So, what is minimalism? Well, in order to be a minimalist you need to own less than 100 items and everything needs to fit into a backpack or suitcase. You need to deprive yourself of everything there is to enjoy in life and you also need to throw all your clothing out. Minimalists, true minimalists, only wear neutral tones, no colors. Furthermore, you must adhere to all the rules and worship The Minimalists.
I am just kidding. That’s now that minimalism is about. Not at all. These are myths about minimalism that really bug me. There is no right and there is no wrong.
Minimalism is all about living an intentional life, a life free of clutter. Minimalism is a fantastic tool that can help you to live the life that you truly want to be living. There are no rules neither are their guidelines that you absolutely must adhere to.
Minimalism is what you make it be. It has helped me in lots of areas of my life and it’s my firm belief that it will help you as well. That being said, lets briefly reflect on what it means to have too much stuff.
Minimalism is A Privilege
Having too much stuff, too much clutter is a sign of material wealth. More than 1.3 billion people live in extreme poverty and lack the basic necessities of life. For a lot of us, the concept of minimalism doesn’t exist, because they have nothing but the bare necessities .. and oftentimes lack even those. Their basic needs (think Maslow’s pyramid of needs) are not being fulfilled and they are struggling. Owning too much clothing, too many kitchen tools and too many things that one doesn’t know what to do with is a privilege. This is something that needs to be acknowledged. Minimalism is a privilege.
Let’s be grateful that, OK?
So, what is minimalism all about?
Minimalism is a tool that can help you transform your life. Sounds bold? I know. Trust me, I feel you. That sounds ridiculously cheesy. Well, guess what, I am a firm believer that letting go of ones excess can truly turn one’s life around. It can make all the difference.
Minimalism can help you:
- Save more money
- Live more intentionally
- Learn a new skill (ily edx)
- Spend more time with friends and family
- Live in alignment with your values
- Take on new hobbies (Hello YouTube and blog!)
- Learn a new language
- Be more environmentally friendly
- Discover who you truly are
- Paying off debt
- Getting closer to your goals
Minimalism can help you in all these areas of life and so many more. All you need to do is embrace it.
Minimalism completely changed my life
I had my big purge in 2014 and have learned a lot since. When I am not traveling I live out of a suitcase and a backpack. I don’t live this way because I identify as a minimalist. I live this way because it allows me to live the life that I truly want to be living. A life that I wouldn’t be physically able to live if I were to be surrounded by tons of stuff.
If you need a bit of inspiration then Get Your Life Together With These 10 Books on Minimalism & Simplicity, is a great place to start. I also recommend getting a handle on your digital clutter if you haven’t already, starting with decluttering your inbox. If you want to get a glimpse into how I went from owning way too much to fitting everything into a suitcase and backpack, then check out What I’ve learned from living out of a suitcase.