This week's #KISS prompt is a thought-provoking one:
Do you think there's such a thing as being too minimalist? What rational thought influences your perspective on this
Here in this community we often celebrate minimalism and we believe it means living a life free of hassles. Yes, we often see minimalism as a path to a simpler and more intentional life. It's about getting rid of the excess and keeping only what adds value
But is it possible that we can take it too far? Can having too little actually make life harder instead of better? This is how I understand this week's prompt
So what is my response?
Well, Yes, we can be too minimalist if it reaches a point where it limits our comfort, productivity, or happiness. But I'll go ahead to elaborate this further
Good side of minimalism
Minimalists focus on what truly matters. Minimalism reduces clutter, saves money and even brings peace of mind. The beauty of minimalism is having a clean space where everything serves a purpose, there are no unnecessary distractions, only the useful things that you love.
I believe that anyone who embraces minimalism will feel lighter, freee and more able to control their lives. Because they don't waste time managing things they don't need and are not constantly chasing the next big purchase.
So can you be too minimalist?
Too much minimalism can be called extreme deprivation. And being too minimalist can lead to struggling instead of thriving.
For example: I can only imagine how frustrating it would be having just one cup and spoon, only to have guests arrive. I’d be scrambling to find a way to accommodate them
Also if I give out my warm clothes in pursuit of simplicity I will surely regret it when the cold season arrives.
Also someone who quickly takes people out of their lives thinking they're unimportant or to create simplicity might end up in isolation rather than peace. I'm not someone who quickly lets people out of my life even when they've clearly wronged me or they don't behave in line with my own standards, I like to accommodate people and I'd say this is one good/bad thing about me.
I believe Minimalism should never make life harder, it should make life better. If it starts creating stress, then it’s no longer serving its purpose.
Minimalism should be about functionality rather than strict rules, it is important to take into consideration what we really love and enjoy rather than thinking how little we can live with.
A minimalist lifestyle isn't living with nothing, a true minimalists lives with enough to sustain himself. Removing excess and keeping the things that add value, comfort and joy to life is what it about.
For me, the goal of minimalism isn't to get rid of everything, whether things or people, it's about balance, having just enough and never so little that it makes out life uncomfortable. If a minimalist life starts feeling like deprivations then it's time to rethink what truly matters and get back on track!
