What Is Minimalism?
Jaime Gatner-Schmidt
Minimalism is not some radical lifestyle. It is a movement that simply encourages individuals to question their consumption habits, and streamline as they see fit. Every minimalist journey is different, and minimalism can be implemented in different ways. This is why the lifestyle of some minimalists can seem radical, but rest assured, it was a natural progression that they felt was worthwhile. You don't have to take the concept any further than you want.
Minimalism is a worthwhile pursuit because it offers us a way to sift through the constant bombardment of someone else's ideals, so that we can decide for ourselves what is important in our lives, who we want to be and how our time would best be spent.
Advertising is an entire field devoted to making you feel like your life is not as good as it could be. Like your life would be complete if you had that, or looked like this, or could do that. No matter how we stack up, we could be better.
That is bullshit.
It is a garbage message that was painstakingly crafted to keep you consuming. Happiness does not come from a possession or appearance or ability, the capacity for happiness is inherent in all people. You aren't a dollar, or possession, or pound, or achievement away from happiness. If that is what fulfillment actually required, kids wouldn't spend hours of the summer in their backyards, stark naked, trying to out run giggle fits. Happiness is a state of mind and it can't be purchased.
Rant aside, if you totally dropped all expectations, external and internal, would you buy the same things you currently do? Would you spend your time differently than you currently do? What would matter to you?
Minimalism is the application of this type of critical thinking.
Minimalism is about removing things that aren't adding value from your life, so that you can make more room for the things that do. More room for joy, more room for relationships, more financial freedom. It is a deeply personal affair that seeks to offer clarity, intentional consumption.