Today I want to share with you why I decided to adapt a minimalist or more simplified lifestyle.
Disclaimer - I don't consider myself to be a true 10 possession type minimalist. I am also still in the process of decluttering, and hope to be done soon.
I was feeling overwhelmed. Every time we had to move, I would find myself asking the same questions.
Why do we have so much stuff?
Where did all this stuff come from?
When did we get this?
Why do we even own this?
We were literally moving boxes and never unpacking them. Still today, I know there are boxes in the garage that have not been unpacked. I couldn't even tell you what was in them. My guess would be blankets and stuffed animals. If we don't feel the need to waste time unpacking these boxes, then why even have them?
I also hated opening my closet (which was overrun by clothes and shoes) and feeling like I had absolutely nothing to wear! I also noticed that I was wearing the same pair of jeans or reaching for the same style of top mainly because they made me feel good.
While Aaron was on deployment, I got into reading. I then found a site that sold books at super discounted prices, so I would order four or five at a time (this way I would qualify for free shipping.) However, I quickly found my bookcases were full of unread books, but I had nothing to read. I needed to order more and more, so I would have plenty to ready. Fact: I never felt like I had anything good to read.
I felt as if I had hit a wall. I spent hours cleaning and putting clutter away only for it to come right back. There were an endless amount of dishes and laundry. I was beginning to hate being a housewife, and my negative feelings were starting to take over.
The final straw came while Aaron and I were experiencing a rather intense financial hardship. For months we struggled to pay bills and put food on the table. Finally, we could begin to see a light at the end of the tunnel. Now my concern was wasting the money (once we got it) on stuff. Aaron and I are both spenders and have no trouble justifying the purchase of pretty much anything. I didn't want to look back and wonder where all the money went. I wanted to feel content with the things that we already had.
One night, while looking for something to watch. Aaron and I stumbled upon a documentary called The Minimalists. I found it so inspiring and motivating. It was exactly what I wanted and needed to hear at this time in my life.
Pairing the documentary with Marie Kondo's, The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up. I was ready to start getting rid of stuff.
My goal with minimalism was to create a simple, yet beautiful and joyful environment. To only have things in my house that I loved and or needed. Things that brought me joy. I wanted to spend less time getting ready, cleaning, and organizing. I wanted to bring more positivity and contentment into my life. I wanted to spend money on creating memories with my children, and not stuff for my children. I wanted a simplified lifestyle.
Everyday as I work a little bit more towards achieving my goal, I can already see and feel a huge difference.
Like I mentioned, I am still very much towards the beginning of my journey, and will update you on my blog with how things are progressing. Below are links to people who have and are continuing to inspire me on this journey.
simply click on them for more information
