I began my minimalist lifestyle journey in August 2015 as I had moved into a smaller space; I no longer had the storage space for all of my stuff. I played the #minsgame before moving out to help with reducing the amount of stuff I would need to move, but it became very apparent to me I had too much stuff and most of it I wasn’t using nor was I planning to use.
I sold some belongings and obtained cash which was great, but I also gave away garbage bags full of clothing to charities such as the Diabetes Research Bins (clothing is sold at Value Village and proceeds go towards the Diabetes Foundation), Red Cross, and Big Brothers & Sisters. Many local churches will take gently used clothing, blankets, towels or household items for those who are in need; you can also check in with shelters for women, men or families and see what their needs may be.
With all the sorting and thinking about what “sparks joy” and what I need and or use, it has been a time consuming process.
Decluttering has been slow and methodical for myself. It has allowed me to gain more insight into how mindless I have been in the purchases I have made or the items which family & friends have pawned off on me (you don’t have to accept all offers). I am not sure if the transformation of my thoughts towards material possessions has changed because of recent experiences in my life such as almost losing my Dad back in November 2016, or if because I am simply and sincerely exhausted.
I am tired of trying to keep up with the high rotational trends of fashion. I am beyond annoyed and exhausted with reality TV shows such as the Real Housewives, Vanderpump Rules, and or the Kardashians and their never ending drama.
I am saddened to see beautiful friends of my own destroying their faces with Botox injections or actual eyelifts which has altered their natural beauty. I am disgusted with myself for going into debt and still paying it off as I lived beyond my means. I am trying to not login into Facebook unless I have something relevant or worthwhile sharing, and not just using it as a means to show how proud I am of something, or showing my best moments in life.
We lead busy lives coupled with busy minds, and all of this other stuff is just noise and a distraction away from what is truly important.
What is important? Your family, your friends, your pets, and your community. Even more importantly, you are important! You are unique and your originality is your greatest asset. Why are we trying to blend in with what others value? Corporations advertising their goods to you are trying to convince you that purchasing “blah diddy blah” will make your life better, when in actuality often the purchase is poorly & not ethically made, and overpriced.
To me minimalism has helped me to focus on what I value most and what adds value to my life. Letting go of stuff has shown me that less is more. Having more space and not filling it with stuff leaves me feeling more at peace in my environment & focused.
I have more than enough, and this simple transition in my thinking leaves me feeling blessed and happy. I can focus more on my health, on my writing, on my family and my future with Brian.
Minimalism isn’t just about decluttering your space and getting rid of most of your possessions? I believe it is an individual journey and something we can all implement into our lives at varying degrees. It is about being you. However I will say, it is an amazing feeling to open a drawer and have the few items you use all the time clearly on display and not have to root through a pile of stuff.
I challenge you to think about these four questions:
What do you value?
What is important to you?
Why to questions one and two?
How you are living your life, does this reflect what you value?
I don’t need to wear the latest fashion trends to project the image I desire, which happens to be classic elegance.
Another topic I plan to address is fast fashion and how it is impacting society & the environment.
Peace & love – Rachel
You Know Jacques! 