Let's Talk About...Minimalism

Minimalism is pretty huge online at the moment and in the blogging world where it used to be all about the hauls, it's a big change. And maybe it just might be a phase for some people but in general, the whole movement has some awesome values to it and it's something that's been on my mind a lot lately.

WHAT DOES MINIMALISM MEAN TO YOU?

A definition I found on minimalism that aligns with my values goes a little something like this;

It’s simply getting rid of things you do not use or need, leaving an uncluttered, simple environment and an uncluttered, simple life. It’s living without an obsession with material things or an obsession with doing everything and doing too much. It’s using simple tools, having a simple wardrobe, carrying little and living lightly.

- mnmlist

If there is one thing that I've learnt since researching more about minimalism is that it doesn't have to mean one thing but in general it has the same message. Which is to live with less and put less pressure on things.

WHERE TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT IT?

There are a lot of blog posts out there that are quite frankly terrifying when it comes minimalism and very instructional. Which can be very off putting when you just want to embrace a more minimal attitude towards 'stuff'. I recently watched the Minimalists documentary on Netflix and also started listening to their podcast and the way that they talk about the whole thing is a breath of fresh air and it's not something that's so strict and regimented like it's made out to be online. I'd recommend giving it a watch or their podcast a listen as well as this website;

mnmlist

HOW TO INCORPORATE IT INTO YOUR LIFE?

I'll just say this now, I'm never going to be someone you can call a minimalist. But I've been working the mindset into my life in various ways and it's mostly been with how I choose to spend my money and the relationship that I have with possessions. I hold my hands up and admit that I can be a slave to consumerism just like I think we all can be from time to time. And material possessions do add happiness to my life which is something that I'll never feel badly about or apologise for. But changing the way I look at things and shopping couldn't be more different, I no longer shop to fill an empty void of unhappiness which is something I did for years. Having an unhealthy relationship with shopping can be really dangerous as it can lead to a lot of financial trouble and no amount of items is worth that.

It's something that I've been trying to do really slowly and like I said I'm not on the journey to becoming a minimalist as the whole lifestyle isn't for me. But I do think there are some really awesome values to take away from those who do fully embrace the lifestyle. It's had a really good effect on my mental health to not shop mindlessly and try and seek happiness solely from material items as that's never going work in the long run.

IT DOESN'T HAVE TO BE ALL OR NOTHING

Personally, I think minimalism is what you make it and how you embrace is it entirely up to you. If you want to live in a house/apartment with nothing but the possessions that you use on a daily basis with no decorations or pictures up then that's great you do you. And if you want to live a life where you embrace stuff a little less, be more conscious of buying the things that you do then that's also great. It doesn't have to be something where it's all nothing, and that's just like anything in life there is no right or wrong way to do anything.

A FEW VALUES I'VE BEEN FOLLOWING

Being more aware of where I'm shopping and asking myself a few questions before purchasing anything.
Decluttering everything that I don't need or no longer use.
Keeping the things that truly add joy and happiness to my life.
Staying away from shops that are centeredonly around fast fashion.
Getting really good use out of everything that I already own and rotating things regularly.