Note: This is a guest post from Jenny Lee of Hello Brio.
Since I started sharing my journey with minimalism, I noticed peoples’ definitions of minimalism can be quite extreme. This is tough to accept, because ever since I began working toward a more minimal lifestyle, I’ve only experienced more joy and fulfillment.
Let me burst your bubble here: minimalism is not a person wearing a plain t-shirt sitting in a white-walled room on one chair with one side table, reading a tattered self-development book from the library by the light of the window. Maybe with one healthy plant on said table.
This extreme image is what manifests for many when they hear the word “minimalism.” This representation screams lack, deprivation, and doing without… which, understandably, can be a big deterrent.
But minimalism is not deprivation. In fact, here’s my uncommon definition of minimalism: minimalism brings abundance.
But how can a practice that by definition means “simplicity of life” come to be misunderstood as extreme deprivation, not abundance?
Why People Think Minimalism is So Extreme
People often think that minimalism is crazy strict and scant. When I tell new friends that my family and I are minimalists, they probably look at my two young sons and think, “Poor kids, why won’t they buy you loads of toys?”
Or maybe they think that because we don’t have a lot of stuff in our house, that we must just sit around staring at one another in silence.
Our minimalist lifestyle is far from that… but I understand the confusion.
This has to do with the fact that minimalism is—honestly—poorly named.
Minimalism literally means “a person who favors a simple style or approach,” where the adjective minimalistic means “something that is stripped down to its most essential elements.”
The thought of being “stripped down” does not inspire positivity for most. In fact, “minimalism” often brings a rush of cortisol and nervousness. Usually, folks who are new to the term get very defensive right away:
“Oh, I saw a minimalist interviewed on TV once and he only owned 44 things that fit into his backpack. I could never do that.” Or…
“I just love my clothes and shoes too much. I could never get rid of 95% of my closet.” Or…
“I’ve seen people do those no-buy years on YouTube and I could never do that. Shopping is my way to de-stress and treat myself.” Or…
“My home is already mostly clear of visual clutter. Why would I need to minimize further?”
These extreme takes are in no way what minimalism actually looks like for most people who are in pursuit of a simpler life.
Here are some different ways that minimalism can show up.
Minimalism Looks Different for Everyone
Wherever you are in your journey, whether you’re in the research phase or are years deep into your minimal lifestyle, you’ll notice that every single minimalist’s life looks different.
Once you dig deeper into what minimalism means for most, you end up with a definition similar to this: “Minimalism is removing excess so that you can make more room for what matters to you.”
Since everyone’s priorities are different, the end results will vary.
For us, as a family of four?
- I have a smaller wardrobe that allows me to grab anything so that I can be showered, made up, and dressed in 15 minutes flat so that I can get started on my next writing project (and still be presentable for those intermittent Zoom client calls).
- We donate our broken or mismatched toys and have a curated collection of things the boys cherish and can use their imaginations to build upon.
- We have a smaller (though not tiny) house where we usually assemble in the family area so that we can prioritize togetherness.
While observing other minimalists, you might even start to group them into archetypes, whether they’re:
- Frugal minimalists, challenging themselves to do with less in order to save money
- Environmental minimalists, making low-waste choices to reduce their carbon footprint, sometimes in the form of a tiny house
- Luxury minimalists, only buying the highest quality, longest-lasting items, or
- Traveling minimalists, prioritizing portability and fitting their worldly possessions into a backpack
But here’s the thing: any given minimalist may be a blend of these or other archetypes, or may even wax and wane between types depending on what’s going on in their lives at the moment.
Leo Babauta of Zen Habits moved his family, including his wife and their six children, from Guam to the US with each family member carrying one backpack of belongings. Leo’s family’s life looks much different now in California in their home complete with furniture, but that just goes to show you how the outward appearance of minimalism can change for people over time.
No matter how someone may self-identify in these archetypes or as a blend of categories, minimalists tend to have a key value in common.
The Value All Minimalists Have in Common
I hesitate in saying this, but I believe it to be true. All minimalists are somewhat counter-cultural, in that they live an anti-consumerism lifestyle.
But not in an extreme way. Us minimalists still shop for things we need and want… and we buy necessities like toilet paper… so don’t think we’re picketing in front of Target.
In the US, the bulk of the population is driven by consumerism. We are compelled to purchase the latest gadget, shop for clothes on the regular, and fill our homes with tchotchkes from Home Goods.
It is a very consumerism-driven economy.
Minimalists, on the other hand, tend to be very picky about what they bring into their lives and keep in their lives and by nature will shop and consume less in order to be free of the vicious cycle.
Every minimalist will have a very specific set of reasons why they began and are continuing on in their minimalism journey, and they are very clear on their passions and impact.
They remove varying forms of clutter from their lives: physical, mental, spiritual, social, technological, etc, in order to make room for what really matters to them. By going against the grain and choosing to live a “less is more” lifestyle, minimalists can live a life full of purpose.
Minimalism Brings Abundance
Let me repeat: minimalism is not an extreme lifestyle that strips people down to the very essentials.
It is not deprivation.
By removing visual and mental excess, you waste less time and energy buying, organizing, and maintaining your stuff so that you can focus on your mission, whatever that may be.
Since I’ve progressed upon my minimalism journey, I have a clearer mind that isn’t clouded by drama or anxiety, I have a strong cohort of friends and family that feed my soul instead of drain it, and I am able to focus more on my passion for writing and creating content. I feel true to myself and have an inner sense of peace, both of which I searched for desperately during my teens and 20’s.
Because minimalism clears clutter, it allows room for abundance: abundance of time, energy, thought, ideas, and connection. These all bring depth of existence, peace of mind, and contentment, which are all keys to living a life full of joy.
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Jenny Lee blogs at Hello Brio where she uses minimalist principles to help the motivated discover wholeness and true identity by changing their inner narrative to transform their outer world into one of abundance. You can also find her promoting minimalism on YouTube.
jeanmarie says
I volunteer at a thrift shop — we get so many donations and have constant sales. And it still continues to come in. We have our dumpster emptied three times a week….. so that says something about the condition of the donations. I personally think people just need to rethink constantly buying presents for every occasion unless they are consumables….. or donations made in your name to your favorite charity. So much useless stuff, knick-knacks, coffee cups. picture frames, purses, etc. it truly is overwhelming and recently read an article that stated 80% of donations never get resold…… so we really need to stop buying…or at least give it more serious thought!
Jenny Lee says
Oof, Jeanmarie, that is a sad fact, but so good to know. Thank you for sharing. I need to do more research about donations and where they actually end up. I totally agree that people should focus on gifting experiences and consumables so that we end up with less junk in the donate/trash pile.
Wendy Rhodes says
Minimalism is something I’ve been trying for about a year but these are my rules so far…and they have worked out well.
1. Only buy things I can consume in some way, shape or form.
2. If I have to purchase a “thing” it’s to replace something that’s worn or broken.
3. Stop buying things to organize my home. This only makes me want to keep things I really don’t need.
4. If I see something on my favorite shopping site I want, I add it to my cart and close the browser window. If I still want it in a week, then I allow myself to splurge. Usually by then I end up asking myself why I added it to my cart in the first place.
These four rules, for me at least, have not only helped to minimize my life but also save me quite a bit of money as well.
Jenny Lee says
These are fantastic rules to live by, Wendy! I like that you allow yourself a whole week before making an online purchase. I’ve tried the 24 hour rule and that seems to be enough time for me to forget about wanting something.
And 100% agreed about organizing stuff… there’s a good chance that if we need to purchase something to organize our stuff, we’d be better off getting rid of some of that stuff in general!
Thanks for sharing your rules and I hope you have continued success as your minimalism journey continues.
Susan Friendson says
Yes yes yes. I am in the process of releasing a business, a part time job, and a 3-family home I’ve managed for seventeen years so that I can do exactly as you say – to make room in my life for more – in my case a more focused, personal evolution. I have always considered self-improvement an important element of my life, but now, in my late sixties (and in many ways as a result of the pandemic), I am moved to dedicate myself more fully to the task. A major motivation came last summer when I took a class in goddess chanting with Shamini Jain. She said that Lakshmi (Hindu goddess of abundance) is more likely to work with those who have less clutter in their lives, and I’ve been mulling that over for the past several months. Your article reinforces this for me, so thank you.
Jenny Lee says
Susan, this is a lovely comment to read from you! I haven’t heard of Lakshmi before but I love the idea and am going to do more research on the topic. I’m so glad you were able to find a silver lining of the pandemic, too, and that you’re doing what’s right for you.
Oliver says
Maybe the problem (other people’s problem) is the name ‘minimalism’ which I can readily see conveys images of starkness and deprivation in people’s minds. No one should have to justify what they call it so call it what you like (personally I call it ‘enoughism’) it’s the practice and application that matters.
Jenny Lee says
Oliver, I love the sound of “enoughism” and makes me want to read George Mckeown’s new book, “Effortless,” even more because he speaks a lot to the concept of “enough” in that book.
And you’re 100% right that it’s the application and practice that matters most. Labels in any realm can get a bad rap.
Patricia says
To me the minimalism journey was a pathway back to a healthy mindset. A couple of decades ago (yes, a couple) I went through a very bad divorce. I was left hanging on to most of the stuff from the marriage (he walked out). It took time for me to clearly see what I really wanted in my “new” life. Little by little I would separate things into three piles – keep, donate, throw away. Over several years the keep pile grew smaller and the other two increased. I am now surrounded by things I want and love. My mental and physical health is at very good. People need to see minimalism as a life journey – not a point in the road.
Jenny Lee says
Patricia, I can absolutely relate to your journey. My minimalism journey started with a divorce as well, and it’s really interesting to see how it helps you develop your “new” life. I’m so glad your health is at a really great place.
Jessalynn Jones says
Jenny, you hit the nail on the head! All the misconceptions about minimalism can make it a hard word to use.
Minimalism isn’t about rigid rules and deprivation. It’s about putting the spot light on what and who you live instead of making things the master of your life! Minimalism helps people to strip away the junk and keep all the good stuff! It is a beautiful way of life.
Jenny Lee says
Thanks Jessalyn for the kind words! I’m so glad we’re 100% on the same page. I love how you say that some make things “the master of their lives”—it’s so true, and minimalism is a wonderful escape from that.
Jeanette Sterzik says
I really enjoyed this article! It’s well written and touches on so many of the hesitations and pushback I’ve encountered when sharing about the concept of minimalism. Minimalism IS very individualized but there are certainly common threads of focusing on what is most important and clearing the way for those things, whether they are tangible items or experiences like relationships, travel, peace, etc. I’ll definitely be saving this and sharing!
Jenny Lee says
Thank you so much in advance, Jeannette, for sharing the article with loved ones. I have a few friends who live a minimal lifestyle but hesitate in calling themselves “minimalists” because of the stigma or misconception it brings. I’m so glad the article spoke to you.
Janet Mantle says
Why would you donate broken or mismatched toys? Surely they need to be binned or recycled, if possible?
Jenny Lee says
Hi Janet! We find a lot of mismatched or incomplete toy sets when we’re cleaning up. Usually what I do, if my kiddos are done with that set, is I’ll bundle up the remaining pieces and put it up on a local Facebook swap group explaining the condition, and people are usually more than happy to take them anyway.
Broken toys may be a different story. If you or someone else can’t enjoy the broken toy, then it might just be time to recycle or trash.
Audrey R says
“Let me burst your bubble here: minimalism is not a person wearing a plain t-shirt sitting in a white-walled room on one chair with one side table, reading a tattered self-development book from the library by the light of the window. Maybe with one healthy plant on said table.” Sounds pretty beautiful to me. Please give positive space for those that choose this form of minimalism.
Jenny Lee says
Ah, you’re absolutely right, Audrey. And let me get real for a second here: most of my house and life DOES looks exactly like I wrote there.
I didn’t mean to shed negative light on this form of minimalism; I find it beautiful myself. I was simply trying to illustrate that this common viewpoint of minimalism doesn’t have to be everyone’s journey.
Becky says
The writer didn’t say that the “wearing of a plain shirt and sitting in room with only a couch, etc” was the only definition of minimalism, they said that this was what minimalism means to some people but everyone’s version is different. You sound defensive like you felt “your lifestyle” was being attacked.
Debbie Markwood says
For me, minimalism is being surrounded by things that I love and not having those things hidden by needless clutter.
I have been gradually working toward this definition of minimalism for several years and have come a long way but still have a way to go. It is very satisfying and gratifying to be in a space that makes me feel joyful and brings a smile to my heart.
I am very selective about the email lists that I join but the “Becoming Minimalist” email is one that I look forward to because I always pick up a useful tip or encouraging word toward my minimalist journey.
Jenny Lee says
Love your definition of minimalism, Debbie! And it illustrates my point perfectly… that minimalism just results in abundance for what you do choose to keep because you love it/them so much.
Also, I think we’re all at various points along our minimalism journey and all have a lot of work to do still. It’s an ongoing process, for sure!