How to go to the mall and not shop

Those of you who have mastered the art of minimalism will probably balk at my baby steps. I went to the mall and didn't shop. Why would I do this? Well, I had a couple of watches that I received for Christmas that needed some links removed. I used my lunch break to complete this errand, and resisted the urge to indulge myself in the end-of-the-year sales. I wouldn't consider myself a shopaholic my any means, but I love the rush of getting a good deal and getting myself something pretty. However, it's not a deal if I don't need it! So I focused on my goal, got my links removed and walked myself out of the store as soon as the task was done. And you know what? I felt empowered and didn't have to deal with buyer's remorse.

Although this is a seemingly small feat, for me, it's one step closer to maintaining that key balance. I'm not a person who buys and Escalade on a whim, but I am the type of person who goes to Target for toothpaste and toilet paper, but ends up spending $100 and couldn't tell you on what the next week. It's the small stuff that gets me, but if I can learn to master those impulses, I know that releasing those urges will empower me.