I’m now 6 months sober with my shopping addiction. This is what I learned.

I am now 6 months sober from buying clothing, books and shoes. It feels amazing and I can already see the mental and financial benefits.<br><br>I’m sure a lot of people here will understand how difficult it is to resist the urge to consume in the modern world that we live in. As a fashion influencer, I used to get free clothing and makeup products from brand ambassadors and get invited to buy one get one free shopping events and it really took a toll on my self esteem and bank account.<br><br>When I discovered the concept of minimalism, I got rid of 90% of my closet and books. It was difficult to let go of my materialistic possessions but it was oddly cathartic. I felt happy and liberated from the toxic cycle of consumerism and buying stuff.<br><br>When I start building my minimalist wardrobe, I actually felt like I lost weight because my clothes fit better and I looked better. It doesn’t help that I am an impulsive buyer. I am now 6 months sober from buying stuff and it feels amazing.<br><br>This is what I learned and I hope you guys can learn from my mistakes:<br><br>Get rid of your disposable income. Don’t give yourself the option to buy unnecessary stuff. Go on a Sunday walk instead and know that getting more money doesn’t mean I can afford more stuff.<br><br>Having disposable income is like having too many options. Maybe there’s such a thing as too many options. Maybe when we have confidence to go out to buy something we want, we are more likely to make impulse purchases<br><br>This is why I am not building an emergency fund because I will know that I have money to spend on stuff.<br><br>It is true that the grass is greener on the other side. I used to feel sad that I don’t have the money to buy more stuff but now I know that I can live without it. If I ever find myself talking to people who spend a lot of money on luxury goods, I am now happy with my minimalist lifestyle<br><br>I was once a victim of comparison-itis. Then I realized that I shouldn’t compare my life with others. We are all on a different journey to success.<br><br>I was bullied a lot in school because I come from a poor home, so I used to buy stuff that I don’t need to make myself feel better. When I got rid of my stuff, I realized that I don’t need validation from others. I am enough<br><br>I feel sorry for the environment and the people who make my stuff. Garment workers can make around $3 an hour and they work long hours everyday. I don’t know what the solution is but I feel bad for them and their mental health<br><br>When I got rid of stuff that I don’t need or want, I feel more confident in my purchases. I know that I am not buying stuff because I am bored or want a confidence boost. I’m buying stuff because I need it and because of quality.<br><br>Being a fashion influencer also gave me a lot of anxiety. I was worried that I didn’t have the money to buy new clothes for my content and I was constantly comparing myself to my competitors. I now have a clear vision for my channel and I no longer feel overwhelmed and anxious about making content now that I have been sober from shopping.<br><br>I am not saying that I am never going to buy stuff again. I am talking about buying stuff that I don’t need or want and hoarding it.<br><br>I am now more focused on my business and career and making time for things that matters. This includes making time for my friends and family and making time for mental health. I am more intentional with my time and I have better time management skills.<br><br>I am also more subtle and humble with my possessions. This is probably controversial but I see a lot of minimalist influencers promoting expensive products to their audience and it kind of defeats the purpose of minimalism? I’ve learned to just shut up and live my life in peace and I don’t talk about my minimalist lifestyle anymore. I now realize that I was trying to validate myself and my lifestyle by talking about it all the time.<br><br>Lastly, I am grateful for the support of my family and friends. I was lucky to have their support but I know it’s not always like that. You guys are amazing!<br><br>Anyway, this is my story and thank you for taking the time to read it. I hope you guys can learn from my mistakes!<br><br>Edit: I’m overwhelmed by all the positive responses. Thank you for your kindness and encouragement. I wish everyone well. I am not judging anyone who chooses to buy more stuff and I am not saying that my way of living is better. What I am saying is that I learnt a lot from my mistakes and it has helped me.