For most of my adult life I’ve followed a vegetarian diet. Sometimes I veered off the path a bit, but I always returned. I am often asked why I’m vegetarian. Did I become a vegetarian because of the environment? health? love of animals? Yes. All of the above mixed into one. This response leaves some people dissatisfied and sometimes annoyed. They want a simple, clear-cut answer. Perhaps to offer a better counterargument? Or to better understand why I’d give up the delicious food they enjoy? I’m not sure. Anytime you go against the mainstream, people will question you.
Lately, the same question pops up about my choice of a more minimalist lifestyle. Are my reasons financial? environmental? aesthetic? spiritual? psychological? Yes. All of the above mixed into one. Some people call themselves minimalists for very specific reasons, others have many reasons, and still others don’t care for the label “minimalism.” Whether you call it “minimalism,” “essentialism,” or “simple living,” they all overlap to some degree, and I don’t get too hung up on the labels. I was drawn to simplicity years ago when I was a poor grad student and then later a poor single parent. “Voluntary simplicity,” as it was often labeled then, wasn’t exactly voluntary for me, at least from a financial point of view. But I was drawn to a simpler lifestyle and later continued on that path even when I wasn’t struggling quite as much.
So back to the “whys.” Some minimalism groups on social media focus on one aspect or other. I’m in several of them, and they each serve a different need. What do I want from living a simpler, more minimal life?
To save money? Sure, but as I’ve written previously, it’s not always clear how much you can save let alone how quickly. Sometimes I may even spend more on an item because I’m going for quality. However, overall I can say that living a simpler lifestyle has definitely helped my finances.
To create a green lifestyle? You bet. The less I consume, the less I’ll end up decluttering later. Of course, I’ve already decluttered quite a lot (guilt rears its mocking head), but going forward I’m determined to reduce the amount that ends up in donation shops (or waste fills). I doubt I’ll ever get to a zero waste lifestyle, but I aspire to go towards that direction.
To follow minimalist design? To a degree, yes, though nothing too extreme. I like the clean lines and no fuss look, but I adapt the aesthetic to my own taste. Bare, white walls are not a requirement. I love color and treasure the art I own, so my home will have some art and photos on the walls.
To add to my spiritual life? Absolutely. I strive to focus less on possessions and more on the relationships and world around me. I hope to make a difference in people’s lives, whether through my work or my leisure time.
To bring me more inner peace and happiness? Yes, yes, yes! For me, the idea that outer order brings inner calm rings true. More importantly, as I declutter the unnecessary and unwanted from my schedule, I gain more time to pursue my interests. There’s no guarantee that a minimalist lifestyle will make me happier, but I’m confident I’m heading in the right direction.
In Joshua Becker’s online course, “Uncluttered,” the first week is dedicated solely to reflecting on the “whys.” You may share some of my reasons or have completely different ones. The priority of each “why” may vary from time to time. One reason may drop out of sight and another may pop up. Or not. This isn’t a math equation with one correct answer. It’s more like those annoying open-ended questions—correct responses will vary. It may seem easier to dig in and start decluttering, but if you haven’t reflected on the purpose of it all, you will most likely fall back into mindless consumption. So hit pause. Then stop. Find a peaceful spot. Then take a few minutes and reflect on your “whys.”
Know your “WHY”
RESOURCES
Becker, Joshua The More of Less: Finding the Life You Want Under Everything You Own
Carver, Courtney Soulful Simplicity: How Living with Less Can Lead to So Much More
Johnson, Bea Zero Waste Home: The Ultimate Guide to Simplifying Your Life by Reducing Your Waste
Luhr, Janet The Simple Living Guide: A Sourcebook for Less Stressful, More Joyful Living
For more resources, go to this page: Resources
Related Blog Posts
The Path to Minimalist: Wake-up Calls and More
My Minimalist “Don’t” List: 10 Things I Don’t Do Anymore
A Few Side Effects of Minimalism
Gaining Perspective: Friendship
My current “whys” are to live in a more environmentally sound way, to have more money for travel and to feel less bound by possessions.
I’m definitely with you on those reasons!