7 things I've learned from 7 years of minimalism
I began living a more simple lifestyle back in 2014, changing my purchasing habits and overall perspective on consumption. Though I was used to seeing things come and go and wasn't too sure if minimalism would stick, I'm pleasantly surprised that seven years later, it still is.
Considering how long it has been since I began this journey, I thought I would take some time to reflect on what I've learned along the way and share a few lessons I still hold onto or wish I knew when I first started minimalist living. Find those seven lessons learned summarized below or in the video, which I hope you find helpful for your minimalism journey.
7 lessons learned from minimalism
Minimalism is a great tool to help simplify your everyday life, but this trendy lifestyle movement can be easily misunderstood. Find some honest lessons learned below, and if you’re interested, check this page for more posts for tips on minimalist living.
Trends come and go, and you'll change too
Whether it's with clothing, home decor, architecture, or food, we're so easily pleased with one thing but will soon move to the next
It’s a good practice to not put your hope in any one thing as something else will come up, trends will change, and you will also change
You can be a minimalist with the wrong intention
It’s essential to have a true desire to refuse future purchases to experience the benefits of minimalism long term
Minimalism isn't a trendy aesthetic and organizational dream; it's about focusing on what's truly important and making space and time for our loved ones - make sure it doesn’t evolve into another trend to chase later on
It's essential to take your time to declutter
Minimalism can get you excited about getting rid of everything, but take time to declutter to not overwhelm yourself and, as a result, make rash decisions - check this post here for tips on decluttering
Remember that decluttering is also not a one-time event and should happen regularly - we will consume and acquire things over time
Taking time to declutter will also help you figure out decent solutions for each item instead of merely donating or trashing everything
Living a sustainable lifestyle has helped with minimalism
The start of zero waste and sustainable living came an even more conscious mindset of what products were made of, how they were made, and where they would go at end-of-life
It takes more time to research future purchases, and I would often refuse more things that didn’t fit the bill, being even more intentional with my consumption as a result
Relationships and experiences are far more memorable than things
Though it’s great making meaningful purchases, what are the things that make us smile when we look back in time?
Simply put, the people and experiences we have shape who we are; they make life meaningful, not our things
Be patient with loved ones
We all have different perspectives, values, and characters because we have our own unique experiences - while minimalism may ring true for you, it may not ring as clear for others
Lead by action and respect their personal decisions and way of life - check this q&a with my husband on how we navigated our lifestyle differences
Do what you can in your own space, and you never know, they may get inspired in time
Minimalism does not define me or you
Minimalism is a tool to open up opportunities for other things, whether it's more meaningful relationships or time spent on passion projects
Don't take it too seriously, and enjoy the journey!
