The Hidden Benefits Of Living Like A Minimalist

Ever pondered about the splendid sensations of living with less? To possess solely the bare necessities and discard the superfluous? To expend less money and time on trivialities? This is precisely what I experienced for an entire year, and it transformed my existence in ways I never fathomed.

After witnessing an old acquaintance ingeniously construct his entire life around minimalism, I resolved to follow suit. From him, I gleaned that it has the potential to amplify one's happiness, well-being, and effectiveness. I was captivated by the concept of streamlining my life and honing in on what genuinely matters. Moreover, I had grown weary of the constant stress, overwhelming sensations, and discontentment that enveloped my current lifestyle.

In the past, I was a compulsive shopper, ceaselessly acquiring new garments, gadgets, books, and other superfluous items that served no real purpose in my life. My closet teemed with unworn clothes, my shelf groaned under the weight of unread books, and my drawer housed receipts I never bothered to peruse. I habitually spent money and perpetually found myself not being happy. I felt trapped in the never-ending cycle of consumerism, which sapped my energy, finances, and joy.

Hence, I resolved to break free from this cycle and embark on a minimalist lifestyle for as long as humanly possible. I devised a set of guidelines for myself: I would retain only a handful of indispensable possessions, purchase solely what I absolutely needed, and relinquish or sell everything else. Furthermore, I opted to chronicle my journey within the pages of a vintage notebook, with the hope of one day inspiring others or at the very least, learning from my own experiences.

The beginning was far from effortless. I had to meticulously sort through my possessions, painstakingly deciding what to keep and what to release. Parting ways with certain items that held sentimental value, such as gifts, mementos, or cherished memories, proved to be a formidable task. However, I soon realized that these objects did not define me; they were mere artifacts. Moreover, they occupied unnecessary space within my home and mind.

I also encountered numerous challenges along the way. Detractors deemed me eccentric or peculiar for undertaking this experiment. They failed to grasp why I would willingly forsake possessions they considered commonplace or essential. They questioned my motivations, my sanity, and even my happiness. Some even attempted to lure me astray or sabotage my efforts by bestowing gifts upon me or tempting me with shopping excursions.

Nevertheless, amidst the trials and tribulations, I unearthed a treasure trove of remarkable advantages that accompanied a minimalist lifestyle. 

Allow me to share a few of them with you:

• Financial savings: By curbing my materialistic tendencies, I managed to reduce my expenses and eradicate my debts. I also acquired a newfound appreciation for the possessions I already possessed, utilizing them with greater prudence. I realized that a surplus of belongings was not a prerequisite for contentment or comfort.

• Time abundance: With fewer possessions to manage, I found myself expending less time on cleaning, organizing, and maintaining them. Additionally, I dedicated fewer hours to shopping, perusing, and comparing prices either online or in stores. This newfound freedom allowed me to indulge in activities that held greater significance to me, such as reading, writing, learning, traveling, and cherishing moments with loved ones.

• Enhanced well-being: Embracing a simpler existence resulted in a noticeable reduction in my stress levels and an overall improvement in my mental state. I felt a newfound sense of tranquility, relaxation, and focus. Furthermore, I adopted a healthier lifestyle by consuming fewer processed foods, engaging in regular exercise, and enjoying better quality sleep.

• Environmental advocacy: By reducing my consumption of resources, I lessened my environmental impact and carbon footprint. I developed a heightened awareness of the consequences my choices and actions had on the planet and its inhabitants. Whenever possible, I strived to adopt a more eco-friendly approach by recycling, reusing, and repurposing items.

• Unveiling true friendships: By diverging from societal norms, I gained a deeper understanding of who genuinely supported me and who did not. Some of my friends exhibited curiosity, interest, or inspiration in response to my experiment. They offered encouragement, praise, and occasionally joined me in various activities. They respected my choices and accepted me for who I truly was. These individuals proved to be my true friends.

However, a few of my comrades exhibited apathy, doubt, or animosity towards my experiment. They lambasted me, ridiculed me, or dismissed me. They endeavored to transform me, exert pressure on me, or sway me. They exhibited a lack of respect for my decision and spurned me for who I truly was. They were not my genuine confidants.

Embarking on a year-long journey as a minimalist stands as one of the most astute choices I have ever made. It enlightened me about my own nature, my principles, and my priorities. Additionally, it served as an education in the realm of companionship, fidelity, and reliance. It revealed to me who my true friends are and how much they hold meaning for me.

If you harbor an interest in adopting a minimalist lifestyle or unveiling the identity of your genuine friends, I have a few pieces of advice for you:

• Start Small. You need not go to the extremes I did and restrict yourself to 100 possessions. You can initiate the process by decluttering a single area of your abode, one category of your possessions, or one facet of your existence. Gauge the impact and sensation it evokes.

• Maintain consistency. You need not undertake the transformation all at once or within a short span of time. You can gradually progress at your own pace. However, it is crucial to adhere to your plan and abide by your own rules. Do not relinquish your efforts or succumb to temptation.

• Embrace honesty. You need not offer justifications or explanations to anyone. You need not seek validation or approval from others. You need not feign or conceal any aspect of yourself from your own self or others. Simply remain true to yourself and your objectives.

• Foster openness. You need not isolate yourself or shun social interactions. You need not reject or pass judgment on those who lead divergent lives. You need not forfeit opportunities or experiences that enrich your existence. Merely be receptive to novel ideas, perspectives, and possibilities.

Living as a minimalist may not be suitable for everyone, but it may very well resonate with you. It could potentially prove to be the most transformative endeavor you undertake for yourself and others. It may revolutionize your life in unimaginable ways.

It might even help you discover who your real friends are.

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Original story (created by me) published on Medium.com. Any changes and/or updates that have been added on Vocal.media are for content consumption purposes.

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