When you think of minimalism, you might think of a sparse room or living in sacrifice. I’ve spent some time in minimalism communities and found that even within a community, there is debate on what minimalism actually is and I’ve observed outright heated arguments complete with mudslinging and name-calling, all in the name of peaceful minimalism.
Here is what I’ve deduced; minimalism is whatever you want it to be.
It’s a cornerstone of financial freedom. It is having financial priorities.
Minimalism is a vague lifestyle that many people are trying to achieve, without a compass.
What is the draw of minimalism? Simplicity. Clarity. Order.
All things we strive for in our day-to-day life.
If we have chaos in our closets we might have them in our relationships or in our bank accounts as well.
Minimalism isn’t about getting rid of everything you own – it’s about finding out what things in your life add value and eliminating the rest. Unlike the focus of “getting rid” of things that have become popular with recent books, shows, and lifestyle movements, it is more about what is right for you.
Depending upon your starting point, it might take dedication and effort, but once you start seeing how much happier you can become by simply letting go of the unnecessary items in your life, minimalism becomes more alluring.
1. Minimalism is about living with intention
When you are in intentional living, you are not impulsive with purchases or investment options. You are purposeful with your relationships. Your stuff – emotional, fiscal and material, matter more.
2. It’s better to have less stuff because you can appreciate what you have more deeply.
When you have less, you tend to not feel overwhelmed. A couple of years ago, I personally released no less than 500 items of clothing. I used to feel I had nothing to wear with a packed closet and with less, I truly did have more. I appreciated what I owned thus was living in a space of gratitude. That was a domino into living with a sense of fulfillment and I became far less apt to buy an item of clothing.
3. It’s more fulfilling and enjoyable to spend your time on experiences rather than material goods.
When you live more minimally, or intentionally, you find yourself giving more care to what you do than what you have. If you truly want to travel, then instead of feeling the push to buy a McMansion, then invest in a camper and travel more. As you experience more of life, you get clearer on what you want and where you want to invest, as well.
Finance therapy and minimalism go hand in hand, but you don’t have to be a minimalist to enjoy aspects of minimalism; just like you don’t have to be a world-class chef to enjoy making a comfort meal once in a while. You can focus on releasing what no longer serves you on many levels and develop a healthier relationship with things you own, what you invest and how you invest in your relationships and yourself.
