When you hear the word minimalism, what do you think of? I used to think it meant just working with the bare minimum, the least amount of what you needed but it’s so much more than that.
As I mentioned in my “How Living With Less Gives You More” post, I didn’t choose this lifestyle. This lifestyle chose me in the form of two category five hurricanes. From an early age, shopping wasn’t just about getting new clothes and shoes. I have come to understand that, for me, shopping was as an escape. Because I wasn’t completely comfortable being in my own skin, it was so much more fun taking a joy ride as someone else. My joy came from seeing all the different me’s I could be.
Did I want to look girly and sweet, punk rock or business? I went through so many phases and still love all different types of fashion. I chalked it all up to good fun and being creative but deep down, I had an inclination that pretending was much more fun than digging down. Who knew what I would find, right? Maybe I was just a boring girl who wasn’t meant for greatness. I mean, where would I go from there? Well, I wasn’t trying to find out so I pretty much said “DJ, let’s keep this party going”.
Hurricanes Irma and Maria came through and said “Selector, Puuulllll Uuuuupppp”!!! Who knew you could be grateful for natural disasters? Turns out you can be grateful for everything but that’s for another post. Now, at 37, I have started to create space and time for the hard work I need to do to live a truly full life. It is actual work, people. The kind that isn’t always enjoyable or easy which is why shopping and other distractions are constantly keeping us too busy to face ourselves. Even though the road is tough, the reward is unmatched but you need to shift your focus.
Here’s where the true definition of minimalism comes in. It’s not necessarily about concentrating on less. I mean, I don’t blame you for thinking that given the name, minimalism. The focus should be on highlighting and creating space for the things that bring you joy. I mean, let’s think about it. Of course, we need to get rid of unmatched socks and old papers but we really should be looking for lost memories we want to remember and treasures we want to share with our families. Those items should be front and center in our surroundings without having to compete with objects that don’t mean anything to you or at least serve a purpose.
When I walk into your house (hopefully, we’ll have visitors again in 2021), I would love to know what you love to do, where you like to travel and the things you hold in high regard. What are those objects that create happiness and comfort for you? If you’re an avid tea drinker, then maybe highlight those fancy spoons so that you can stir your tea with a little extra sass. Maybe you love photography or art. Then have them framed and hung on the walls in the room where you spend the most time. If you love baking then keep your vintage kitchen-aid mixer on the counter because that is how you create your masterpieces. You get the idea…
Minimalism is about surrounding yourself with what you love in a beautiful way. I just wanted to make that distinction so it’s much more of a meaningful process that sticks. That perspective changed everything for me. There is so much more joy around clearing my space and less emotion involved in removing items that I no longer need or use. All I want for you is that you feel at home in your space and that your house:
- Represents the best parts of you even the painful ones that you were able to overcome
- Fuels your drive and reminds you of your passions
- Allows you to relax and revives your energy so you can tackle whatever is coming your way
So here’s your homework. Pick 3 items in your house that bring you joy but that you haven’t made a special place for and create a space. Please note there is emphasis on the word space here. For example, if you have a favorite candle that happens to be on a shelf with 20 other candles, that doesn’t count. Either move the other candles into storage or find another location for your favorite candle where it can truly shine.
As with all things that are new, give yourself time, space and grace. I hope you try the assignment and let me know in the comments if you notice anything different. As with everything I write about, I’ll be doing this alongside you so you’ll always have company alone here.
I am so excited to hear what you discover. Stay joyful, friends!
