If you have read blogs or books about the minimalism movement, you have probably seen various lists of the benefits. Sometimes it seems as if minimalism is the cure all for everything that ails us. Just declutter and minimize your lifestyle and peace of mind will reign over all! If only embracing a new lifestyle could change our lives overnight.
The desire for a quick fix is similar to how many of us think of weight loss. But I ate an apple instead of chocolate today, so why havenât I lost five pounds already? We may wish for immediate results, but for most of us, change happens more slowly, and the benefits are not always obvious. Alas.
I may not have seen dramatic changes because Iâve always leaned towards simplicity. While I found plenty in my household to declutter, I was never a pack rat or hoarder, not even close. My daily life has usually been fairly organized and efficient. Thatâs not to say that I havenât learned a lot by embracing minimalism, but the changes have often been more subtle.
For years I have watched my budget and tracked my expenses, but these days I make more effort to analyze my expenses and determine whether they are aligned with my values and goals. For example, Iâve always tried to live in an environmentally conscious way, but lately Iâve noticed that my efforts have been reinforced by my minimalist values. I donât want to keep buying paper or plastic supplies when I can find a more reusable solution. While Iâll never be a âzero wasteâ home, I try to minimize household waste much more these days (certainly easier now that the kids have moved out). Score one victory for minimalism.
Other changes have been small, unexpected, and sometimes even annoying. I used to love watching all the house shows, but now I canât bear to watch any episodes with people wanting to buy or renovate a huge house. Oh, the wastefulness of it all! I get all judgmental and want to lecture them. Whatâs wrong with you? Youâre just two people! You donât need a 3000 square foot house!
I used to call myself a magazine junkie. I love buying and reading magazines, but now the ads for all kinds of useless products seem to jump out at me. Whatâs wrong with me? Why am I wasting so much money on these, I ask myself every time I browse through the magazine shelves at my local bookstore.
I used to walk around my house peacefully, but too often I find myself wandering around restlessly, looking at everything with a critical eye. Whatâs wrong with this shelf? Why is this drawer so full? Why is there so much stuff here? Thatâs the problem with decluttering. Once youâve become aware of clutter, you canât unsee it.
Perhaps minimalism should come with a label. Warning: Becoming minimalist may cause you to question everything you own. Nevertheless, Iâm finding this journey to a life of more meaning with less both interesting and rewarding. Iâve discovered new writers and podcasters and other like-minded people, whose ideas and experiences have enriched my own. I find it satisfying to explore this journey with those who come along with me. Despite my impatience with the slow and subtle progress on my minimalist path, I’m sticking with it, side effects and all.
RESOURCES
See resource page for an ongoing list of books, podcasts, and more:Â Â Resources
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The Path to Minimalist: Wake-up Calls and More
My Minimalist “Don’t” List: 10 Things I Don’t Do Anymore
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I love your blog, have just discovered it. I’m a late bloomer, so I won’t retire early, but I am eligible. I’ll work until 62, seems to be my magic number. I desire a simpler life and I like your ideas. Thank you!
Thanks for reading, Robin!