Menu: Parenting
Will You Accept the #TargetChallenge?
by Jessica Carter
Updated: Aug. 15, 2015
Originally Published: July 20, 2015
As a Gen-X working mother of two, I find myself navigating daily life with the same struggles many of us face. While I may not be able to easily reach my belly button or fit into my favorite clothes, I’m embarking on a new challenge that speaks to my experience as a middle-aged mom. It’s called the #TargetChallenge.
Let’s face it, like many moms, I have a fondness for Target. Target and I have a mutual appreciation; they attract moms like me who may have a tendency to overspend. I used to spend my lunch breaks wandering the aisles, often emerging with a cart full of items I didn’t truly need.
Then, I made the fateful decision to get a REDcard to “support my child’s school.” That choice spiraled into a shopping habit I needed to rein in. So, I decided to take control and reconnect with the person I was before I got lost in the aisles of Target.
I hopped into my car, determined to make some returns without succumbing to impulse purchases. As I drove, I prepared myself to resist the temptation of the dollar section and the jewelry display, especially the alluring red floral necklace I had been eyeing. Thankfully, the home decor section was far from the entrance, providing me with some distance from my pillow obsession.
Upon arriving, I parked my car, confident that I wouldn’t be long. I grabbed an empty shopping cart, stood tall, took a deep breath, and ventured into Target, armed with a bag full of items to return:
- A puddle jumper my daughter didn’t use
- An impulse buy—a mason jar that had no clear purpose
- An American flag shirt my son never wore
- A tank top that turned out to be too large
- A floral yoga bag from Orla Kiely (I don’t even do yoga)
- Two beautiful floral throw pillows that I was reluctant to bring home due to my husband’s keen eye for my pillow collection
While in line, my thoughts wandered to the back of the store and a cute floral lamp that caught my eye during a previous visit. I spotted a chevron ottoman on the return counter and had to remind myself to stay focused—just look away.
Finally, it was my turn to process my returns. As the cashier rang up each item, I was shocked at the total amount I had spent on these few things. When she complimented my pillows, I briefly questioned my decision to return them—who returns cute pillows? Apparently, I do, and I felt a sense of pride in my resolve.
She mentioned the new Threshold lamps that had just arrived. I nodded politely, although I hadn’t seen them and wasn’t planning on checking. When she offered a gift card instead of cash, I declined, knowing I needed to stick to my plan.
After receiving my receipt, I exited the store, feeling liberated. With no shopping bags weighing me down, I was able to navigate my way back to the car with ease. I spotted another mother struggling with her purchases and felt a pang of sympathy. We exchanged a quick glance, and I offered her a reassuring smile—reminding us both of the challenges we face as mothers.
So, I encourage all moms out there to take on the #TargetChallenge. Snap a photo of your empty cart and your smiling face, and share it with the hashtag. Get in, get out, and reclaim your time. The choice is yours.
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In conclusion, the #TargetChallenge is an opportunity for mothers to reclaim their time and make conscious choices. Step out of the consumer cycle and embrace the freedom of leaving the store with nothing but your dignity intact.
Keyphrase: #TargetChallenge
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