Shop and Release

I used to be a master shopaholic. High end, low end, internet, thrift, home shopping, shopping for other people. I will spare you the retail details here since I blogged about it before.
I bonded with gobs of stuff, until I realized what I was doing. I became aware when I noticed that something felt a little off. Shopping felt a little empty and was never complete. Once I became aware, instead of resolving not to shop excessively (a big resolution), I released the perception that shopping makes me feel connected and joyful. It doesn't. Once I realized overshopping wasn't serving me anymore (a process not an event) I released it (also a process not an event).
Awareness precedes action in releasing what isn't working anymore. Releasing perceptions is more effective for me than shopping around for resolutions.