I deactivated the endorphin rush! Everything I bought in April, 5 actionable takeaways! + my Shopping Diary.

This feels better. More to come.

[Background if you’re new here: In 2024 I spent an entire year bringing more intentionality to my shopping, implementing parameters to get my time back, observing my thoughts, feelings and actions, and keeping a Shopping Diary. In January, 2025, I decided to BE DONE with rules. No more “no-buys” “one-buys” — all of it. I’d shopping too big a focus in my life. (More on that here if you’re interested.) In February, I started a class on over-shopping.]

This month in shopping might look “Rachel normal” in terms of the numbers. But it was completely different. It felt different. At first I couldn’t figure out why. But it’s this: I’ve successfully instituted the pause. Not always a full 24 hour pause, sure (there was that estate sale). But generally a 24 hour or longer pause between consideration and purchase. Even under stress. As a result, while I’ve experienced endorphin rushes, I’ve made reduced them to short powerless flashes; I did not once buy anything while in that rush this month. I did not once shop in the heat of the moment. Any moment.

And here are the Actionable Takeaways: