Read time 5 minutes
Archith’s Note:
Today, we welcome Diana, a resilient woman from the United States who lives with Parkinson’s Disease. It is a condition that challenges the body, but not the spirit. In the depths of physical vulnerability, Diana discovered something unexpected that sparked joy, agency, and even healing: shopping.
Yes, shopping…
Often seen as a pastime or indulgence, it became her lifeline. What many view as ordinary, Diana transformed into extraordinary. She leaned into what many women instinctively excel at choosing, expressing and turned it into a source of strength. Each purchase, each moment of choice became a quiet rebellion against limitation.
Diana is here to share her journey, not just of illness, but of insight. Through her story, we’ll explore how everyday rituals can become powerful tools. How hope sometimes hides in the most unexpected places.
Let’s listen, learn, and celebrate the courage it takes to find light in the aisles of life.
Life, in all its Unpredictability
One day, I was strolling through the busy streets with friends, laughing about the latest shopping deals, and the next day, I was navigating health reports and medical terms.
Through the roughest patches, I’ve learned something powerful: healing often hides in the little things.
A Childhood Tradition: ‘Getting Lost’
One of my most beloved memories involves my grandfather. We had a rather quirky tradition: he’d take me out to ‘literally get lost.’ Sounds odd, right? But it was pure magic.
We’d wander grocery markets, weaving through tiny, confusing lanes packed with mom-and-pop stores. Even if we went to the same area daily, those meandering streets felt like a mystery waiting to be solved. That sense of wonder and exploration stayed with me long after those walks ended.
Those moments weren’t about the destination; they were about the joy of not knowing where we’d land, the thrill of discovery, and the warm hand I held while I did.
Shopping Streets and Student Life
Fast forward a decade, and college life brought back that feeling of adventure in a brand-new way. My friends and I would spend hours wandering the vibrant shopping streets near our campus. Bargain hunting wasn’t just a pastime; it was a mini celebration.
Sifting through endless options, finding trendy steals, and laughing over quirky finds gave us a sense of freedom. It was fun, it was bonding, and it became a ritual that defined our friendships. That rush of finding something lovely at a great deal still gives me joy to this day.
“There are days when simply adding things to my online cart feels like a little act of self-care. The buzz might not last long, but honestly, that flicker of happiness in the moment. Totally worth it.”
Shopping Is More Than Just Buying Stuff
For me, shopping goes beyond transactions. It’s about nostalgia, connection, mood-lifting, and even self-care. There’s something oddly therapeutic about window shopping, even when I don’t intend to buy. The colours, the textures, the music playing in stores, it’s a kind of sensory hug.
The Storm Hit: My Diagnosis
Then came 2012. A year that changed everything.
I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. It is a progressive neurological disorder that primarily affects movement. It occurs when nerve cells in the brain, especially in an area called the substantia nigra, become damaged or die, leading to a drop in dopamine levels. Dopamine is a chemical messenger crucial for coordinating smooth and balanced muscle activity.
Within months, I was bedridden. My body felt like it had been borrowed; weak, fatigued, constantly in pain. Simple movements became impossible, and sleep was the only refuge. I felt invisible.
The Unexpected Joy of a Doorstep Delivery
In the depths of physical vulnerability, something unexpected sparked hope; it was shopping. Yes, you heard this right!!
That one moment of anticipation injected energy into otherwise dull days. Just knowing that a package was waiting at my door gave me reason to smile. Suddenly, I was someone receiving a gift.
Shopping became a form of therapy, an escape from the grey walls of my room into a colorful world of possibility. A beautifully distracting kind of happiness.
Online Shopping: Healing Within Reach
For those struggling with mobility, online shopping is a portal of possibility.
With just a few clicks, I had access to tools that eased my daily battles.
Everything was tailored to my needs. No crowds, no lines, no physical strain. Just comfort, convenience, and choice.
Customer reviews guided my decisions. And every new item felt like a step forward in my healing, physically and emotionally.
The Sensory Magic of Shopping
Eventually, my health stabilised enough to venture outside. Visiting physical stores felt almost good. After months of isolation, just hearing the beeping scanner at checkout brought comfort.
The experience wasn’t just about buying; it was sensory stimulation I craved. Browsing shelves made me feel normal again.
Sure, consumerism gets critiqued for being superficial. But in my case, it offered something much deeper: relief, emotional balance, and the much-needed distraction.
Shopping as Togetherness
In all stages of life, shopping has always brought people together.
Some of my most heartfelt connections with friends happened while browsing sales racks or laughing over fashion blunders.
Post-diagnosis, those shared shopping experiences helped dissolve isolation. They became a bonding ritual, a celebration of what remained possible.
Through shopping, I re-entered the social world, slowly but surely.
Shopping Became a Game
I began to see shopping not just as therapy, but as a sport. Every item added to my cart sparked dopamine. Every delivery felt like winning a prize. Every trip to the store became a mini-mission, one that I could complete.
The psychological perks were undeniable. Shopping gave me visual pleasure, tactile satisfaction, and emotional boosts.
Why I Encourage You to Try ‘Retail Therapy’, a light gesture
I don’t mean to say shopping solves everything. It certainly isn’t a replacement for medical care, community support, or mental health counseling. But when life gets heavy, sometimes the lightest gesture can do wonders.
Even if the joy is short-lived, it’s real.
So, I encourage you, if you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t dismiss the small comforts. A surprise delivery, a colorful scarf, a new journal, or even a thoughtfully designed water bottle might bring more happiness than you expect.
Just remember, healing is personal. What lifts one person might not lift another. So, tune into your needs, honor your emotions, and choose what makes YOU feel good.
A Final Word of Caution
Of course, therapy, retail, or otherwise, should be practiced mindfully.
Overspending, emotional dependence, or clutter are pitfalls to watch out for. Therefore, the key is balance.
Find joy but also stay grounded. Seek comfort, but don’t lose control. Shopping can be a tool, but you’re the one holding it.
DISCLAIMER
The views expressed in this article are purely my own and are not intended as medical advice.