‘Minimalism isn’t working’.
If these words ring true, I urge you not to throw in the towel quite yet. Trust me, I’ve had similar doubts along my minimalism journey. And now look at me, sharing minimalist lifestyle tips on the internet!
In this post, I’m going to be diving into what minimalism is, what minimalism is not and why the minimalist lifestyle may not be working for you (and how to fix that!)
Let’s get into it.
Minimalism is Not…
Minimalism has gained popularity in recent years and is often associated with living with less, decluttering, and simplifying one’s possessions and surroundings. Despite the lifestyle’s growing popularity, minimalism is often misunderstood and misinterpreted.
Many people believe that minimalism is about deprivation and sacrifice, but this is not the case.
In order to understand what minimalism is, you’ll need to understand what it is not.
Minimalism is not…
1. An Aesthetic
Minimalism is not simply an aesthetic. It is a lifestyle movement that emphasizes simplicity and mindfulness.
Although minimalism is often associated with a clean and uncluttered aesthetic, that is simply a style that many minimalists choose to emulate. You don’t have to own all white furniture to be a minimalist. In fact, getting rid of things you own to fit an aesthetic is the complete opposite of minimalism!
2. About Deprivation
The Minimalist Lifestyle is not about deprivation or sacrifice. It is not about living without, but about living with only what is necessary and brings joy. It is not about living in a stark, sterile environment, but about creating a peaceful and functional space.
3. A One-Size-Fits-All Solution
Minimalism is not a set of rigid rules or guidelines that everyone must follow. Rather, it is a personal journey that looks different for each individual. It is about finding what works for you and what brings you joy, not about following a specific set of rules or expectations.
4. Just in the Number of Possessions
Minimalism is not just in the number of possessions you own. Sure, you may find value in having a smaller wardrobe or owning fewer knick-knacks. But, minimalism isn’t about owning less. It’s about finding value in all of the things that you do own. If an item you own brings value to your life, don’t let it go in an effort to own a certain number of things. That will only lead to clutter regret and nobody wants that!
5. Only About Decluttering Your Physical Space
Embracing the Minimalist Lifestyle is not just about decluttering your physical space, it’s also about decluttering your mind.
Minimalism encourages you to focus on what is truly important, and to let go of anything that does not bring value or joy to your life. This includes not only physical possessions, but also mental and emotional clutter, such as negative thoughts, stress, and unnecessary obligations.
Learning to let go of possessions that you no longer need or use, can translate into learning to let go of emotional clutter that is holding you back.
Minimalism Is..
…about knowing what to do, and actually doing it.
Knowing what to do is an important first step, but it is not enough on its own. The difference between knowing and doing can be a major obstacle for people who are interested in minimalism.
Minimalism goes beyond just knowing how to declutter and simplify your surroundings. It also involves actively taking steps to put these principles into practice. This may sound obvious, but it’s easier said than done.
It’s easy to read a book or listen to a podcast about minimalism and feel inspired to declutter your life. But actually taking the steps to declutter is a whole different story.
It can be hard to let go of possessions you have accumulated over the years, and it can be difficult to change your life-long habits and routines. But, in order to make the transition from an aspiring minimalist to a practicing minimalist, you need to take action rather than simply gain inspiration or knowledge.
In Conclusion
If you are finding it difficult to put minimalism into practice, don’t give up quite yet! The problem may be that you are simply lacking a clear understanding of what minimalism is, or struggling to put all of your knowledge and inspiration into action.
In order to truly embrace minimalism and make it work for you, it’s essential to understand what it is, what it is not, and to actively take steps to implement minimalist practices into your life.
Knowing what minimalism is, is not enough. You need to start doing.
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