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- Will You Join the #TargetChallenge?
by Jenna Thompson
Updated: August 15, 2023
Originally Published: July 20, 2023
As a Gen-X working mom of two, I’ve long since accepted that reaching my belly button with one arm behind my back is a feat better left to the young. While I embrace my middle-aged quirks, I’m launching a new initiative—something more relatable for moms like us who are often left shaking our heads at the absurdities of modern reality TV culture. It’s called the #TargetChallenge.
Let’s be real. Like many moms, I have a love affair with Target. And why not? It’s a sanctuary for someone like me who may have a soft spot for retail therapy. I used to spend my lunch breaks wandering the aisles, often filling my cart to the brim. Then came the fateful day I got a REDcard to “support my school.” Talk about a slippery slope!
Now, I’m taking charge. It’s time to rediscover the person I was before I got lost in the aisles of Target one too many times.
I hopped in my car, returns in tow, mentally preparing for what I knew would be a test of willpower. My mission? Make my returns and leave empty-handed. I steeled myself against the temptation of the dollar section and the jewelry aisle, where a particularly appealing chunky necklace had been eyeing me for weeks. Luckily, the home decor section was safely tucked away in the back of the store—far from my pillow-plumping hands.
As I parked, I didn’t even need to remember my spot; I was confident I wouldn’t be lingering long. I grabbed an empty cart, stood tall, took a deep breath, and ventured into Target with my bag full of returns:
- A puddle jumper my daughter didn’t use
- A mason jar bought on a whim, whose purpose had escaped me
- An American flag shirt my son didn’t wear on the Fourth
- A tank top that turned out to be a dress fail
- An Orla Kiely yoga bag I’d impulsively purchased (I don’t do yoga, by the way)
- Two stunning floral throw pillows I couldn’t sneak into the house without my husband noticing (I’m working on my throw pillow addiction)
In line, I felt my thoughts drifting to the back of the store, reminiscing about a cute floral lamp I’d seen last week. Just as my gaze fell on a chevron ottoman at the return counter, I snapped back to reality. No, Kerri, don’t look!
When my turn arrived, the cashier began ringing up my returns, and I was shocked at how much I had spent on these items. What was I thinking? She complimented my pillows, and I briefly questioned my sanity for returning them. Who returns such cute pillows? Apparently, I do.
Then she asked if I’d seen the new Threshold lamps. I nodded politely, even though I hadn’t. Should I check them out? No, I better not.
When she offered me a gift card instead of cash, I felt the pull of temptation. But I declined.
With my receipt in hand, I felt an unexpected rush. Despite the inviting scent of Starbucks and the newly unveiled notebooks just a few feet away, I pushed my empty cart aside and strutted out of the store, a liberated woman.
I silently celebrated my victory: “No bags, no cart, no bags, no cart.” My limbs were free to move swiftly toward my car, which I still remembered after just four minutes.
Outside, I spotted another mom struggling to fit pillows and an adorable suitcase into her trunk. She was frazzled, kids crying, and in that moment, I recognized her struggle. We exchanged a quick smile of solidarity. I had been there, but it didn’t have to be my reality anymore.
So, I challenge all you moms out there: try the #TargetChallenge. Snap a photo of your empty cart and your smiling face, then share it with the hashtag. Get in, get out, and reclaim your time. The choice is yours!
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Keyphrase: Target Challenge
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