5 things you should know about minimalism

Do you also feel like the same minimalism tips keep repeating themselves the more you learn about the topic? However, there are a few things you have to discover for yourself over time, but I wish they were also included in these "tips and tricks." Therefore, I've compiled a sort of list of ideas that I thought might be worth writing down.

What is my “why” regarding minimalism?

Decluttering your home and getting rid of possessions can often be more emotional than you initially think. Therefore, it's important to have a strong reason for giving something away. Of course, tidying up just for the sake of tidying up can be a powerful motivator in itself. However, when it comes to parting with some beloved items, things become more difficult. That's why decluttering is actually easier when you're highly intrinsically motivated.

This means that you have a own Having the motivation to do something isn't something that's being told to do by someone else. An intrinsic motivation in this context could be, for example, not wanting to be dependent on material possessions to feel happy. Or that you want to consume less junk for the sake of the environment. An extrinsic reason for wanting to become more minimalist, on the other hand, is feeling pressure from your environment to own as little as possible. And that brings me to my second point.

Do it your way

After watching numerous videos and articles, the urge to throw everything away immediately or to implement what you have learned as quickly as possible quickly creeps in. But we make the decision for ourselves. himself, and not for others. In my opinion, there's no real right or wrong. Just because a YouTuber tells you that living out of a suitcase is perfectly fine doesn't mean you have to agree. You can decide for yourself when and at what pace you want to change or implement things. It's up to you how you shape your life and how different things and decisions make you feel.

Just because others do it that way doesn't necessarily mean it's the best solution for you.

SOURCE: PIXABAY.COM

How do I get started?

Of course, there are numerous ways to get started. Here, too, there's no right or wrong. I think it's always helpful to read up on the topic or watch videos. One book I've come across repeatedly in this context is Marie Kondo's "The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up." This guide not only educates readers about cleaning and tidying, but also offers them the opportunity to learn more about themselves by reflecting on their own behavior.

One tip Kondo offers regarding decluttering is not to immediately throw out an item, but to first pick it up and ask yourself whether it brings you joy and makes a positive contribution to your life. If so, find a good place for it and keep it. If not, feel gratitude toward the object for having once been a beautiful or useful companion.

The book introduces the topic of minimalism as a lifestyle through everyday tasks like cleaning and tidying, and the comments and suggestions can be quickly integrated into one's own life. Highly recommended!

Stay relaxed!

After trawling through several articles, books, and videos, I find it difficult not to feel bad about what I own. There are simply a few things I'd really hate to give away, and also some items that others might classify as "unnecessary," but that mean something to me. Am I a bad person if I don't declutter as radically as some others? No!

In my opinion, minimalism doesn't have to be an "all-or-nothing" approach, but can also be limited to a few areas of life. Especially if you pursue a creative activity, such as being an artist or a cook, you rely on certain tools and equipment that you wouldn't find in other households, or would find them in significantly smaller quantities. If these items bring you joy or make your (creative) work possible in this form, then I don't think there's anything wrong with them. I can certainly own a lot in one area and still live as minimalist as possible. As mentioned above, everyone does what works best for them. Personally, I find it helpful to view minimalism not as a strict set of rules, but rather as a kind of guideline or guideline.

Am I not allowed to buy anything new now?

Living a minimalist lifestyle doesn't mean having to be stingy or overly modest. If you're investing in a product that will last a long time and pay for itself, there's nothing wrong with getting it. In the long run, you'll not only save money but also produce less waste.

PHOTO BY ANDREJ LISHAKOV ON UNSPLASH

The most important things in brief

• The whole thing is easiest if you have a solid reason for wanting to live a more minimalist lifestyle. A "why" that comes from within.
• A little inspiration from books, videos, podcasts, or blogs on the topic never hurts! Give yourself the time you need; of course, you don't have to overhaul your entire life overnight.
• Trust your feelings and instincts and embark on your own personal journey. Do everything in a way that works best for you and your life. Just because someone does something differently than you doesn't mean you're doing it wrong.
• You don't need to feel guilty about still buying new products or only integrating minimalism into certain areas of your life. Everyone is doing what they can, and investing in longer-lasting products is not only good for your wallet, but also for the environment.

Minimalism is primarily about living a simpler life and – instead of focusing on material things – placing more value on yourself, on other people and on experiences.

If you would like to learn more about sustainability, mindfulness or healthy eating, take a look here over.