Can Style and True Spiritual Happiness Mix? A reader recently asked me this question. It’s an important one, especially as I have just launched my new 28-Day Love, Body and Spirit Detox program. (Introductory Video) It’s a whole life, whole foods program to remove toxicity from our bodies and our lives. A related question is, even though the focus of this program is not weight release, is it okay to want to lose weight, be beautiful, wear or not wear makeup, enjoy fashion or wear weaves. I say, of course! Do you. Be you. Love you. Everything comes back to intention.
This life is yours to enjoy gratefully with unconditional love, kindness and joy. All fruits and desires are yours as we are a part of the Universe’s cycle of giving and receiving. You don’t make fashion, beauty or material things your God, of course, but you are a spiritual being having a human experience. enJOY it,give back and be of service! You can join my Love Body Spirit (LBS) Detox program here.
Everywhere we turn, we are inundated with messaging about the latest must-haves in fashion. From Vogue Mag to the Happily Grey style blog, $500 stilettos are practically jumping off the page (or screen) and onto your already well-loved credit cards. (Hello, my Pinterest obsession!) However, unless you are walking the red carpet with celebrities or getting your clothing and accessories sponsored by companies, resist the urge.
It’s no secret that many of us love to shop and you don’t have to give that up, but… When that material love turns to an obsession for attaining all the latest styles you can become a slave to your inner fashionista and can quickly find yourself drowning in debt just to keep up. This is spiritual bankruptcy!
It’s important to remember that while temporary happiness may be found in a pair of jeans, that elation will quickly fade once the bill arrives. Instead, look for true happiness in what you already have — and I don’t mean the items stacking up in your closet.
1. Find Your Identity Beyond Your Stylish Exterior.
Start by asking yourself these questions:
- Who am I?
- What makes me special?
- Where am I going?
- What is my gift?
Then take these actions:
- Acknowledge repetitive habits and behaviors (good or bad) and decide if a change need to be made.
- Identify the people in your life who you can trust to be there for you no matter what.
- Define what you want to tell the world about yourself.
2. Discover Your Path.
Decide if the current path you are on, or are about to embark on will enhance or hinder you current goals in life.
The earlier in life you discover who you are and what matters most, the easier it will be to surround yourself with activities and people that make you smile. After all, it is unlikely the joy from last weekend’s girl’s night came solely from the pre-party shopping you did. Instead, you were probably looking forward to spending time with a good friend and perhaps getting your booty on the dance floor to shake off the stresses of the week.
3. Detox your life: Love, Body and Spirit.
4. Remember to Cultivate Relationships, Not Credit.
Speaking of people that make you smile, the Mayo Clinic places emphasis on investing in relationships when seeking happiness. They urge: “Surround yourself with happy people.” Your mood can be lifted simply by being around others who are content. In turn, when you are happy you feed into the moods of those around you. those closest to you will be there to celebrate with you as well as be a shoulder to cry on, so nurture these relationships. (But first, take a look at which relationships are worth the investment.)
The people you choose to associate with speak volumes to who you are and how you want to live your life. Surround yourself with positive people and influences to help motivate you to achieve your goals for happiness. If you find yourself in the midst of drama and unhappiness it is likely you will carry that into your daily life. So identify the sources of derailment and avoid relationships that can be tumultuous.
5. You Don’t Have to Give Up Shopping Completely.
Finding happiness does not mean a life without shopping. The key is to keep it within your means and think about it less and less. ‘Tis true that some days looking good can be a boost for feeling good when nothing else will do the trick.
When it comes to shopping, experiment with thrift stores. Set a budget for discretionary spending and stick to it. An app like Pennies, available for iPhone for $2.99 will help keep track of where you spend your money and establish a realistic limit on shopping dollars. But fear not, bombshell, with so many affordable retailers selling everything from shoes to handbags, the trends and styles you covet can be attainable at a more realistic price tag.
Strive to make trends not follow them.
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Thanks for the great sponsors who provided promotional consideration for this post. My opinions are all my own.
