I was wrong about minimalism

The problem with minimalism is too many people take the minimal part too seriously. It's all about having the essential items you need, not the necessarily the fewest items.

I started down the road to minimalism in 2008. It took me about 10 years because I did it slowly over time and gradually culled everything down to just the things I love and use. If you looked at my home you would never say "She's a minimalist". I have vibrant art on every wall, about 350 favorite books and objects I love from my life. But....I used to own an 1891 Victorian home with 13 rooms including a library with over 6,000 books and now I live in 386 square feet. I'm an American woman who only owns three pairs of shoes and five items of make up. I have plenty of clothes to suit me but my closet is half empty and as one of my friends stated when she looked at it, "You look like you've been robbed." Minimalism comes in many forms and at heart it is culling away excess to create what suits you best. It looks different for everyone. I've never been happier than how I live now.

I support the buying spree that happens after the de clutter. We often can’t see what needs to be upgraded until we declutter. When you stop spending money on junk you can invest that money into better things that you will actually get benefit from.

I loved your statement, "You can do more when you're worried about less."!!!

I wish I had learned this when I was your age. Here I am in my 70s and trying to rid myself of massive amounts of stuff..... that I know no one will want when I die.

No one would guess that im a minimalist on first glance in my house, but all of my possessions are heavily pared down and heavily curated to be exactly what I want so I dont need to add more, including craft supplies! Philosophical minimalism and aesthetic minimalism is two different things and i wish more people were aware of the difference.

Ironically, the fact that you push back against the label of "minimalist" - shows that you actually took to heart the experience of minimizing. There is nothing worse than the Youtube "minimalists" that drone on about athestics and lifestyle, while completely missing the true meaning of living more intentionally.

"These tiny moments of friction" really add up don't they? Thanks for the update.

Minimalism is unique to every person who does it. Some people will have a huge collection of clothing or mugs but almost no stationary or no chocolate in the house. I myself usually have multiples of shower gel and lip glosses but only use those, a single mascara and eyebrow gel. I like having lots of coats and bags and shoes but stick to the same 4 long sleeve tops. I own one bedding per bed and no cushions but own multiples of blankets. I spend a lot of time on YouTube but have absolutely zero social media. I go to the gym. I bullet journal. I still use fun bath bombs and eat out. I cut down on caffeine and sugar but I love crisps and my daily latte and going to the movies. Etc. Etc.

this guys youtube def gonna blow up in the next few years

I've been a minimalist for a few years now. Best decision ever. It makes life more simple

People DO walk into my home and think I AM a minimalist , or they think I’m moving or just moved in haha , ( even though I don’t really think I am , a minimalist, and see extreme minimalist on YouTube) , I got a piano and tons of sheet music, but I guess not a lot else , but it’s what I like to do . I don’t think of it as minimalist, just focused on what I like and I guess I don’t like much !

What you have actually discovered is what I call necessity-lism . Having what is a necessity to YOUR life. The things that make your life functional and successful.

I’ve been slowly getting rid of things over several years, and still have work to do!! After my parents passed away, I faced the grueling task of going through the belongings in their house!! I still have large storage boxes of “paperwork” to go through, and have no clue what it is!! I promised myself I would not make my children spend time away from their families to go through my stuff when I’m gone; it’s so unfair to them!!!

Spot on! Four years later I can say I have decluttered to the point that my life is so much easier! 🎉

I laughed out loud at the tier list of clothes, but it is really a great idea. I agree with excessive consumption and that is why I am going to trim down possessions. Thank you!

I started towards a more minimalistic life about 5 years ago and I'm still getting rid of stuff!!! I love to come to my home that's not full of clutter!!! I love it!!❤

By far you are the most sensible and realistic person I have listened to about minimalism. Most are too extreme for someone starting out and send me into a panic before I even start. Thanks for making me feel like it's ok to not get rid of everything in one go 😊

I watched the Minimalism documentary 1 time a decade ago. I was immediately sold and have never looked back! I'm so happy for you that you enjoy the benefits of the practice and I hope it continues to help in the future. Cheers!

Thank you for keeping it short and simple with good points. You don't have to be a full fledged minimalist, you just need to go through your sh*t and declutter.