I always say, minimalism is not about having a room with white wall and wooden chair or living a poor lifestyle.
I think of minimalist as a feeling - a lifestyle that brings clarity, calmness and purpose.
So to describe my ideal minimalist lifestyle in just three words, they would be:
Simple. Intentional. Peaceful.
Simplicity
The best thing about minimalism is simplicity. Life throws a lot at us that most times is quite difficult to handle, the news, social media, expectations from people and even our own immer noise. So I try to simplify as much as possible.
I try not to burden myself with so much news especially the bad ones, I know bad things always happen but if we keep putting our heart to it it becomes a burden. So I also try to keep simple in that aspect. Also I try not to pry or gossip other people's affairs around.
Also my keeping simple also involves physical things, I realize that having so much things that we don't need ends up becoming a burden so I have learnt to check well if I really need an item before getting them
Intentional
I also love this my part of minimalist journey.
You know I'm not the type that is moved by trending stuffs. I don't thinks, Oh I need to get this because everyone has now.
I remember a time where they sold a cup, Stanley cup for a whole lot of money here and because it was trending people spent a lot of money to get just one cup whereas there are a lot of cheaper ones with a good quality too, but because it was trending they were ready to spend money. Fast forward to today, I don't see much people using it again, and the other day I saw it being sold in a terribly small amount compared to what it was, meaning it has gotten out of style and people are no longer using it.
So yes, I don't like following the trend because it mostly leads to so much waste unless I know it's what I really need.
So being intentional means I don't just let life happen to me, I try to shape it on purpose and it reflects on the way I spend my time and money too.
So the important questions I ask myself before getting something is: Will I use it? Do I really need it?
And the same goes for how I spend my time, I don't say yes to every invitation or trends. I like to give attention to what I really have. That's where I find value.
Peaceful:
Above everything, I crave for peace. And being minimalist certainly helps me create it. Having fewer distractions means I get enough time for the people and activities that bring me joy.
I love to observe the beauties around me, the beautiful sky, food, fruits, animals, babies and not forgetting their creator, all of these are sources of inner peace.
For me, minimalism is not about perfection, or having the fewest items, but it's about feeling truly free! If I ever feel lost, I come back to these three words: Simple, Intentional and peaceful and get back on track.
And if I ever feel lost, I come back to these three words: Simple. Intentional. Peaceful. And get back on track.
