“The ability to simplify means to eliminate the unnecessary so that the necessary may speak.” — Hans Hofmann
Years ago, my neighbor looked on as I pulled item after item out of my garage. Winter had ended in Vermont and our Saturday morning had been committed to spring cleaning around the house. I chose the garage. Unfortunately, minutes turned into hours. And hours turned into most of the morning and into the afternoon.
Fortunately, my neighbor noticed my frustration and introduced me to a brand new way of life when she asked quite simply, “Maybe you don’t need to own all this stuff?”
And a minimalist was born.
Starting immediately, and for the next months (and even years), my wife and I began systematically removing unnecessary possessions from our home. We sold, donated, or recycled items from nearly every aspect of our lives: clothes, toys, decorations, cookware, entertainment, sporting goods, furniture, storage—the list goes on. Eventually, even moving into a smaller house.
As a result, we have discovered some amazingly practical benefits to owning less. We have more money left in our pockets. We have more time available at our disposal. We have removed ourselves from the consumer-driven culture around us. We experience less stress on a daily basis. And we have discovered more freedom to pursue the things in life that we truly value.
Because we have chosen to live with less, we have found more opportunity to invest in relationships, grow spiritually, experience gratitude, express generosity, discover truth, and find contentment. With our newfound time, money, and energy, we are free to pursue our greatest passions.
An important realization quickly followed. Minimalism is less about the things you remove and more about the things you add. The joy of minimalism lies in what you choose to pursue with your life rather than material possessions. And in that way, minimalism is far more about addition than it is about subtraction.
Image: *m5
A great article. If anyone is interested more in this topic, the book “Voluntary Simplicity” spells it out, though written in the 70s the general philosophy is the same. Awesome book, changed my life.
I love the quote Hans Hofmann related to a minimalism lifestyle.
This blog is truly inspiring and I hope my blog can also inspire people as well.
http://becomingminimalistic.net/
“And a minimalist was born.
Starting immediately, and for the next months (and even years), my wife and I began systematically removing unnecessary possessions from our home. ”
So, you became a minimalist and then disposed of the stuff instead of the other way around. I like that. I may be a minimalist; however, I won’t know until I dig myself out. Months you say? Years even? What was this process like for you? How much stuff did you own? Were you upbeat all the way?
I am trying to get rid of stuff that is either sentimental or that I might need later and wonder if there is some way to help me decide? Some words I can tell myself, like, “The muffin tins are not necessary…just don’t make muffins anymore.” Or I try to imagine I am a decorator and would find the stuff tacky. Any advice?
Glad to have a chance to read this article again. I have spent hours this evening cleaning out all the lower cabinets in our kitchen because the floors and counter are going to be replaced. I thought I had already done a pretty good job at getting rid of things we don’t need. Boy, was I ever wrong. There were about 100 pens, pencils, markers shoved in the back of a drawer, 6 rolls of tape, plastic cutlery, and more, and more, and more. I have a couple of give-away bags and lots in the garbage can. I expect much of what I have stuffed into a spare bedroom will never make it back into the kitchen as well. I am hot and tired, but glad of the opportunity to lighten my load in life.
Great article. This is THE definition of minimalism. A lot of people get caught up in what to minimalize, especially the physical possessions. The idea of minimalism is actually to increase – increase what makes you happy and come alive. It’s about putting your efforts into those things. When that’s the spirit, the things you don’t value much will naturally take a backseat.
Really love reading your posts. I have come to minimalism late but already I am enjoying the benefits. Thanks!
I have been in the “simplying” phase for many years. What I think I need today is not what I think I will need tomorrow. It is like peeling an onion – layers of things sloughing off as I continue to review and reevaluate my life and needs. I love the less than lifestyle! But for me it is an ongoing process.
I love the simple math. I have added so much joy to my life by subtracting the superfluous. Whilst so much stuff, so many commitments and so many obligations have left my life, I am way ahead on the joy.
Thanks for your insight.
Should certainly you doubt this fact, just think about the $100,000 that Sarah Palin allocated to a brand new wardrobe after becoming the Republican vice presidential nominee.