Minimalism in one sentence: Get rid of anything and everything that no longer contributes to the life you want to live.
I recently had a helpful online conversation with a person I’ve never met.
I had posted about minimalism on social media (as I tend to do) and she replied with a relatively common response, “I’m just afraid I’ll get rid of something I need later.”
There are, of course, no quick and easy replies to that fear—especially when we’ve never met. I don’t know where she lives, how much stuff she has, what she imagines her ideal life to look like, or even her propensity to throw away things that she’ll need later.
So, I offered my typical one-sentence reply to that question, “Aren’t you afraid of keeping more stuff than you need?”
Her reply went something like this: “No, that’s a dumb thing to be afraid of. Why would I ever be afraid of keeping more than I need?”
And in her reply, I was quickly reminded of the one belief that motivates all minimalist pursuits:
There is a danger in owning more physical possessions than I need.
The specifics of that motivation may look different from person to person.
For example, we may think to ourselves:
- Owning too much keeps me from quality time with my family.
- Owning too much prevents me from achieving financial freedom.
- Owning too much means I am unable to share with others.
- Owning too much is a danger to the environment.
- Owning too much means my priorities are in the wrong place.
- Owning too much slows down my journey of faith.
- Owning too much robs my opportunity to pursue greater passions.
The specific motivation may change, but the overarching understanding is still the same:
It’s not just that possessions won’t make me happy, it’s that they distract me from the things that do! And it’s not just happiness that excess possessions distract us from, but joy, meaning, purpose, fulfillment, and significance.
That is the lightbulb moment that motivates minimalism.
There is a danger in owning more than I need:
The danger of losing my life in pursuit of things that don’t matter.
Cathy Sistek says
I minimize because I don’t want our daughters to do this after I’m gone. I had to go through that when my parents passed and it was no easy chore.
Sara says
Your daughters will thank you. :)
Kristy Keller says
My thought is that some people who keep lots of stuff feel a sense of comfort in doing so. They actually feel the more they have, the more secure they feel, even if they are stepping all over it just to get to the kitchen. Has anyone else seen this in people? The thing that I want to tell them, is it may “feel safe” to hoard but its not real. Also they may be under the impression that if they save this stuff, they will be rewarded handsomely when they try to sell it. This is also not true unless it may be an antique (something of real value). I’m , not sure they realize how little value these old things will bring them in monetary value? What I have found is that used things, be it furniture, etc actually are more like garage sale prices where you have something listed for $1.00 and people offer you 50 cents. Now that is more the reality to me. And finally, the Peace that descends on one, to be able to move around freely, not encumbered by stuff, and stuff that if they could donate or sell, would help other people.
Viridine says
Hebrews 12:1
Therefore since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.
This has been on my mind lately… What things (objects, thought patterns, etc) hinder my pursuit of what truly matters? What is distracting me in the marathon of my life…?
Donna F says
That scripture resonates with me in this process. Thank you for sharing it. This stuff has really hindered me in my body, soul and spirit. Time to throw it off.
Cindy says
I have been minimizing for years while at the same time I’ve stopped consuming as much as possible. (I love it btw) My question is this…at some point what is the harm of keeping a bin or drawer full of something I don’t need and it doesn’t bother me? At what point do I stop minimizing?
Debbie says
I feel when it no longer brings you joy
Ruth says
and that is where I am now. Losing my life sorting out things that don’t matter. When will I see the end of this tunnel!
Jennifer Tyrie says
I feel the same Ruth , it’s a long process, I’m sorting my own stuff and my recently passed sisters. I bin , donate, give away or sell something every day. We just have to chip away at it. Good luck.
Jackie says
Something that worked for me: Before donating or actually burning meaningful things from the past in my beautiful, simple yard cauldron—I take photos of them to keep handy for grownup children or until I feel good just keeping them in my heart.
Angela Norell says
This is a ‘light bulb’ message !
Ellsworth says
Preach! ❤️
Victoria says
This is my main drive in Minimalism.
Pat says
The last sentence is platinum.
Thomas says
Indeed! This sentence goes straight to the point. Well done!
Pat says
Your last sentence is pure platinum.