Retail Therapy
March 24th, 2025
Writer: Emmylou Ethan
Editor: Sophia Wohl
Rarely do we take the time to appreciate the piping hot coffee we had this morning or the brown belt our mom gave us from her college days, a belt that makes our outfits look that much better. Instead we aimlessly scroll on social media admiring other people’s belongings, exploring envious ways we can get our hands on that perfect black mini-skirt.
We spend most of our lives constantly yearning for the next best thing. Rarely taking a step back and considering how rich in life we really are. We are constantly comparing what we have to others and seldom appreciate the value of what we currently possess.
Like many, I find myself comparing my life to others, in the department of material possessions or the relationships they have. Lately, my comparisons have revolved around crucial life skills, some of which I have yet to cultivate, while I sit back and watch others effortlessly master. My most recent fixation has been being content with who I am
There are many outlets people often utilize to feel more content with themselves in any given moment. While this happiness and feeling of comfort may be brief, it helps us alleviate the chaos circling in our heads.
These outlets can take various forms and serve as a fresh breath of air in the midst of our fast-paced lives. While some of us find comfort in leaning on our friends and family for a much needed debrief, others may indulge in their favorite comfort food, this leaves us with feelings of happiness and familiarity. And many of us often turn to the escape of retail therapy.
While we are reluctant to admit the brief boost of happiness that a tracking number or a delivery notification provides us, the thrill we get from acquiring something brand new is undeniable.
Although this “thrill” can be a source of temporary happiness, that’s all it is: temporary. If we are constantly chasing the next best thing, we will never feel content with ourselves or what we have. As I try to think of one trend that has lasted more than five years, my mind draws a blank. Our generation is obsessed and fixated on the concept of being “cool”. And keeping up with the latest trends seems to be the only way to achieve this particular status. But shouldn’t being considered “cool” be based on permanent attributes? Aren’t the most admirable traits the ones that can’t be seen from the outside?
As I work to become more content with myself and the traits that I possess, I have started applying the following to my daily life:
1. Waking up and starting my self care instead of starting my day on a screen
I realized that the first few moments of my day set the tone for everything that follows. Rather than instantly filling my brain up with the noise of social media, I take even a few brief minutes to wash my face, do my skin care, and stretch. While it may not seem like it, it makes much of an impact. These few minutes help me focus on my own needs, rather than what the world expects of me.
2. Engaging in activities that bring me personal joy
Instead of doing things that are perceived as “trendy” or “cool”, I have recently begun to do at least one thing a day that separates me from my school and social life. But more importantly, something that brings me joy. A recent example is making playlists that depend on my mood and remind me that happiness comes from within.
3. Valuing experiences over things
While it is inevitable that sometimes we will buy things to generate a brief feeling of happiness or fulfillment, I have recently tried to alter this thinking and spend my time doing things that bring me lasting happiness, leaving me with something I can look back on and smile. This may consist of a nice dinner with friends, or even free activities such as going for a walk or journaling. When I find myself actively engaging in experiences instead of chasing for the next best thing, it helps me appreciate the branches of my life that are important to me, some that I want to continue to develop and grow.
At the end of the day, the materials that we buy will slowly start to lose their value, trends will turn into sayings like “I can’t believe we wore that,” and the constant chase of retail therapy will slowly become boring. Yet, the experiences we have gained along the way, the relationships that we cherish so much, and the traits that we have slowly gained and developed- are the things that will last forever.
The idea of being content with oneself is one I have yet to fully grasp. It is merely impossible to not want to compare yourself to others. But there are steps we can take to head in the right direction. True contentment does not consist of a shipping label; it is based on the realization that we are enough. While the path to self-acceptance takes true effort, each little step- separating ourselves from our demanding socials, finding activities and hobbies that bring us joy, and valuing experiences over things. These all help bring us closer to the overall chase being over the true belief that everything we need to be content comes from within our true selves.
