I don't remember when I first heard about minimalism or when my desire to live with less was born. It had to have been around 10 years ago when my girls were very young and we found ourselves moving often. When my youngest was 5 months old we bought a new house and moved. 13 months later my husband took a new job in a new state so we sold our house and moved. 15 months after that my husband took yet another new job in another new state and we moved again. Repeat yet again 15 months later.
At some point during all the packing and unpacking, I must have realized we were drowning in stuff and I was spending way too much time taking care of the stuff and my young kids. I wanted something different.
Now, 10 years later, I am so grateful for the steps I have taken to pare down our material possessions and our commitments. Not only are there obvious benefits like having a tidy home and having more time to spend on things that matter, there are other benefits as well. We have managed to work our way out of debt and have learned to be content with what we have.
If you came to my home you probably wouldn't label me a minimalist. We have bookshelves full of books, cupboards full of dishes and closets full of clothes. To me minimalism isn't about owning less than 100 things or depriving myself of all material possessions. Minimalism in my life is an intentional attempt to promote what we value. It is about making room for what is essential. It is about creating margin in our lives and saying "yes" to what matters most. I can honestly say it makes a difference in how we live, and has given us a quality of life that we could not have purchased in any store.
I'm linking up with Good, Random, Fun and Seasons
I too strive to not be a text book minimalist but only have what I need and what means a lot to me. Love the pics!
ReplyDeleteMinimalism intrigues me, too, and I'm not very effective at it. But I try. I've given away clothes just because I feel I have too many. I like a simple, uncluttered home. Your photos are so lovely and clean and elegant -- a good representation of the beauty of minimalism.
ReplyDeleteMaybe you coined a new phrase - the essential life:) Responding to your musings - I don't know if I "promote" what I value. And I probably would not be considered a minimalist, because I am genuinely interested in many things - popular or unpopular - it does not touch me. Among your beautiful details, our capture of the water drops is stunning - they look like jewels! Thank you for being at All Seasons - I value your captures and your thoughts greatly!
ReplyDeleteI like 'manageable' stuff, too. If it doesn't serve a purpose, it most likely won't stay in my house.
ReplyDeleteWe moved a lot the first years of our marriages, but these last 20 years or so I've collected quite a few "things" about me, and I often wonder why. When I retired I found space in my life for lots of new pursuits that are making me busier than before. I'm yet to learn how to say "no". Have a fabulous week.
ReplyDeleteSimplifying down toward the basics - such a worthy goal. Much better than the constant quest for stuff.
ReplyDeleteThanks for linking up at https://image-in-ing.blogspot.com/2018/02/more-from-nasher-art-museum.html
I just watched a documentary on minimalism. I agreed with the man who said not to get rid of your books if you use them, love them, discuss them with others. Relationships vs. stuff. "Promote what you value".
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