“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?
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:
YouTuber/Bloggers:
Read:
Ted Talks:
Photos credit: Gap + Cereal: White sands
It's awesome that you're practicing minimalism!!
ReplyDeletehttps://sugarcoatedbears.blogspot.com/
Yeah, thanks. But the benefit I get from Minimalism is much better.
DeleteI adore minimalism, though I struggle with it sometimes. It's actually so much better for my mental health and the environment though, so it's a win all around. Choosing quality over quantity is definitely key.
ReplyDeleteGreat post!
amberelb.com
I agree, sometimes it's a struggle especially when you're surrounded with temptations. True! Couldn't agree more with you, Amber.
DeleteMinimalism is love <3
ReplyDeleteFederica
www.federicadinardo.com
Minimalism is love. Minimalism is life.
DeleteThe Minimalists! Ah yes I love their podcast. Minimalism isn't the easiest but I agree that it's good not just physically but mentally too. :)
ReplyDeleteannescribblesanddoodles.blogspot.com
Surely it's not easy but the benefit is worth it.
DeleteI do like the minimalist approach in cutting down excess, like having a few key, quality jewellery pieces rather than loads. The only problem is that I find it hard to find key pieces I really like, so I still end up buying more stuff or changing my mind, but I do think it is better than buying into trends x
ReplyDeleteVelvet Blush
Awww how about you apply the "one in, one out" rule, I think that'd be helpful. I hope you'll find the perfect pieces for you though. Totally agree!
DeleteThese photos are so lovely. I have been forced into the minimal lifestyle due to being broke most of the time, haha, but it has made me pick and choose what items I want to buy, and I try to buy things that aren't wasteful - things that will still be relevant years from now. I am not interested in temporary material items. It definitely can be a difficult thing to practice when society basically shoves stuff down our throats.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.rosegoldrhyme.com
I know right, got them from Cereal Mag. Hahaha minimalism definitely saved you from that situation. Me too, temporary material items are just wasteful. Couldn't agree more with you, but I still believe that Minimalism is possible.
DeleteThis was such an interesting post to read and your photos are absolutely beautiful - thanks so much for sharing!
ReplyDeleteHeather xoxo
https://www.hefafa.me.uk
Thank you, Heather. My photos are from Cereal Mag.
DeleteI just hope I can be a minimalist one day as it looks easy and declutter.
ReplyDeleteBtw, your photos are amazing
Much Love,
Jane | The Bandwagon Chic
I hope too, that a lot of people can practice this lifestyle. Thanks, got them from Cereal Mag.
DeleteThis is great. In our modern world today, minimalism is something we should all start practicing. Aside from living a contented and happier life, it makes us free from materialism too! ♥ This is a good read! Love it!
ReplyDeleteHear from you soon!
Love, Airish
Gorgeous Glance
https://airishabella.blogspot.com/2018/05/playing-with-neutrals-and-mustard.html
Yes yes yes, you said it all. Thank you, Airish!
DeleteI should definitely be more minimalist when I go shopping for example ! Haha' !
ReplyDeleteLove your thoughts in this article.
And I'm in love with your pictures.
xx,
Margot
https://troughthepasturesofthesky.com/
That's actually a good idea. Haha! Thanks, got them from Cereal Mag.
DeleteI don't want to be full on minimalist but I'd like to apply some of the rules to my life because I think I got cuaght up in this never ending loop of always wantng new things
ReplyDeletehttps://miss-uncover.blogspot.com
I can totally understand that, neither do I want to be a full-time minimalist. I just see Minimalism as a guide for some aspect of my life. Yeah, that's it, the never ending loop of always wanting new things, that's the trap.
DeleteI've slowly been showing an interest in this lifestyle, ever since becoming a new mom. It just seems more practical and appealing to me, though it's not an easy adjustment. I'm working on it though :) Thanks for sharing your experience and thoughts and I hope you have a great weekend!
ReplyDeleteXO,
Jalisa
THE STYLE CONTOUR
That's good news! Yeah, one of the reason why I wanted to practice Minimalism is because I wanted to be a more practical and wise person. Good luck on your journey to Minimalism.
DeleteI'm so inspired by this post! I am so interested in minimalist lifestyle. Have a great weekend.
ReplyDeleteGemma x
www.jacquardflower.uk
Wow thank you. I hope you enjoy practicing Minimalism lifestyle.
DeleteI have been adding some minimalist ideas and concepts to my life and I feel a lot better. I have realized that just having a lot of stuff doesn't make you happy and I'm learning to appreciate what I already have :)
ReplyDeleteAndrea.
Seize your Style
I totally agree with you, when I got rid a lot of stuff, I felt more at ease and I have been more tidy. Trueee!
DeleteI love the idea of minimalism. At the very least I always feel better when my desk is clear and my room is tidy! It's hard to start letting go of things, but I always feel better when I end up doing it. x
ReplyDeleteYeahh me too. But the thing is, it's not hard to let go of things that no longer has spark. If you're not ready to let go of it, don't, take some time. You'll get there.
DeleteMinimalism has most definitely pros and cons but as with everything in life I value the balanced life. Great post 😘💞💖
ReplyDeletehttp://www.elegantduchess.com
That's actually true, I agree with you. Thanks dear!
DeleteLove this! Came across you on Twitter! Definitely keeping up with my minimalism challenge!
ReplyDeleteGo girl! I support you!
DeleteIt's not easy for becoming minimalist. I started declutter my stuffs this year. Keep stuggling for us!
ReplyDelete