What It Takes to Be A Minimalist (part 1)
During my 2-months journey to be a true Minimalist, I figured out a key lesson from Minimalism - that actually provides me a new framework to see life not limited based on the stuff we own. Beyond that, the theory taught me much to see value in each stuff/thing I already have in my life.
It has been a serious matter for me. Since I was having terrible habits and attitudes towards the things I bought and owned. Clueless about where to begin, what to learn, so I began to look for the sites, e-books, influencers who were seemed professional in handling their stuff and lifestyle with care.
Here is the list of things I've done, felt, been through, which describe what it takes to be a minimalist (or better to be titled as, the journey of a minimalist wannabe):
1. Frankly, I could say, I threw a lot of stuff.
Minimalism ain't a theory or method that explain throwing stuff carelessly. On the contrary, it tries to depict us about keeping only the essentials we need and care the most. Even so, still, I threw a lot of stuff until it emptied my room and closet. I counted it into four medium-sized boxes, contained mostly knick-knacks, old electronic stuff, expired makeup and toiletries, unused socks and sandals, old paperwork, and other unexpected things to be found yet surprisingly still existed in my crib.
No joke, it was exhausting. I drained in and out and it took about two days for me to completely get rid of unused things. It's impossible for you not to feel drained emotionally during the phase of cleaning up. There is one reason behind it, as far as I know, it's because we already put certain values and memories on each of them. However, memories and values are intangible things that can change at any time.
During the journey, It's all about having the courage to let go of things that are no longer add value or function to our life.
2. The confusion is real.
It can be pretty tricky to find which method is proper, more suitable, worth applying alongside my existed habits. I used to keep a LOT of things, so I guessed it would be good to find the best version of 'tidying up' first (or batter called throwing up shit), before going to a guide of an attempt to be a minimalist. I feel confused and clueless about how and where to start.
I was too focused on finding the method and influencer who hopefully can give the best guidance about this. Until I finally searching randomly about it on youtube, Instagram, some e-books. I was attracted by Joshua Fields Millburn account on IG, known as @theminimalist, also with Meghan Livingstone, through her youtube channel.
So, I think for this step, each of us, me included, it's quite normal to find ourselves confused and clueless. Just keep going and looking for guidance out there, and be sure and confident that Minimalist is gonna be well-suited on you a.k.a this one will work on you.
3. It's all about mindset and nothing else.
It indeed starts with the willingness that comes from within to improve a more sustainable and balanced life. It should be felt like a calling. What I'm trying to say is, there's no use to push yourself so hard on this, because minimalism is surely one theory which strengthens the natural instincts of humans to re-ask the essence of lifestyle we choose, goods we own, people we make friends with, and other decision we decide to take.
Some tips:
1. Focus on what you have.
Out of nowhere, the desire to re-decorate your room, buy some new minimalist-styled desk and all-white furniture to complete the journey of becoming the true Minimalist will appear and my best advice is not to impulsively respond it.
To become the one, it doesn't really mean to replace all stuff you've owned with the new ones - just to make them look different, simpler or whatever you may call it. Always remind yourself that this ain't about spending more money, instead, it tells you to start saving for what is essential.
2. Make a list.
For the rest of the stuff that remains, I manage them into priorities and arrange it based on their function. I took notes and pen and began to listing down all stuff to categorize them into three - based on the probability of they being used later day. The list, however, has succeeded to remind me about their function and value.
3. Don't be too hard on throwing stuff.
It's ok to keep unused old paperwork, that you perhaps put memories on it. Or, to keep one framed polaroid pics of your best friend in your desk. Once again, I tried to appreciate myself for being able to get rid of some stuff, yet I also have rights to keep particular ones which I hard to let go.
It has been a serious matter for me. Since I was having terrible habits and attitudes towards the things I bought and owned. Clueless about where to begin, what to learn, so I began to look for the sites, e-books, influencers who were seemed professional in handling their stuff and lifestyle with care.
Here is the list of things I've done, felt, been through, which describe what it takes to be a minimalist (or better to be titled as, the journey of a minimalist wannabe):
1. Frankly, I could say, I threw a lot of stuff.
Minimalism ain't a theory or method that explain throwing stuff carelessly. On the contrary, it tries to depict us about keeping only the essentials we need and care the most. Even so, still, I threw a lot of stuff until it emptied my room and closet. I counted it into four medium-sized boxes, contained mostly knick-knacks, old electronic stuff, expired makeup and toiletries, unused socks and sandals, old paperwork, and other unexpected things to be found yet surprisingly still existed in my crib.
No joke, it was exhausting. I drained in and out and it took about two days for me to completely get rid of unused things. It's impossible for you not to feel drained emotionally during the phase of cleaning up. There is one reason behind it, as far as I know, it's because we already put certain values and memories on each of them. However, memories and values are intangible things that can change at any time.
During the journey, It's all about having the courage to let go of things that are no longer add value or function to our life.
2. The confusion is real.
It can be pretty tricky to find which method is proper, more suitable, worth applying alongside my existed habits. I used to keep a LOT of things, so I guessed it would be good to find the best version of 'tidying up' first (or batter called throwing up shit), before going to a guide of an attempt to be a minimalist. I feel confused and clueless about how and where to start.
I was too focused on finding the method and influencer who hopefully can give the best guidance about this. Until I finally searching randomly about it on youtube, Instagram, some e-books. I was attracted by Joshua Fields Millburn account on IG, known as @theminimalist, also with Meghan Livingstone, through her youtube channel.
So, I think for this step, each of us, me included, it's quite normal to find ourselves confused and clueless. Just keep going and looking for guidance out there, and be sure and confident that Minimalist is gonna be well-suited on you a.k.a this one will work on you.
3. It's all about mindset and nothing else.
It indeed starts with the willingness that comes from within to improve a more sustainable and balanced life. It should be felt like a calling. What I'm trying to say is, there's no use to push yourself so hard on this, because minimalism is surely one theory which strengthens the natural instincts of humans to re-ask the essence of lifestyle we choose, goods we own, people we make friends with, and other decision we decide to take.
Some tips:
1. Focus on what you have.
Out of nowhere, the desire to re-decorate your room, buy some new minimalist-styled desk and all-white furniture to complete the journey of becoming the true Minimalist will appear and my best advice is not to impulsively respond it.
To become the one, it doesn't really mean to replace all stuff you've owned with the new ones - just to make them look different, simpler or whatever you may call it. Always remind yourself that this ain't about spending more money, instead, it tells you to start saving for what is essential.
2. Make a list.
For the rest of the stuff that remains, I manage them into priorities and arrange it based on their function. I took notes and pen and began to listing down all stuff to categorize them into three - based on the probability of they being used later day. The list, however, has succeeded to remind me about their function and value.
3. Don't be too hard on throwing stuff.
It's ok to keep unused old paperwork, that you perhaps put memories on it. Or, to keep one framed polaroid pics of your best friend in your desk. Once again, I tried to appreciate myself for being able to get rid of some stuff, yet I also have rights to keep particular ones which I hard to let go.