Journey to Minimalism

“Less stuff, less clutter, less stress, and debt and discontent. 

More time, more meaningful relationships, more growth and contribution, and contentment.”

-The Minimalists

Welcome back! I asked some of my Instagram friends regarding what topic they’re most interested in. In conclusion, it’s about The Minimalism Lifestyle. So let’s jump into the bandwagon!

What is Minimalism?

From the word itself, it’s a lifestyle of living less and simplest, and using those elements to create a maximum effect to your mind, body, soul, and environment. According to the Minimalists, “Minimalism is a tool to rid yourself of life’s excess in favor of focusing on what’s important—so you can find happiness, fulfillment, and freedom.”

What is Minimalism for me?

Less is more, I simply stick to that idea of Minimalism. Having all these materialistic possessions aren’t going to make me happy at all. Instead, it only made me want more, and I was simply not happy with my life. For example, you have an iPhone, then a new version comes out then you’ll want to purchase it and you did. Then, another version came out, then you purchase it. It’s a never-ending cycle of wanting more. So when are we going to be contented if we keep on catching up with the trends? 

Since I'm practicing minimalism, I no longer see charm in trendy expensive trends. I don’t think I’ll ever waste bunch of money for a product that will only last for 8 months. I now found contentment with what I have and I no longer ask for more.

Why did you chose the Minimalism Lifestyle?

Simply because I wanted a fresh start for 2017. Life that is more wise, minimal, and mindful. Through Minimalism, I can find contentment, happiness, fulfillment, and freedom. Those are abstract things that will never be bought by money and pride. Those are the things that we’ve always wanted, right? But seems impossible to achieve.

When and how did you start the Minimalism Lifestyle?

Since I wanted a fresh start for 2017. Back in December of 2016, I planned out everything that I need to get rid in my life so I can leave out space and breathe out old energy and fill them up with new positive concept of life. I started with decluttering my owned materialistic possessions such as clothes, digital and physical files, accessories, and social media. There are also a lot of Minimalism challenge you can try. However, I personally just focused on what I can declutter first. Then now, I can move on into the abstract things in my life, such as relationships, traditions, and my manners and attitude. Through that, I found contentment and fulfillment.

What are your struggles being a Minimalist?

First, I struggled with my tradition. I belong to a tribe where we wear bright golden and sparkly things to events, I remember rejecting all these events because I don’t want to wear sparkly things that are obviously un-minimalistic. Also, it’s like a tradition to buy new “sparkly” dress every other events. No! I don’t want to buy clothes that I will only use once. No, thank you. Second, I struggle with people’s perception of me that I don’t have money to buy stuff ‘cause I have less stuff, or I’m too cheap. First of all, I do have money and secondly, I only buy quality stuff that are durable, I’d always choose quality over quantity. Third, people’s perception of me not living life, or am too boring. Is the idea of life for you is having lots of stuff and always wanting more? Instead of appreciating what you have and find spark and happiness through them? Which one sounds more likely living the life? Choose. And I wear monochrome clothes because I don’t want to be centered of attraction, and why do I have a minimal/simple feed on Instagram? Because I want my feed to serve as a brief profile of me and my life. I’m a minimalist, I like space and neat environment. My photos might have less color but each of those photos have its own useful meaning behind it. And that makes me happy.

What advice can you give to the beginners in Minimalism?

If you do your research, Minimalism can be a bit overwhelming because the idea of completely cutting out possessions can get serious and you’ll end up giving up Minimalism itself. Live your life the way you want it. You don’t have to get rid of a lot of things, you just need to get rid of things that doesn’t give spark to your life anymore for your own sake. Give yourself time to prepare to let go of those things. Lastly, just be more mindful of anything entering your life. Ask yourself, do I really need this? Will this give spark to my life longer of time? Will I be proud of myself as a Minimalist, if I have this in my life?

I swear, when you start decluttering your life, you will be a calmer and happy person. You will be more wise and proud of yourself. Jim Carrey once said, “I wish everyone could become rich and famous so they could realize it’s not the answer.”

Minimalism Motivation:

Shows:

Minimalism: Documentary About The Important Things

Little House in the Forest 

YouTuber/Bloggers:

Jenny Mustard

Lavendaire

Read:

The Minimalists

Cereal Magazine

Ted Talks:

A rich life with less stuff

The art of letting go

Photos credit: Gap + Cereal: White sands

Stay tuned for more Minimalism topic!

The Astron

@fadsabkr