Note: This is a guest post by Winnie of Her Digital Coffee.
“I’ve found that the less stuff I own, the less my stuff owns me.” —Nathan W. Morris
Discovering Minimalism
A few years ago, I came across several videos online discussing minimalism. It wasn’t a concept that I was familiar with at the time, but it immediately piqued my interest. I was fascinated by the sheer happiness and fulfillment these individuals found just by living with less, and I had to learn more.
As I began to reflect on my own lifestyle, I found it challenging to envision myself living in the same manner. I took one look around my surroundings and asked myself, “Where do I even start? What if I need all of these things? Is this lifestyle even attainable? How can I possibly find more joy living with less?”
Despite my initial hesitation, I figured it was worth a shot. If my stuff was causing me stress and affecting my productivity, then the least I should be getting out of this experience is more desk space. Little did I know that this journey that I was about to embark on would change the course of my life for the better.
The Process
I decided to set aside a weekend to sort through my belongings. It should’ve been an easy process, right? But I was wrong. I quickly realized that letting go of things was much harder than I had expected. It was a mental process of detaching from physical items and several hours later, I found myself in the same spot with no progress.
Rather than giving up completely, I managed to feel good about finding a few things to donate. I repeated this process weekly, and while some may say it was tedious operation, it worked for me. This method allowed me to be productive on a pace that I was comfortable with.
The hardest thing about decluttering is thinking “What if I need this down the road?” Once I couldn’t remember what I had donated the week before, that’s when I knew the answer was “never.”
The Feeling
After months of consistent effort, I began feeling much lighter. I no longer had an attachment to physical items. It brought me so much peace to look around my space and be greeted with items that actually enhanced and added value to my life.
I was no longer fazed by trends or felt the pressures from social media to have the newest product or gadget. I began prioritizing experiences, which lead to me becoming more mindful and appreciating the little things in life.
The feeling of living with less was empowering because I realized just how little I needed to be happy. In fact, my first trip to the mall since my decluttering session was an enlightening experience. I went from impulse shopping to window shopping. It became easier to say no to buying new things and being mindful of my spending.
More Than the Physical
As my journey progressed, I realized that minimalism had bled into every aspect of my life. What once started with decluttering physical items now turned into a spiritual experience. It’s taught me the importance of letting go of things that don’t serve you.
If something didn’t add value to my life or make my life easier, then I didn’t want it. I was more mindful of my personal connections. Whether it be a relationship or a friendship, if it’s not healthy or bringing the best of out of me, then it was time to let it go. I learned the true meaning behind quality over quantity.
Now, I had all the time in the world to enjoy nature, new foods, and exciting experiences, because I was no longer stressed and overwhelmed by my physical surroundings. Rather than collecting physical things that would bring joy for just a moment, I was now collecting memories that would bring me joy for a lifetime.
The Takeaway
Embracing a minimalist lifestyle certainly didn’t happen overnight, but it’s been a worthwhile and rewarding experience. It’s incredible how something as simple as living with less has shifted my mood and perspective so greatly.
I’ve learned that minimalism is more than just decluttering, owning a certain number of clothing, or limiting yourself to buying cool things. The beautiful thing about this journey is that it’s going to look different for everyone. The journey is going to be unique, just like you are.
If I had to answer the question that popped into my head before I began my journey which was “How can I possibly find more joy living with less?” I’d answer today by saying, “Through the most magical journey of letting go, that’s when you find your truest self.”
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Winnie is the founder and creator of Her Digital Coffee, an online space that dives into lifestyle topics that spark passion and encourage meaningful conversations. Her Digital Coffee’s popular subjects include wellness, sustainability, travel, books, and more. Say hello and connect on Twitter and Instagram.
I purge my clothes at least every couple of months. I sell a few things on marketplace. The clothes I put on marketplace and put free. Had someone come pick up 3 bags today of my daughters clothes.
I totally agree, less is better, I have what I need to survive.
I feel less anxious with less stuff
Hi
I totally agree I’ve relocated to Barbados live in a wooden house in the community of local Bajan people . I live very minimally … good for the mind spirit and soul . Eat local produce … yoga daily … no one needs all this consumerism in any shape or form .💙
I used to live in a golden cage now I live in a 565 square feet one bedroom apartment an I never been Soo Happy as I am now I now realize that having a lot of material things doesn’t make you any happier I Love my present life because iam not worried about what I will live behind when I died.
I completely agree with you. I have been downsizing for a while also. Living with less, removing the items that no longer serve a purpose is very freeing. I love your article. Thank you for sharing your story.
I love it I feel free
Feel like I have grown to not really respect comments like, “Rather than collecting physical things that would bring joy for just a moment, I was now collecting memories that would bring me joy for a lifetime.” There are certainly physical things that only bring joy for a moment. There are certainly memories that bring joy for a lifetime. But I have physical things which bring joy for a lifetime as well. And I have experiences which are forgotten as quickly as the waning joy of some physical things. In Joshua Becker’s writings, in this guest article, in other minimalist writings, I often read quotes like at the top of my comment which portray experiences as lifetime memories of joy, and physical things as having such short-term memory. The author strikes the balance in “The Takeaway” section. I have stopped calling what I do “minimalism,” because I’m not trying to minimize belongings or time commitments, etc. I’m trying to maximize both joy and what I might refer to as ‘worth’ (because life isn’t always happy but you can always be investing in what is worthwhile). So I have some physical things I surround myself because they do give me great joy. And I pass on a lot of experiences because they are not what will give me great joy or build ‘worth’ – those bonds that make for memories for a lifetime. Just something to consider. I have known people who pursued having less stuff just for the sake of believing less stuff in and of itself is the goal that brings joy… and I don’t think it is.
It sounds to me like your values may actually align with Joshua’s and Winnie’s (this article’s author), regardless if you don’t like the “cliche” quotes. Also, Joshua has never purported that the pursuit of minimalism is one size fits all, but rather an individual’s journey, to quote you, “…trying to maximize both joy and what I might refer to as ‘worth’ (because life isn’t always happy but you can always be investing in what is worthwhile)…”
YES !! i totally AGREE. Glad you voiced your thoughts .
I concur with Steve. While I have been on a five-year journey of minimalism, I no longer consider myself a minimalist, but rather as someone who lives with intentionality. I have things, old paintings from family members, that I love. I do not feel a huge need to be having experiences and don’t believe that having vast experiences is a direct result of minimalism. If we really want to have experiences, we will take the time to make that happen- whether we are minimalists or maximalists. Having said that, my life is definitely richer as I have decluttered my life of unnecessary belongings and toxic relationships. Instead, I prioritize being intentional in every area of my life. And while I have definitely “not arrived,” the path is clearer!
I so absolutely agree with your insights!!! I have dedicated my ex-dining room to things of no value to anyone but me. The memories
associated with objects of lifetime collection are irreplaceable!!!
I agree
Very interesting. I have always lived a “simple life”, let’s call it this way. As a professional, hard working women there are things that I do enjoy having even though I am very minimalistic in most of the other things but, how painful it is no matter the little stuff you have and those things that bring you pleasure when they are “taken away from you”, “removed” because they are your treasure, they are really meaningful. You do buy with purpose but life, health, circumstances can put you in this circumstances and it does hurts and what is left is your treasured experiences and inner strength to re build yourself.
In the beginning of the year I had a bag or two every week to donate. It’s less frequent right now but definitely feels good with less clutter!
I found that at the beginning I got rid of truck loads of thing quickly. Then it’s lowered down to a box full every few days as I adjusted. Now I still have an item here and there because I’ve outgrown the need for it or realized it’s just not making me happy anymore. My house still has lots in it but they belong to my husband and kids. (Adult kids, 27 and 25 year olds). My Brother in law also lives with us and he is a hoarder but he’s seen how much more relaxing the house has become with much less so he’s now going through his collections and getting rid of what he doesn’t want or need). It’s a slow process but so worth it. Im getting the old me back. Going to the gym and cycling again. Hikes with one of the kids. My health has improved so much. My advice, go at a speed you’re comfortable with. Good luck!!
I actually like the idea of getting rid of one or two items per day, if possible. I’ve done this off and on for about 5 years. It’s less stressful for me. I started doing that again this week. I now have less to get rid of however so it doesn’t take me as long to declutter. Things can have a habit of stacking up if we aren’t careful and I do occasionally let things slide. Then I think oops, time to declutter.
I couldn’t be satisfied giving up only one or two things a week but there are a lot of good ideas here. Life is short – and there are so many worthwhile things to do instead of obsessing over “things.” Enlist a friend to help, put on your favorite music, reward yourself when you’ve cleared a room or a closet or a table and GET IT DONE. You’ll wonder why you put it off as long as you did. Don’t ask me how I know this.
“Don’t ask me how I know this.”
LOL
That makes me both want to ask… and imagine the wisdom of experience you now possess as a result!
:)
Just had the aha moment a few weeks ago about how letting go of the physical objects lays the groundwork for letting go of emotional stuff. It’s a growth process.