Does anyone else like to shop? I love to shop. Most of all, I love to shop for clothes, shoes, and aesthetically pleasing “things.” Things to make my life more convenient or pleasant. I like having a cozy home environment– one that is hospitable and warm. This means I need every flavor of soda and juice known to man, just so people have options when they come over. I need a variety of snacks/candies/desserts, unique fixtures, pretty art, and a different scent for every room based on the scheme of that area. After all, I am thinking of ministering to people with the ministry of smell, and every other sense in their bodies. Most of the time it is just me at home, but then I must think about ministering to myself; my sense of wellbeing. Self-care people…

 

Then I need to consider how I dress. I must dress like a million bucks, just in case I run into the next person who is going to make me my next million. I love dresses and frills, lace and the color pink. I like being a fashion icon, and an aesthetically pleasing person (in general). I like the art of makeup; I don’t like to put my makeup on with a paintbrush, but rather subtle and natural. I like to maintain grooming and hygiene, but I don’t like the latest `feather my eyebrows’ trend, which looks like caterpillars walking towards a unibrow. I shop at boutiques, secret online shops where people can’t cop my style, Target, and on occasion, Walmart. When I see something cute, I buy it. I do not need a reason, exactly, other than I’d like to present myself a certain way…

 

Can anyone scream: MATERIALISM? I can make all the excuses in the world as to why my shopping habits are “okay,” including the fact that I always shop within my means… but it doesn’t matter when the heart reasons aren’t right.

 

Materialism is a form of idolatry… but why is this bad, you ask? Well, when we make an idol out of something, it consumes us. It becomes the most important thing in our life, taking away from valuable relationships and healing. When we put our focus on material things, we are being superficial and arrogant.

 

What we are really looking to do when we focus on material things, is to fill a void. Just like overeating, binge drinking on weekends, watching too much TV, playing too many video games, or eating too much sugar… we are looking to distract ourselves from the pain of the moment… but what is that pain? Where is it coming from, and why does it exist? Are we really trying to fill a void, or are we merely enjoying life? If there is a void, how do we heal it or fill it or fix it? NuWell Counseling can help…

 

Let our NuWell counselors help you comb through these things… you are not alone. We can help you understand your motivations, where they come from, and how to heal from the wounds that caused such a gaping void. You are more like a wounded puppy licking his wounds than like a vicious raptor consuming everything in sight. Let us help you dress your wounds… you won’t be sorry you did!