Minimalism?

What is minimalism? 

It's not just about de-cluttering and getting rid of unnecessary objects. It is about simplifying life. Getting rid of all unnecessary things in life that don't add any value but instead tend to distract, stress, and waste your time. This can include activities, relationships, jobs, as well as objects. It is all encompassing. 

For me, it's about learning to say yes to things that get me to my goals and no to things that don't help further my life's purpose or journey. This can look different for each person. Here are some examples:



Objects
Objects do weigh me down. They contribute to my anxiety and add a level of worry. I find I worry about items that I never necessarily needed in the first place. I worry something will happen to my "stuff." I also let it weigh on my mind because I can always think of something that needs organizing or cleaning. (Not getting rid of things, mind you, but putting them in places where I think they will be easier to find or I will keep cleaner). In the end, the organizing is just a futile effort and needs re-done again and again and adds only a moment of value. 

While I have tried to get rid of unnecessary items in the past I would get stressed out because I would go into a scarcity mindset or a "I bet I can use that later" mindset. I generally shut down at this point and give up. So for me, minimalism is changing my mindset and getting over the scarcity and realizing life offers an abundance and God hasn't let me down yet in providing the basics. Also it's about realizing that while maybe I could find a use for something, it's not really worth hanging on to for many years because, unless its super unique, you can probably find it or buy it later if you really need it. It's also accepting that your needs change and you can let go of items that no longer fit your needs.

Jobs/Career
My journey has required me to begin figuring out what I want my career to look like over the last couple of years. I went to law school and felt that I should be using that degree to help people, when ultimately I realized I don't like the traditional practice of law all that much. So I've been spending time trying to figure out what really works for me based on my values and the outline of how I want to be utilizing my time. Sometimes you have no other choice to but to do the job you are in, but ultimately if you want to live a life that is fulfilled and uses your talents, you should be working toward figuring out what you really want out of life and how to make it happen. For me, I think it's learning to say no to the things that don't get me to my goals and that I really have no interest in and focusing on the things that help me fully use my talents, skill set, and values. It's letting go of "this is how it should be" and the "have tos" and embracing the "it can be different" and "this fits better."

Activities
This isn't just about jobs though. Simplifying your life is about how you spend your time. What activities are you doing and do they get you were you want to go? Do you spend five hours a day on Facebook and four hours watching TV? While those activities aren't bad in moderation, spending that much time is really distracting us all from what we really want to do with our lives; unless you have some weird goal of being a Facebook stalker or expert in other peoples lives. I am working to become more intentional with my time. I'm starting to ask myself with activities, food, etc. "does this get me where I want to go?"

Relationships
It seems sad and crazy that you may need to change your relationships and possibly even eliminate a few if you can. But you need to take a hard look at who in your life is bringing you down, adding negativity, not inspiring you, and sucking up your time. Also, look at who lifts you up and encourage you. Now, you can't walk away from everybody, but you should try to maximize your relationships with the positive, uplifting people and minimize your time with the negative, discouraging people. Our relationships, and the people around us strongly impact what we do and how hard we work toward our goals. Unnecessary or unhealthy relationships cause a lot of stress. Try to find ways to improve unhealthy relationships or if nothing can be done, and you can, it could be time to walk away. Much of this can start with you and a mindset change. Learn about boundaries and start drawing some lines. 


Minimalism for me is an overall mindset change. Take it back to the basics. Focus on the positive and get rid of mental blocks that tell you there isn't enough in life and you have to hoard objects, experiences, and relationships just in case. Life does offer us enough and even more if we can learn to let go.