s a very real condition, Oniomania, and I’d say almost all of us suffer from it to some extent. Here’s a good way to check: (https://www.verywellmind.com/shopping-addiction-4157288)

So, what’s the solution Dr Daisey?

According to Blindsight: The (Mostly) Hidden Ways Marketing Reshapes Our Brains, by Matt Johnson and Prince Ghuman.

“don’t shop while you’re emotional, distracted, or hungry”

GET THAT?

Stop shopping when you’re emotional, distracted or hungry.

Stop shopping when you’re emotional, distracted or hungry.

Stop shopping when you’re emotional, distracted or hungry.

Like any addiction – don’t use it to self-soothe.

It’s funny cause when I read that… my response is, how often are you NOT emotional, distracted or hungry??? not much… so don’t shop much either.

Take care of yourself. With LOVE, PRESENCE and NOURISHMENT.

NOTHING will fill that hole inside you – but love, presence, nourishment can help. It’s not meant to be filled – it’s a the hole that lets the light in. It’s what makes life worthwhile. That HOLE is your dark cave – see previous post.

Make this delicious soup (recipe here) and SLOW DOWN, rest, feel your body, give yourself a hug.

You don’t NEED any of that shit. Trust me. You may want it. But you don’t need it.

The best things in life are free!

Here is a collection of some of my favourite free things….

What are yours?

You are gorgeous, powerful, healthy, SO VERY PERFECT in this very moment.

Much love.