Minimalism means something different to each and every person. To some, it’s an art style. It could be a way of decorating a home. To others, it’s a goal to live with the least amount of items. For many, it’s a way of feeling at peace with what you have, which is just what you need.
I’ve been practicing minimalism in some form or fashion since 2010. After the death of my father and a close call with death, I took time to reflect on my life and my future. At first, it was a way of decluttering to start fresh. With everything that left the home, I began to feel more at ease with the world. Having clean, clear surfaces reflected the inner calm taking residence in my soul.
It’s been a back and forth. I’d gather much more than I need to only turn around and donate it all away again. Over time, I realized that my outer environment would reflect my inner environment. When I felt least in control, I’d buy and consume to control my surroundings. At multiple points in my life, everything I owned fit in a duffle bag and a backpack.
As I walk through this journey out of burnout, I began to see that after arriving in this new city, I accumulated goods again. We moved across country, so of course we needed some new items….but not this many new items. Again, I face the need to let go, to relinquish my control on my environment, to heal. This will be a journey, so I will start in pieces, slowly cataloging my belongings to really understand my attachment to my ‘things’. Below, you can find each step as I work through my home. At the end, I hope to have a pared down list of specific items that make my life enjoyable, functional and free. This is a work-in-progress, so I expect these lists to be living documents.
The Steps:
- Clothes
- Bathroom/Toiletries
- Electronics
- Office
- Travel
- To be continued