Calling all minimalists, simple living enthusiasts, and declutterers! Could we all just take a step back, breathe, and chill a bit? There are no fixed decrees, no religious doctrines, and no absolute “musts” to living a simpler life. Call it a mindset, a lifestyle, a tool to improve your life, but don’t make it into a rigid list of rules that we all must adhere to or else get kicked out of the club.
If you were to take a look at social media, for example, and read what some people post, you might think that minimalism (and the variations thereof) means—
- White walls
- Little to no wall art
- Few pieces of furniture
- No TV or cable service
- Very few physical books
- No decorative or sentimental items
- Small living space, extra points for a tiny house
- Capsule wardrobes, or even better, all the same clothes to create a uniform
This is extreme, of course, but I’ve run into all of these comments more than once, sometimes about my own style of minimalism and certainly about others who don’t conform to the commentator’s minimalist ideals. I’ve never understood why readers don’t just keep scrolling or move on if they don’t like or agree with something. Why bother to make a snarky remark? Argue that they are right and you are not? Or worse. Just move on.
I love listening to The Minimalists Podcast because they have kept their sense of humor and irony about it all. They’ll poke fun at the idea of having a certain number of items. Joshua and Ryan engage in self-mockery about how many followers they have or how much snowboarding equipment Ryan owns and how it’s not very minimalist. While they repeat the oft-cited statistic that the average American household contains 300,000 items, they also laugh at the idea of putting a specific number on how much you should have to be a certified, card-carrying minimalist.
I’ve never actually counted my own items, but there are those who have. You can find blogs, articles, and books by people who live with a very low number of items and who travel or live with all their possessions stuffed into one bag or backpack. But in the end, who is to say how much is too much for your particular living situation? Are 100 books too much? 10? Why would a single person keep a set of dishes for 8? What about clothing? Are 15 pairs of socks too much? 5 pairs of shoes? OMG, you have more than 1 purse?!
Instead, why don’t we all just relax and enjoy the journey as we find our own individual ways on the minimalist/simplicity path. Keep on fighting the good fight against compulsive and over consumerism just for the sake of having stuff. Don’t keep up with the Jones. Fast forward through commercials if you (dare to) watch TV. Let’s shout “woo hoo!” every time we read something new and interesting about how people are applying minimalism to their lives. And if you want to put paint your walls, add art, wear a variety of clothes, or purchase an item that adds value to your life, go for it!
A minimalist is NOT required to have white walls.
RESOURCES
Bruno, Dave The 100 Thing Challenge: How I Got Rid of Almost Everything, Remade My Life, and Regained My Soul
Cummings, Tucker 6 Easy Tips for Living with 100 Items or Less
Millburn, Joshua Fields Everything I Own: My 288 Things
MacVean, Mary For many people, gathering possessions is just the stuff of life
Strobel, Tammy Living with 72 Things
Wright, Colin All 51 Things I Own
For more resources, go to this page: Resources
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Hallelujah, Shoshanah! Inner guidance is the key. Thank you for saying this so compassionately and eloquently.
Thanks! I think those of us who’ve been on this journey for a bit have run into some rigid thinking. We all need to chill out!
Shoshanna, I agree with you. Don’t know why some has to take things so literally. I knew I wanted to be a minimalist since I was in my 40’s. But, I didn’t know there was people like me around, and I was embarrass, to say something, and I kept going to those home decorating shopping parties the neighbors ladies would have. Or go to flea markets with my sisters and felt like I had to buy. Finally, in my early 60’s I somehow stumbled across Joshua and Ryan, and was so relieved to know I was just as normal as everyone. I got the message right away, that there were no rules to minimalism; it’s just what you make it. This movement has changed my life. I am approaching 71, and I hope I have 15 good years left, but now, I know I don’t have to worry about “stuff”, and our son, will not have to waste his time, getting rid of it. This movement, has made me feel free. I really enjoy reading your blog, keep it up
Thanks, Karen! I get it. I rarely indulge in “retail therapy” and usually have no interest in shopping. Sometimes it’s interesting to look at markets, but I have to exercise great caution as there’s just not much room in my small house! Minimalism rocks!
I like Joshua Becker’s phrase ‘Functional Minimalism’, which means ‘the kind of minimalism that works for you’. I think if describes what you’re saying here. Our house certainly doesn’t look minimalist, although my best friend from the UK did visit and say ‘I can see you’ve got rid of a lot of stuff’. All that’s noticeable is that it’s easier to keep tidy and clean (and smaller) than where we used to live.
In today’s usage, “minimalism” and “simple living” can have a wide range of interpretations. When we’re not discussing architecture, we don’t have to have a strict definition. I think some people are getting a bit too rigid about terminology! 🙂
You said it just perfectly! There is no right or wrong in minimalism. It looks different to everyone and is always evolving. I follow someone on You Tube named Rachel Aust. She was doing the all black, white and grey look. Then she added pink. Now she is adding a lot of natural wood tones to her decor. I find myself going to donation drop off often and being careful adding new items. I recently added lime green to my decor in bedding, towels, etc and I love the pops of color.
Over the years, I change my preferences for colors or styles. Also, I just like to change it up now and then!
Like yourself I’m not an extremist, but I do enjoy reading their examples & stories. I find that I receive something useful from each of them and it helps me learn how to let go of things that are no longer useful to me.
Exactly! I still love reading about everyone’s individual journeys, regardless of how “strictly” they follow the traditional meaning of “minimalism.”
I love rich warm earth tones in my house, lots of plants, and art on the walls. More power to people how love the barren look, but it just is too stark for me. We all have to find our own path.
I used to like white walls, now I like gray with some accents. I even went crazy with color in my bathroom and study (turquoise walls). As Josh and Ryan (The Minimalists) often say, if it adds value to your life, it’s all good!
Thanks for your sensible post, Shoshannah. It seems the internet somehow prompts many individuals to say things they’d likely never say to someone in person. Sigh. Just live and let live, people! (And by the way, I love your bathroom color!)
Thanks, Kay! Turquoise is my favorite color, so I went for it!