5 things you should know about minimalism
Do you also have the feeling that the same minimalism tips repeat themselves the more you learn about the subject? There are, however, a few things that you have to discover for yourself bit by bit, but I wish they were also part of these "tips and tricks". So I have put together a kind of list of the thoughts I thought it might be worthwhile to write them down.
What is my "why" in relation to minimalism?
Clearing out your household and throwing away possessions can often be more emotional than you might think at first. Therefore it is important to have a strong reason for giving something away. Of course, just cleaning up for the sake of cleaning up can be a strong motivation in itself. However, when it comes to giving away some loved items, things become more difficult. That's why it's easier to get rid of things when you're highly intrinsically motivated.
It means that you have a own Motivation to do something. And not that people from outside pretend to do something. An intrinsic motivation in this context could be, for example, that you do not want to depend on material possessions to feel happy. Or that you want to consume less chicks for the sake of the environment. An extrinsic reason for wanting to become more minimalist, on the other hand, is that one feels pressure from the environment to own as little as possible. And this leads me to my second point.
Do it your way
After numerous videos and articles, the desire to throw everything away quickly creeps in, or that you want to implement what you have learned as quickly as possible. But we make the decision for us itselfand not for others. So in my opinion, there is no right or wrong. Just because a YouTuber tells you that it is enough to live out of a suitcase, does not mean that you have to agree. You can decide for yourself when you want to change or implement what at what pace. It is up to you how you shape your life and how different things and decisions make you feel.
Just because others do it that way does not necessarily mean that this is the best solution for you.
How do I start?
Of course there are numerous ways to start. There is no right or wrong here either. In the beginning I think it always helps to read into the topic or watch videos. A book that I encounter again and again in this context is Marie Kondo's "The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up" (German title: "Magic Cleaning: How Proper Cleaning Changes Your Life"). The guide does not only inform the reader about cleaning and tidying up, but also offers him/her the opportunity to learn more about themselves by reflecting on their own behaviour.
One tip that Kondo gives regarding mucking out is not to sort out the item immediately, but to take it in your hand beforehand and ask yourself whether this item gives you pleasure and makes a positive contribution to your own life. If so, a nice place should be found and kept for the object. If not, you should feel grateful to the object for having once been a beautiful or useful companion.
The book introduces the topic of minimalism as a lifestyle through everyday matters such as cleaning and tidying up, and the remarks and suggestions can be quickly integrated into your own life. Absolute recommendation!
Take it easy!
I find it hard not to feel bad about what I own after going through some articles, books and videos. There are just a few things that you would really hate to give away and also some items that other people might put in the category "unnecessary" but which mean something to you. Am I a bad person now if I don't sort things out as radically as some people? No!
In my opinion, minimalism does not have to be an "all-or-nothing" approach, but can also be limited to a few areas of life. Especially if you are engaged in a creative activity, such as artist, you are dependent on some tools and equipment that you would not find in other households or in much smaller quantities. If you enjoy these objects or if they make (creative) work in this form possible, I think there is nothing to be said against it. I can own quite a lot in one area and still live as minimalistically as possible. As mentioned above, everyone does what is best for him/her. It helps me personally to see minimalism not as a strict set of rules, but rather as a kind of guideline or guideline.
Can't I buy myself anything new now?
Living minimalist does not mean being stingy or overly modest. If you invest in a product that lasts for a long time and pays off, there's basically nothing wrong with getting it. In the long run, you not only save money, but also produce less waste.
The most important in brief
- The easiest way to do this is to have a solid reason for wanting to live minimalistically. A "why" that comes from yourself.
- A little inspiration from books, videos, podcasts or blogs on the subject never hurts! Give yourself the time you need; of course, you don't have to change your whole life overnight.
- Trust your feelings and instincts and start your own personal journey. Implement everything in the way that suits you and your life best. Just because someone does something different from you doesn't mean you're doing it wrong.
- You don't have to have a guilty conscience just because you are still buying new products or integrate minimalism into your life only in certain areas. Everybody does what he can and investing in more durable products is not only profitable for your wallet but also for the environment.
Minimalism is primarily about leading a simpler life and - instead of focusing on material things - to place more value on oneself, on other people and on experiences.
If you want to learn more about sustainability, mindfulness or healthy eating, take a look here over.
