Note: This is a guest post from Anthony Ongaro of Break the Twitch.
“One quick question: why are we all working so hard for stuff we don’t need, just so you can ‘tidy up’ and give it all way…?” —Carl Richards
It’s no secret that removing excess can create an incredible amount of freedom. With fewer things to organize, less financial stress, and more time to pursue things that matter, minimalism creates the opportunity to design a life aligned with your values.
Once you’re in the swing of things, it feels great to donate and declutter items from your home. At a certain point, you’ll reach a place of equilibrium where you’ll simply have to maintain the work you’ve done. Fortunately, there are many things you can do to continue building upon the progress you’ve made.
Here are seven ways to create new opportunities and take additional steps in your intentional living journey.
1. Start a blog. Starting a blog is one of the most important things I’ve done for my intentional living journey. A blog provides personal accountability, a record of learnings over the years, and a place online where people can connect with you. I’ve found it incredibly rewarding to connect with other bloggers and creators who are making things they’re passionate about. Many of these connections would have never happened had I not started putting my ideas out into the world online.
2. Take better care of your things. If you’ve pared down your belongings in a significant way, you should be left with the things that you love most. A little bit of extra care can preserve them for much longer than typical lifecycles. For example, using a dryer is one of the most damaging things you can do to your clothes. With fewer clothing items, hang-drying is quick, easy, and preserves the quality of the clothing. I’ve learned to enjoy doing laundry, and thanks to this method, I have many shirts that still look brand new despite being worn every week for the last two years. I use a folding rack that can be easily stored when not in use.
3. Travel somewhere new. Going to a new, unfamiliar place can be perspective-changing, and incredibly powerful. Try visiting a place that is outside of your comfort zone, perhaps somewhere less economically fortunate than where you live. There are very happy people all over the world living on a fraction of the income that an average first world resident earns. Traveling to such places will change the way you think about money, and the power of what it can accomplish when used effectively.
4. Donate money. When we commit to live with less, the money we require each month decreases. As debt gets paid off and spending lessens, you can choose to leverage your resources to change the world for the better. There are organizations doing amazing work, putting 100% of donated funds towards projects that make a direct and immediate difference in people’s lives. Not only do you get the freedom that comes with choosing to live with less, but it’s incredibly rewarding to know that you’re making a difference in people’s lives.
5. Volunteer time. It feels great to serve others, but connecting with other volunteers can be just as rewarding. It’s empowering and uplifting to be around people who help others actively take steps to do so. Spend some time connecting with people in the spirit of giving and you will find your own life filled with joy and gratitude. Find an organization with a mission that aligns with your values, then register to volunteer with them.
6. Do nothing. Just because you have more time and energy to do something, doesn’t always mean you should. It’s easy to fall back into the “busy” trap and let unproductive things fill the space created by decluttering. One of the best things you can do for yourself is leave some room to breathe, relax, or simply catch up. Put the smartphone away, sit, and gaze out the window for a while. It may feel unproductive, but rest assured: you’re sharpening the axe instead of chopping with a dull blade.
7. Establish a new daily habit. In order to enhance the positive changes you’ve created through decluttering, implement a few daily habits into your life. Start with just one thing and do it every day for a week; then add on another thing each week. These habits can be anything from a 10 minute walk to spending a few minutes learning new Spanish vocabulary words. Start small, build up as you go, and commit to at least 60 consecutive days.
Intentional living is a lifelong pursuit, and doesn’t stop once the decluttering is done. There are many ways to spend your time and energy that add substantial value, opportunity and joy for yourself and the people you love.
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Anthony Ongaro writes at Break the Twitch and helps others explore ways to live a more intentional life. You can also find him on Facebook and YouTube.
Joan Zetka says
I’d like to start a blog but I haven’t a clue as to how to do it. (I’m not exactly a computer whiz. If I go beyond e-mail or Facebook I’m lost.) I don’t even know the difference between a blog and a website.
joshua becker says
This might help you get set up —> https://www.becomingminimalist.com/start-a-blog/
Eric Ungs says
It’s amazing how being intentional with our daily actions can change our lives; the personal freedom that comes along with that. The biggest thing, one that often keeps quite, is that the more you take care of yourself through daily intentional actions, the more it impacts the people around you. When I take care of myself— journaling, writing, meditating, working on a passion project—I’m able to give my best self to others. My kids see me differently, therefore, my parenting has changed, resulting in an influence of my family tree. What might seem small, i.e. journaling, can have a lifetime affect on those around you. Quite fascinating. Great tips and thanks for sharing.
Julie @ HappinessSavouredHot says
Nice post! The momentum that started when I decluttered and bought nothing for a year never stopped, luckily. Once you let go of “stuff”, it feels so good you want to keep your life that way!
Anthony @ Break the Twitch says
Amen! Love to hear that. Thanks, Julie.
Daisy @ Simplicity Relished says
I do all of these things (and nothing!) and they definitely help me live more intentionally. Absolutely love this piece.
Anthony @ Break the Twitch says
Hi Daisy, I’m glad you enjoyed it, I enjoy your blog as well. :) -Anthony
John P. Weiss says
Anthony- Your suggestion to “do nothing” is often overlooked as a viable way to declutter your mind. My father was a busy Judge and handled many complex cases. Sometimes I’d catch him on weekends sipping on an iced tea on the patio, doing nothing. I’d asked him what he was up to and he’d say, “Day dreaming. It clears my mind.” Here’s to a little more day dreaming in our lives!
Anthony @ Break the Twitch says
Hey John! What a cool thing for your father to do. Sounds like an incredible influence. -Anthony
organic butterfly says
Great post :) I am having problems with my “mental clutter” so I am trying to find ways to relax and am getting into meditation.
Anthony @ Break the Twitch says
Thank you for reading. – Anthony
Ashley says
Excellent tips and a great reminder of just how important this is to our mental well being, as well. Thanks for sharing :)
Anthony @ Break the Twitch says
Thank you, Ashley!
Melissa says
Love all these ideas, especially the do nothing! It’s my favorite! However, my husband and I have 7 children so no drier would make my life much LESS simple. Everyone has a small wardrobe (a week and a halfs worth on average) and I do laundry once or twice a week. How? We wear our clothes for several days before they are deemed “dirty” (unless they truly are covered in dirt or food) No point in washing clothes that aren’t truly dirty. So while I do use my drier we wear our clothes several times which results in less laundry and less washing and drying too!
Anthony @ Break the Twitch says
Melissa, you’re right – my hang dry advice is completely circumstantial. It sounds like you have a great system worked out for your family, though! -Anthony
Lois says
Not only decluttering your physical space and mental space(good suggestion Jeffrey Pillow) but, I’ve been struggling but am starting to declutter my electronical (tech) space. Gives more time for relaxation and a whole lot less stress/anxiety in life.
Anthony @ Break the Twitch says
The digital space is a whole other realm. So much storage and infinitely stackable folders make it easy to forget what’s there. Thanks for your comment, Lois.
Jeffrey Pillow says
Indeed. The electronic space is my next frontier on which to embark. I have to admit though, I’m dreading that one a bit. At the same time, once it is condensed and organized, it will make things so much easier to find and utilize, particularly in regard to writing.
Jeffrey Pillow says
After you declutter your physical space, declutter your mental space with meditation.
It pairs well with a minimalist mindset and is one of my main ingredients in managing anxiety, an affliction I’ve had all my life.
Anthony @ Break the Twitch says
Yes! It doesn’t stop with the physical space around us.
Charice Gwinn says
I haven’t completely decluttered my house but I started to declutter my head of anxiety a couple of weeks ago. I started swimming and that just makes every thing melt away.