....across the room to exercise self-control.....

At the start of a New Year I usually try to think about any changes I would like to make in my life and this year was no exception.  Towards the end of the year when I was looking at the storage space and closets in our home I got a little frustrated with all the "stuff" I have stored in the house and all the clothes in my closet.  I enjoy shopping unique little shops and often end up picking up items I haven't even thought about buying simply because I like what I see.  This led me to make the decision to curb my spending for this year to buy only items we really need.  No strict rules really, just a conscious effort to be careful with my money and not buy things I haven't even thought about (and probably don't need).  I thought another bonus here would be that it would free up quite a bit of my time so I could get going on some projects that have been untouched for a long time.  The problem with that is that often I'm in the shops for relaxation.  It takes my mind off something I might need a break from and takes me into the public without actually having to interact with anyone.  In other words I can be alone yet be with people!  I know we're barely into the New Year but I've had great opportunities to exercise my self-control.  Yesterday I was at Winner's (not exactly a unique little shop, I know!) trying on tops, slacks and jeans and when I had satisfied my "fix" I left the store empty handed!!  What a powerful feeling!  I saw all kinds of things I liked enough to buy but realized I didn't NEED any of it and walked away from it all with no regrets at all!  Last year I would have probably gone to Starbucks for a coffee after a shopping spree but yesterday I decided I could go home and make coffee there.  I did and then invited a friend to join me!  I just can't wait how this will affect the rest of my year (not to mention how much money I'll have in my account at the end of the year!!)  However, if I keep going for lunch with my friends and paying $5.50 for a pot of tea like I did today I may be in the red at the end of the year!  Are you reading this, Renita?????