If you are curious about the minimalist life and all that it holds then this post will be an inspiration to you and the the life you actually desire.
Written by: Emily Lopez Last Updated: July 29, 2024
Let me guess you’re deeply interested in living the minimalist life but it might be a little intimidating? “Do I really need to go through all my things?” It could take a long time. You might be someone who loves to hold on to memory items. You might also be asking, “What is the point to a minimalist life?”
All of the questions and feels are extremely valid. As we discover more about minimalism let this new perspective guide you to live simple with gratitude.
This post will be all about the minimalist life and specifically, what minimalism is, misconceptions, how to get started, daily life, and so much more.
What Is Minimalism?
Minimalism is defined as :a style or technique (as in music, literature, or design) that is characterized by extreme spareness and simplicity (Merriam-Webster, n.d.). In all honesty, I thought what first comes to mind when I think of minimalism is to live extremely frugal and not spend a penny. The image that always comes to mind is only to have a few forks, spoons, and 1 plate and 1 bowl for each person. While some do actively pursue this type of extreme minimalism, especially to focus on less. Yet, this is a common misconception.
“Minimalism is not a lack of something. It’s simply the perfect amount of something.” –Nicholas Burroughs
Instead of tending or focus on less or having too much it is actually about fining the perfect balance in life through intentional living. There are some essential next steps when pursuing this type of lifestyle. This lifestyle holds an amazing amount of benefits.
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What are the steps to a minimalist lifestyle?
Assess Your Current Lifestyle. Create a personal inventory of your life. Ask yourself several questions. In fact, better to grab yourself a note pad(digital if you prefer). Answer questions like: Where is your time going? What areas of your home make you feel stressed? Have a valued my friendships lately? Do I get overwhelmed in my home? Am I where I want to be in life?
Set Minimalist Goals
“When there’s no vision, the people get out of control, but whoever obeys instruction is happy.”-Proverbs 29:18. This verse has everything to do with your life and goal setting. When it comes to living a life to glorify Jesus, we glorify him in everything we do. Even in minimalism, living intentionally, and in setting goals. Pray and ask God, the Will he has for this season of life and the things to prioritize when considering long and short term goals.
Tips For Elimination
Managing clutter can be a task to start you off on the right track. Decluttering each space in your environment will keep your mind clear and help you be more focused increasing your productivity. Clearing out your space is one place to start from physical items. Decluttering things in your home is good. But even better to clear out things on the inside of you that keep you from living in freedom. Clean out the heart!” Counsel in a person’s heart is deep water, but a person of understanding draws it out.”-Proverbs 20:5. We desperately need to clean out our hearts overall things. How do we do that? Through The Word of God.
“My son, pay attention to my words; listen closely to my sayings. Don’t lose sight of them; keep them within your heart. For they are life for those who find them, and health to one’s whole body. Guard your heart above all else for it is the source of life.”-Proverbs 4:20-23.
Jesus is our helper in everything. He guides our steps and leads us to a life we are longing for. In the process of eliminating temporary things this world that distract us from the true meaning of life. To be with the Lord, to love him and love those around us as Christ loves us.
Minimalism In The Daily Life
How does the minimalist life look like day in and day out? Mindfulness is a huge start to this lifestyle. Other categories, if you will, are through the focus in on is the living space, capsule wardrobe, digitally, and relationally.
Mindful Consumption
Sustainable living practices and mindful purchases will lead to a huge positive impact on your brain. Create and stick to a budget instead of emotional spending. Being mindful of your time, your thoughts, and overall brain health for everyday life. You will be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Think positive thoughts, eliminate thoughts that are not true, and declare truth over your mind. – Practicing mindfulness in daily activities, Journaling and reflection as minimalist practices
Minimalist Digital Space
Reduced your digital clutter. How many unread emails do you have? Delete apps you no longer use. Old photos, or too many of the same photos. As a mom, I probably have one hundred pictures from my toddler take pictures of the ceiling. Deleting unnecessary documents and set a system in place to organizing digital files will help a clear space of phones tablets, that we spend so much time on.
Decluttering digitally is a start minimalism in this area. Once it is as clear as you can have it, setting digital boundaries is your next step. Some boundaries to benefit you have lot to do with screen time and creating good habits for your overall health. Of course, like most of use have social media accounts. Social media can be helpful, informative, and entertaining. However, social media holds side affects like: distractions, numbing emotions, influenced to buy certain products(that might be unnecessary), time consuming and addictive. Set your digital boundaries so specific time of the day to be on social media. Put a timer on it.
Better yet periodically take social media fasts to cleanse your mind. Don’t scroll as soon as you wake up in the morning. About four years ago, I became intentional about my phone screen time. First being to not picking my phone up for the first hour of my day. Simply turned off my alarm in the morning and let it on the charger. You will be amazing on how successful your morning is and how much energy you have throughout your day by adding this simple habit into your life.
The Minimalist Wardrobe
Our closets can be extremely cluttered. Most of which is a small selection of clothing is actually worn. Grasping the idea of a capsule wardrobe will allow you to get the most out of your closet space, clutter, and getting dressed in the morning. Collecting good quality clothing that will last you over a long period of time will make your wardrobe fit into your new minimalist life.
If you are just starting out declutter your clothes and only purchase basic neutral basic clothing for a versatile selection.
Living Space
Designing a minimalist home starts with downsizing the things in your home to be the most simplistic and functional. Have an organized home by making small adjusts to your way of living. Simply throw away useless mail before you pile it up on the counter. Another example, for the minimalist lifestyle is to have multi-purpose furniture. Some ideas can be an entry table that is a hidden shoe rack, a bench that is used for extra storage, and utilizing your walls for organization.
Overcoming Challenges in Minimalism
In most things there are pros and cons. Minimalism hosts incredible benefits. While this lifestyle has more pros than cons. There will come some challenges when you face dealing with emotional attachments. Some ways to overcome this battle is to evaluate the item you long to hold on too. First, is to ask yourself if it is something that hold value and purpose? Second, will you use it? How often have you used it(will you use it)? This will help you be true to the items you have and grow closer to the lifestyle you desire.
If you have an item from a loved one or a few items you hold near to your heart. It is ideal to have a small shadow box of the items that matter most to you. It can be a sweet place to bring back memories and photos but limiting the size(this should be small) and to just one per family member in your household.
Managing Relationships with Non-Minimalists
Navigating this new lifestyle is exciting and full of a new adventure. Communicating your lifestyle choices will be exciting and part of your journey. Bring people along with you as you take it one day at a time. Give praise to Jesus for leading you to a life of simplicity with him. While you can bring others around you to share what you have learned, this is not a place to go into someones home and judge them if they have tons of clutter. It is okay if they are not up to speed. Everyone is on their own journey.
Conclusion
Living the minimalist life is full of benefits as we run with endurance the race that lies before us, keeping our eyes on Jesus, the source and perfecter of our faith. This is a race that won’t happen overnight but we must train ourselves with good habits. Simplicity, joy, clarity, and intentional living lies a head. Keep looking to Jesus in it all.
I would love to hear about your transition to this lifestyle share your minimalist journey or tips in the comments below. If haven’t already follow me on Pinterest for the latest blog posts.
Reference:
Merriam-Webster. (n.d.). Minimalism. In Merriam-Webster.com dictionary. Retrieved August 5, 2024, from https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/minimalism
Burroughs, N. (n.d.). “Minimalism is not a lack of something. It’s simply the perfect amount of something.” In J. Clear. Retrieved August 5, 2024, from https://jamesclear.com/minimalism#:~:text=%E2%80%9CMinimalism%20is%20not%20a%20lack,money%2C%20or%20energy%20on%20details.