Low self-esteem and shopping addiction is a topic that I have seen a couple of different times in articles this week. It is certainly not uncommon to see additive behavior associated with low self-esteem.
I consider an addiction to be the attempt to fill a spiritual void (essence) with a material solution. Outer things cannot satisfy an inner hunger. When material world things of the ego are used to try to satisfy an inner desire (to feel worthwhile), an appetite that is insatiable is created.
This is why addictions lead to ‘never enough’. I used to believe that if I could just earn enough money, (there was no clear definition as to what was enough, of course) or accomplish enough (one of the reasons for workaholism) or just receive more recognition or just…I think you get the picture.
When I was seeking to define my sense of self by externals, or to feel better about myself by achievement, it was just a bottomless pit type of experience. People who are seeking to feel better about themselves via shopping are sitting ducks for advertisers. It’s also one of the reasons so many people are in debt over their heads.
This is one of the many reasons why developing self-esteem is so important. Otherwise, you will fall prey to all types of social predators. Of course, generally speaking, predators also have issues with self-esteem or else they would not need to take advantage of others.
When you have healthy self-esteem, you can perceive the abundance that is possible for all concerned. You can create win-win prosperity and the planet can be a better place to live for everyone. I know that as my own sense of self-esteem has grown, and continues to expand, I have become more creative, more gracious toward others and more prosperous as well.
While healthy self-esteem comes from the inside, the journey to higher self-esteem generally starts with a change in an outer or physical situation or circumstance. The thousand-mile journey begins with the first step. Just breaking the cycle of the urge to shop and staying away from debt can make significant headway toward developing a more empowered you.
Healthy self-esteem is a powerful gift that you can afford to give to yourself!
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