Minimalism has become a new friend of mine since starting college.
Influenced by my sister, podcasts and videos, I’ve learned to let go of the “mess” I used to have.
Becoming a minimalist takes some time and intention to be successful.
First, you must understand what minimalism is, what it looks like and what it feels like before diving in.
To define it, minimalism is owning fewer possessions, only keeping what you need.
It is intentional, purposeful, giving value to what is important and removing everything else that acts as a distraction.
That could look like recycling old magazines collected in a corner of your bedroom or donating unwanted clothing from your wardrobe.
To clarify, minimalism suggests “less” and not “none.”
You can have sentimental items, but they are used and displayed in your space rather than stored away in a box in your basement or sitting in a kitchen drawer.
Think of it as improving the space rather than filling it with things you may never use or appreciate.
Most people label minimalism as external. But it is also internal, finding the heart to live as a minimalist and embracing it.
Even though we can learn to remove what is external, we must understand it is also internal and find within us the space to address our own issues that influence our relationships and life.
Think about it: if minimalism is removing the activities that are mundane, then we have the time to spend with family and friends.
Minimalism is opposite from our culture.
We are surrounded by celebrities, politicians and other big business and social entities of our world today.
Learning about this lifestyle means we lessen and remove the consumerist culture and evolve into a smaller, calmer and quieter tone.
This could mean not going out and buying unnecessary items from Target, sharing your collectibles from Harry Potter and appreciating what you have already instead of wishing for something constantly.
So why do I even share this with you?
Over the span of COVID, and even my own lifetime, I have learned that I hate having so many things.
My family, up until now, moved almost every year.
I had to pack and unpack my belongings many times.
It took me until college to realize I didn’t need half the things I owned.
It takes time to adopt a minimalist way of life. Over time, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, I started sorting, donating, throwing items away, and
all the various ways of decluttering and organizing that made me feel less overwhelmed.
And that’s the key of minimalism. It is meant to de-stress and help you enjoy life in a simpler and slower environment.
You can do it however you want, if you are truly ridding the things of life, physical or not.
Minimalism has helped me focus more on classes because my room is not cluttered or a constant mess that I can’t handle cleaning up.
It has shown me to appreciate and value time spent at home with my family. I even feel less stressed with the world around me, with the media and fame.
So, does minimalism deem a better way of life? I suppose it depends on whether or not you are intentional and willing to make a change.
Change can be scary, overwhelming and unfamiliar.
If you are ever interested in trying this lifestyle, there are many podcasts or YouTube videos to check out.
Many people have blogs or books on minimalism or decluttering.
Even ask a friend or someone you know that has adopted minimalism.
- Police Briefs - 17 Apr 2022
- Chamber recital features SVSU professors Yeagi Broadwell and Chia-Ying Chan - 10 Apr 2022
- Guest trombonist Austin Seybert collaborates with SVSU Jazz Ensemble - 10 Apr 2022
Categories: Uncategorized