As I’ve previously written, I’m trying to adopt a more minimalist approach to life. That said, my minimalism will never look like Swedish furniture, all neutrals or bare walls. That’s just not me. But I want to start learning to live with fewer and better things. I want my mindset to change from one of having the latest thing and being happy with what I have. And that is proving rather difficult.
Living with less requires a major mindset shift
I’ve never been someone who holds onto things. Clutter and I just don’t mix, so I’m constantly doing little spring cleanings throughout the year. There’s something very satisfying for me in donating big piles of things, and seeing space appear on surfaces.
Initially I thought it would be relatively easy to change my shopping approach to a more minimalist one. But it’s actually been a lot harder than I thought. The allure of new, beautiful things is hard to turn down. Especially when I can tell myself it’s sustainable or space-saving or good quality…
I’ve started noticing how much more easily I succumb to online shopping when I’m particularly tired or stressed. I suppose it’s the same with comfort food as well. How much easier it is to reach for the chocolate when work is crazy (or very slow). Knowing this about myself is helpful, but I’m still a long way from my ideal state of minimalism.
Even small changes are helpful in the move to minimalism
While I’m still trying to reduce what I own and not add any more, there have still been improvements. As I said, I’ve started noticing my patterns, which means I can combat them.
And there have been changes. I’ve reduced my clothes spending quite a lot, mainly by becoming much more picky about what I buy. If it isn’t exactly what I need, it doesn’t come home with me. If I can’t think of multiple outfits to build with it, no thank you. A similar approach to house items works too. Asking myself if there’s really a need for this new thing has definitely helped.
Being in an apartment (at least for now) is also a nice curb on the amount you can have. The smaller space does require curation to avoid being messy, cluttered or unusable. While I still daydream of a seperate laundry and dining room, I know the practice of keeping things simple will stand me in good stead going forward.
I’m also working on being grateful for what I do have and using them to make life more beautiful. The gratitude challenge last year was a big help for that. Sometimes I look around the room and pick out my favourite items. While I’m not 100% a devotee, Mrs Kondo was onto something with the joy sparks.
Trying to achieve a change of mindset, rather than a temporary Maria Kondo-ing of everything is definitely the slow route. But I hope it will be more beneficial long term.
