What is Minimalism?

What is Minimalism? 

We are bombarded with ads to buy new stuff in today's society. Our social media feeds include the latest weight loss wonder pill, new leather bag, or other items enticing you to cough up your money. Spending your money on possessions is fine when they serve a purpose. The over-accumulation of belongings leaves most people frustrated and overwhelmed with clutter.

What is this fad that hasn't seemed to fade away?

For many, they have reached the end and are ready to take a new approach through minimalism. It is a way of living intentionally with only the items you genuinely need. It is a tool that helps you find freedom from the rat race of life.

6 Hallmarks of Minimalism

There are no clear-cut rules to minimalism. Instead, you can make up what it looks like to you. Here are a few helpful markers for those seeking to live this lifestyle. They:

1.    Choose to own fewer possessions. Owning too much stuff causes distractions. You do not have to throw everything out. Instead, it is about only holding onto those items that bring you happiness and matter to you. The rest can be sold, donated, or thrown out.

2.    Choose experiences over things. Intentionally, spending time with family leads to a richer life than purchasing material items. Think about kids on Christmas morning. You pay excessive money on a popular toy for the kids to play with the box. They have it right; simple is good.

3.    Understand that minimalism is simple, but it is not easy.

It is a process of removing items from your life that no longer serve a purpose or are not needed. For some people, determining what is truly required will be challenging.

4.    Enjoy a slower pace of life.

By keeping only the essentials, minimalists don't have to work the long hours to pay all their bills. They do not have to keep up with the feverish pace that many do. Instead, they can disengage from the hysteria and take the slow lane.

5.    Comprehend that minimalism is a mindset shift.

Learn that becoming a minimalist is not only about material possessions. It is about their mind and how they can make different decisions that leave a lasting impact on their family and lives.

If you want freedom from your things and the rat race of life to live a life authentic to your values, then minimalism may be right for you.