What is Minimalism?

If you're familiar with the concept of minimalism, there's a good chance that you have a general idea of what it means. And if you're really into the idea, then you've probably already read (or heard of) the duo known as The Minimalists.

MINIMALISM IS INTENTIONALITY.

It is marked by clarity, purpose, and intentionality. At its core, minimalism is the intentional promotion of the things we most value and the removal of everything that distracts us from it. It is a life that forces intentionality.

From The Minimalists (written by Joshua Becker)

I love the way they explain the values behind Minimalism as a Lifestyle.

To my knowledge, there is no specific definition of a "minimalist", as pertains to lifestyle approach. And I believe that is because it has a personal meaning to each individual.

Someone might feel that living simply means that you are off the grid, growing your own food, no technology, No Frills, and nothing beyond what you need to survive. Another person may own very little, so that they are free to travel without baggage (no pun intended).




My version of Minimalism is this:

• A home that is free of clutter and extraneous items, with lots of open space and natural light. 
• A closet with a nice selection, but with few enough clothes that they can be stored in the open and still look tidy (see photo example below). 
• A daily life that includes a balance between work, play, social time and personal time. 
• A budget that focuses on financial security, and "trims the fat" (unnecessary purchases) in exchange for more experience-based enjoyment (like vacations).
• A healthy approach to food and diet, with simple, home-cooked meals (cutting out the junk that is added in store- bought preservatives) and cutting back on dining out. 

(Product Image from Walmart) 

What first drew me to Minimalism was the idea that everything could be neat and tidy, and I could actually FIND my belongings when I NEEDED them.

As a child, I was very messy. I believed I had a use for everything I owned, so I never felt like I could let anything go. I had future projects in mind for things I wasn't using, and I was going to fix things that were broken... I just never really learned to let go.

I was afraid that if I got rid of something, I would find that I still needed it. And it has taken me until now, in my thirties, to really internalize the fact that if I need something, I can always get it. As an adult, I don't have to have the fears of a child. And living in a first world country, there's not a whole lot that I can't find, if I need it.




That being said, it's not always easy to let go of things... And it's not always easy to not purchase things that I want when I see them. But that's why I'm recording this journey, because it's not a clear-cut decision and then Grand Sweep into a new way of living.

Every day, every week, and each month I make steps toward becoming more minimalistic. Much like weight loss, the process is slow. But I am moving slowly so that the decisions are deliberate and the change can last.




As someone who has had to step around clutter, sort through storage boxes full of junk, and clean an area that was just organized only a week prior, I look forward to the day when my house doesn't feel like it needs cleaning on a daily basis.

If you are someone with similar goals, or if this post inspires you to begin this journey, I hope that my sharing of the experience will help in your transition as well.

Good luck! And please, share your own updates with me in the comments. I love to compare notes and learn new things!