Know Thyself- Minimalism

Minimalism?has become a way of life for me. Yes, the foundations?were?laid by my parents.?Obviously,?I subscribed to it a great deal, otherwise this trait would not be with me after all these years.???

The benefits I see for myself from practicing?minimalism?is:???

1. Minimalism?enables me to maintain my needs at a basic level. This is especially useful when one is on a mad venture like a?start up. Bootstrapping is part of how I am. Resources are used wisely and never,?impulsively.?
2. It also busts a lot of my wants and keeps my bucket lists at a manageable level. ?
3. One?enjoys?some level of financial freedom as commitments and expenses are?less. There?are two ways of gaining financial freedom. Living within our means or increasing our income. As the second relies on others, it can be a challenge at times. But the first is?within?our grasp.??
4. No pressure to compete with the?Joneses.?Very refreshing and energising. I don’t care a hoot if I appear in the same outfit in?Facebook?photos or do not have big?dos?for our milestones.??
5. House cleaning is easier?as not many items in the house.??
6. Gratitude for all what I have,?grows day by day.??
7. Able to focus on what really matters to me.???

Looks like I am evangelical in advocating for this cause. That is not my style. I give you an insight into what this means to me and let you evaluate what you are about and decide on the path forward.??

What does?Minimalism?mean to me????

It is a way of life. Freeing up my brain to concentrate on what really helps me evolve. I pick a few things that mean a great deal and concentrate on that.???

Does that mean, that I go without and am miserly. Not at all. I have needs that I satisfy by going after longevity, practicality and thanks to my husband, some class. That means one?must?spend to get the right things. Keeping an eye on value for money comes naturally too. I will not be bamboozled by brands. Happy to spend if it ticks all my boxes.??

I don’t need multiples of the same thing. Imelda Marcos is not my idol. Nor are trendy Instagram figures. Only time I had a craze for something is when I collected Lord?Ganesha?figures and books. I have cried a halt now to both collections,??as the house was overflowing with both. I don’t want to be a pain to those who?must?clean up after I scoot.???

With the knowledge that?resources?and energy are scarce, I pick the activities I do. This includes whom and how I help.? I pick those who will benefit greatly from my help and give some folk a miss. Like the old song, one?has to?know when to give and when to not give a damn.???

I find the time to write each day,?that?is a conscious decision and takes a good two hours of my day. I made time for this, by cutting out watching?TV .?I have not been to the movies in over 20 years. I must say, I don’t miss it. My lifestyle is?minimalistic too. Mostly communing with?nature, some?travel, some work, spending time with friends and enjoying some events. There are forms of volunteering that I do and have done for many years. I guess I am a habitual volunteer and maybe that needs to be reviewed if this is in line with my?minimalistic approach in life.???

When you think about it, what my mum said is true. We need a house, a car, some equipment, some?food?and some clothes to get by. All the rest is just clutter.?Just?get?rid of?the clutter and?be free, Clutter in things, thoughts, people, and activity. Life become simple and easy?to?navigate?Minimalism?should a choice not a?necessity.?If it is a?necessity,?than?one may become bitter, which would be a bad thing.???

What do you think of?minimalism????

Do you keep up with the Joneses????

Do you think of limiting your wants????

What do you think you may lose if you become a minimalist???