"I'd rather live happily in a tree with a bag on my back than live unhappily in a big house."
Those were the feelings I expressed to my dad when I was 17 years old.
I felt like I had all the household items needed for comfortable living, but harmony and simplicity were absent, which I needed to feel content.
My dad's response was mockingly dismissive, and I was left with an undeterred need to escape. So as my parents drove to the market, I packed a small bag with my happy possessions, and I absconded.
Memories of what I felt while living from the bag on my back will never elude me.
Freedom
Euphoria
Anger
Resentment
Fear
Relief
Peace of mind, with some guilt for the worry I knew I was causing my mum.
The momentary break from the comforts of my home was like an epiphany, and in the middle of those conflicting feelings, I felt content.
Despite the bliss, without a self-sustainable plan, I returned home at the request of my parents.
Journeying on; sentiments, circumstances, and life in general, hoarding became a bad habit that always left me feeling heavy and discontent. Those unsettling feelings meant that I never really depended on any of my possessions to make me happy, as deep within me was a need for a simpler life.
Therefore, with a mindset of having less, to feel happy and free, deciding to embark on a minimalistic lifestyle was easier.
One of my favourite books to read is Zen Life: 108 Adages of Wisdom; Here's an applicable quote about "Cultivating Virtues and Merits:
"Simple meals and clothes are as good as fancy ones. Hard work leads to good health and thrift to wealth." - Master Sheng Yen
3 First Steps I took to Applying Minimalism Into My Life
Decision
Downsizing was a wholehearted decision, but contrarily, letting go of some sentimental items was emotionally wrenching yet soul-satisfying.
I gathered, inspected, and analyzed all my tangible possessions, which were crucial for embracing the minimalist side of my persona.
That process was not an overnight decision. For over a year, I began to detach myself emotionally, from my belongings.
Daily, I took note of the items I frequently used, and I also observed the things that were never used and were only taking up space in my surroundings.
There was an extent of procrastination in my decisions, as I needed to avoid having regrets.
To execute my plans, I thoroughly evaluated the purpose of each item.
Deciding to downsize was the first and hardest step to minimalism.
Sorting and Organising
My next task was to Identify the items in my possession that were of value to my daily life.
I gathered, sorted, and selected what was truly necessary. I placed the remaining items in labeled bags and boxes with names of persons I thought the items suited.
All those excessive items occupied space in my house, and I could not remember the last time I'd used them. Some of the things I wondered why I had them, and other stuff were from old hobbies that I had and hobbies I had intentions to embark upon but never got around to doing.
My heart and my head played games with me. However, that was the time for me to make practical decisions to part with such items.
The options of selling on eBay and Etsy, yard sale, donating to secondhand shops, swapping for other items, were all viable, but my main objective was to downsize and clear without delay.
My thorough evaluation saw me create a 3-part list:
1)essential items,
2)maybe items, and
3)don't need items.
With a short time frame, I carefully sorted all my possessions and narrowed the list down, parting with all non-essential items, which felt like a cleansing of my soul.
Identifying items in use and the essentials to your daily life is another important step.
Mindful Shopping
Practicality and consciousness became vital to my shopping attitude and practices.
My husband and I downsized to live on this tiny 28ft/8.5m narrowboat above. Storage space on a boat this size was a challenge, as there's no space for excess baggage.
Some old items from storage were also donated and discarded, and a few items of clothing were kept as I had to consider the change of seasons.
I meticulously made a list of items I needed for the boat that I did not have in possession. Consciousness flowed into my decision-making for new purchases. I did not go on a spending spree immediately; Instead, I gave myself a few months of trying to see what I needed to get by.
Over time, I kept reviewing that list and made adjustments accordingly, as duality and new ways were found to use items.
When living in a small space, it's important for everything to have a home, to avoid clutter.
When I do go into a store, if an item is not on my essential list, I have the discipline to admire and move on.
Becoming more conscious and responsible in my consumption habits.
Stripped Down
Sparse decor, or living a frugal life is not all that defines minimalistic living.
Minimalism is having fewer possessions and applying practicality to my life without the desire or yearning for more. Having less physical items offers better mental clarity and space to let my mind flow creatively.
My idiotic idea of living happily in a tree did not transpire; Instead, a feasible off-grid home has given me a nomadic life that's free to experience the world and to create memories.
Have you ever had a nagging feeling to downsize and declutter but just cannot seem to find the courage?
Please take a moment to check out the new The Minimalist community, as you might have something to share, or might discover ways to help motivate you to embark on a minimalist journey.
Here's a link to the **Community's Introduction Post**.
Thank you for reading my first post to this community.
I would like to hear about your minimalistic journey.
All Images taken by me
