Top 10 Minimalist Living Tips - #5
Note: In this series of posts, I will share the 10 most valuable minimalist living tips that I have learned in the past four years. These guidelines are helping me a lot in my continuous walk in the path of simplicity, and I would like to share them with you. At the end of the series, I will gather them all together for a synopsis.
Minimalist Living Tip #5: Less stuff equals more freedom.
This one is probably a giveaway. The more stuff we have, the less free we are.
I've learned this principle the hard way.
Not that long ago, my life was full of stuff.
They were stacked up in every corner of my home and office, accumulated slowly, unconsciously through time. Foremost of all are my clothes.
I was forced to wear my own clothes – even though they weren't comfortable and I didn't like them – only because they were part of my wardrobe. Worse, there were still tons more occupying space and deteriorating because I never wear them.
Until I realized that too much stuff keeps me from becoming who I really am.
I put that to heart when I started and finished Project 333.
I was never the same again.
Stuff keeps us from the life we ought to live by distracting us from the things that matters most to us.
I’m not saying that we should not own anything. Just less of everything. Or you can even try one of everything. Yep, just one.
Consider the following things that too much stuff gives us:
1. Anxiety. When you have a 40 inch plasma TV, a blue ray player, an Xbox, a giant ref, five desktops, and ancient china figurine collection at home, wouldn’t you be worried someone might steal them? If you have less, or none of those stuff, you don’t have to worry about burglaries, fires, or floods.
2. Stress. The time and effort to dust, clean, store, organize, and maintain stuff takes a toll on us – body, soul, and spirit.
3. Financial problems. And, oh, have I mentioned the time and effort to dust, clean, store, organize, and maintain stuff takes a toll on our wallets, too?
Freedom from stuff
Many have experienced the power of having lesser possessions and their stories abound online. Below is something from Francine Jay of missminimalist.com on freedom from the shackles of stuff:
“Personally, minimalism gave me the freedom to sell my house and possessions, and start a new life overseas as a digital nomad.
Minimalism has enabled me to travel the world with a tiny bag, immersing myself in the local culture instead of looking (and feeling) like a tourist.
Minimalism afforded me the financial freedom to pursue my dream of becoming a full-time writer.
Minimalism freed my heart, my mind, and my time to welcome a little bundle of joy this past winter.
Minimalism makes me see each day as full of joy and potential, rather than chores and commitments.”
I put that to heart when I started and finished Project 333.
I was never the same again.
Stuff keeps us from the life we ought to live by distracting us from the things that matters most to us.
I’m not saying that we should not own anything. Just less of everything. Or you can even try one of everything. Yep, just one.
Consider the following things that too much stuff gives us:
1. Anxiety. When you have a 40 inch plasma TV, a blue ray player, an Xbox, a giant ref, five desktops, and ancient china figurine collection at home, wouldn’t you be worried someone might steal them? If you have less, or none of those stuff, you don’t have to worry about burglaries, fires, or floods.
2. Stress. The time and effort to dust, clean, store, organize, and maintain stuff takes a toll on us – body, soul, and spirit.
3. Financial problems. And, oh, have I mentioned the time and effort to dust, clean, store, organize, and maintain stuff takes a toll on our wallets, too?
Freedom from stuff
Many have experienced the power of having lesser possessions and their stories abound online. Below is something from Francine Jay of missminimalist.com on freedom from the shackles of stuff:
“Personally, minimalism gave me the freedom to sell my house and possessions, and start a new life overseas as a digital nomad.
Minimalism has enabled me to travel the world with a tiny bag, immersing myself in the local culture instead of looking (and feeling) like a tourist.
Minimalism afforded me the financial freedom to pursue my dream of becoming a full-time writer.
Minimalism freed my heart, my mind, and my time to welcome a little bundle of joy this past winter.
Minimalism makes me see each day as full of joy and potential, rather than chores and commitments.”
Top 10 Minimalist Living Tips
- #10 - Do not adhere to any preconceived rules
- # 9 - Find your own path in the vast minimalism spectrum
- # 8 - Apply minimalist principles gradually
- # 7 - Learn to let go to have more time
- # 6 - Do less to do better
- # 5 - Less stuff equals more freedom
- # 4 - Live in the moment
- # 3 - Establish priorities to be able to say no
- # 2 - Live with contentment
- # 1 - Simplify to discover purpose, focus, and leave a lasting impact
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