I started online grocery shopping in 2021, like most people did during the Covid pandemic. But it became a habit and remained as such even after we waved those isolation days goodbye.
One day, it finally dawned on me that I kept using online grocery shopping not out of necessity but for pure convenience. I realized I had become accustomed to a comfort level of ease. Going out to buy my groceries in person had become inconvenient. And I had been spending a lot on this service – all money I could have been putting toward my savings.
When I started writing this article, I reviewed my budget and found the following:
- The dedicated biweekly budget for savings was spent on groceries.
- I was shopping for groceries at least 3-4 times per month outside of my two-week grocery budget.
- I was not saving any money.
- I was taking money from my savings to pay for groceries or eating out.
How My Parents Handled It
As I pondered the situation, I looked back on how my mom and dad managed groceries. My mom cooked every day. Sometimes on Friday, Dad would stop off at this burger place on his way home from work and pick up some burgers and fries for us, but that was a planned event. There was no eating out regularly. We ate what mom cooked.
With this memory of how my parents raised us, I realized that I am spoiled and overindulgent at times. I have succumbed to today’s society of overindulgence, lacking patience, and the ‘right-now attitude.”
My Decision
When I received the renewal notice for my plus annual membership, I discontinued it – delivery and shipping. I decided that I was going to be a good servant of the money that I am blessed with. From now on, I decided, I am going to depend on the Lord to guide me on this difficult journey.
Living the Christian life is a marathon, not a sprint. I pray that the Lord will convict me when I am outside of his will. I pray that I will hear him and be discerning. I pray that I will be bold enough to continue to share my walk with the Lord so that it may help others.
Small Circumstances Can Turn into Large Consequences
At that pivotal point, I realized online shopping may have contributed to a lot more: movement issues, health issues, mental health issues, and financial issues. Of course, online shopping does have pros and can be especially helpful when one can’t drive around and do their own shopping.
I’ve come to realize the issue is not with the service itself but with the individual choices each of us makes. We have a choice to do or not to do. We have a choice to use or not to use. Yes, stores make it difficult to choose free delivery or shipping as they require a minimal purchase, but in the end, the choice is in our hands.
As I was writing this, I was listening to a program on BBN radio by the late Elizabeth Elliott where she was talking about food and grocery shopping. I stopped typing to hear her words about unhealthy food purchases for adults and children and the choices we make every day.
The Healthy Lifestyle I Had Enjoyed for Years
I was reminded of the days I was beating on the pavement and checking the best prices at the local grocery stores. There were three major stores within one block of my workplace. I used a grocery list that was for every two weeks. I would shop before work (meaning I had to leave home earlier) and during lunch. I spent a lot of energy walking through the stores, pushing the cart and loading the groceries in my car. I did this with a limited time frame. I was getting an aerobic workout just by doing my grocery shopping.
I was using a lot of healthy energy moving most of my body parts. I was actively creating endorphins and dopamine, the “feel good” chemicals. As a result, the extra energy kept me busy and active at work – leaving no room for getting comfortable.
Choosing to Get Out of My Comfort Zone
I have been using online grocery shopping for four years this month. As I am writing this, I can remember the joy I received from planning my grocery list and making the rounds to the grocery stores. Walking the distance, putting in the work… I miss those days. I would like to get back to being this woman that embraced going into the store and actively choosing to do her own shopping.
As a Christian woman, a Registered Nurse, and a Wellness Coach, I need to remind myself that ease and comfort are rarely gifts in this world. Many times, they are no gifts at all. So, I make sure to always have a constant connection with the Lord so that I can hear him gently telling me to review my attitude and/or behavior.
What Am I Going to Do Now?
- I am going back to using a grocery list.
- I will go into the store to shop as needed.
- I will use online shopping only when absolutely necessary and only if my groceries meet the minimum amount required for free delivery.
- I will not shop for more food once I’ve purchased the groceries with my biweekly budget.
- I will stick with the two-week grocery shopping.
- I will not continue to purchase fast food as often as I have. I will limit it to three times per month, and I will put that into the menu so that I can limit the groceries I am purchasing to accommodate the dollars for fast-food spending.
- I will return to walking during lunch hour as much as possible.
- I will not look at my life as if I am here on this earth for easy comfortable living. As a Christian, I should know better.
- I will continue to pray to the Lord to help me change my habits.
In essence, online grocery shopping is not right for me all the time. Is it right for you?
I am here to help you on your journey to make changes in your life that may be difficult for you. We can create a wellness journey that will help you meet your goals and sustain them. Contact me if you need help making and sustaining your journey.
Your Thoughts:
What negative/unhealthy patterns and habits have you picked up in the past few years? When was the last time you evaluated your behavior and how it affects your daily life?
