Honesty Part II - A First Step to Recovery

Just after writing my last post, I found that the LDS church has adapted the original 12 Steps of AA to fit the framework of our beliefs.  It is a beautiful program, and while I don’t mean to make light of people struggling in deeply addictive situations, I have to say that even those of us stuck in less serious habits can benefit from the principles of this program.  Since grocery shopping is slightly less weighty than drug addiction, I’ll lighten up the content to fit this topic.  Again, no intent to offend.

So, I already tackled the first step without even knowing it.  I’ve borrowed from the words I found on the LDS website and adapted my own here, too.

Step 1 - HONESTY.  Admit that you, by your own power, are unable to overcome your bad habit and that your life is less manageable because of it.

I’m Mariah and I have a problem keeping track of how much money I spend, especially at the grocery store, because I love food, and I love to feed people, and sometimes, convenience wins out over convention and at certain stores I can’t be trusted to leave without spending at least $100 (Costco).  This has made my financial life less manageable than it otherwise would be.  Honestly, even when I get my rebate from Costco each year, which is 2% of my annual purchases, I have spent it ten times over in my mind before I even walk into the store.  And, when I come out, I have far overspent my “free” money reward.

There you have it.  Step 1.  The other part of honesty is that when I have this public forum to be accountable to, I am more honest with you all than I am with myself alone.  So, by my own power I have not been able to overcome, but with divine help, and encouragement from friends, I am on my way to living a more manageable abundant life.  It is already evident in my accounts.

Here’s a record of expenditures and meals for the last week:

1/2  - With a miracle ham, a hannukah feast (yes, I just said those two in order), the Sicilian fest my family threw, hosting a farewell for neighbors (which was potluck), and the annual Christmas Eve finger food party behind us I have ………...................................................................................................................$200

1/3 - Bountiful Baskets with extra bread, fruit and olive oil....................................................................$45

1/4 – Costco (I’m getting better)..........................................................................................................$35

1/6 – Shakey’s Pizza (they loaded us up with freebies because they were out of one thing we ordered.  We came home with two boxes of food.)...…………………….........................................................……$30

1/9 – Smith’s Groceries………….......................................................................................................$30

1/10 – 10 days to go, this may be my highest amount yet at this point....................................................$60

Monday 1/2 - Sandwiches

Tuesday 1/3 – Tacos

Wednesday 1 / 4 – Spaghetti carbonara and a red sauce

Thursday 1/5 – Egg rolls, rice, eda mame

Friday 1/6 – Shakey’s Pizza

Saturday 1/7 - Date night, kids fend for themselves

Sunday 1/8 – Pulled pork, rolls, goat cheese and spinach salad, baked potatoes, carrots, olives