"I'd rather live happily in a tree with a bag on my back than live unhappily in a big house."
Those were the feelings I expressed to my dad when I was 17 years old.
I felt like I had all the household items needed for comfortable living, but harmony and simplicity were absent, which I needed to feel content.
My dad's response was mockingly dismissive, and I was left with an undeterred need to escape. So as my parents drove to the market, I packed a small bag with my happy possessions, and I absconded.
Memories of what I felt while living from the bag on my back will never elude me.
Freedom
Euphoria
Anger
Resentment
Fear
Relief
Peace of mind, with some guilt for the worry I knew I was causing my mum.
The momentary break from the comforts of my home was like an epiphany, and in the middle of those conflicting feelings, I felt content.
Despite the bliss, without a self-sustainable plan, I returned home at the request of my parents.
Journeying on; sentiments, circumstances, and life in general, hoarding became a bad habit that always left me feeling heavy and discontent. Those unsettling feelings meant that I never really depended on any of my possessions to make me happy, as deep within me was a need for a simpler life.
Therefore, with a mindset of having less, to feel happy and free, deciding to embark on a minimalistic lifestyle was easier.
One of my favourite books to read is Zen Life: 108 Adages of Wisdom; Here's an applicable quote about "Cultivating Virtues and Merits:
"Simple meals and clothes are as good as fancy ones. Hard work leads to good health and thrift to wealth." - Master Sheng Yen
3 First Steps I took to Applying Minimalism Into My Life
Decision
Downsizing was a wholehearted decision, but contrarily, letting go of some sentimental items was emotionally wrenching yet soul-satisfying.
I gathered, inspected, and analyzed all my tangible possessions, which were crucial for embracing the minimalist side of my persona.
That process was not an overnight decision. For over a year, I began to detach myself emotionally, from my belongings.
Daily, I took note of the items I frequently used, and I also observed the things that were never used and were only taking up space in my surroundings.
There was an extent of procrastination in my decisions, as I needed to avoid having regrets.
To execute my plans, I thoroughly evaluated the purpose of each item.
Deciding to downsize was the first and hardest step to minimalism.
Sorting and Organising
My next task was to Identify the items in my possession that were of value to my daily life.
I gathered, sorted, and selected what was truly necessary. I placed the remaining items in labeled bags and boxes with names of persons I thought the items suited.
All those excessive items occupied space in my house, and I could not remember the last time I'd used them. Some of the things I wondered why I had them, and other stuff were from old hobbies that I had and hobbies I had intentions to embark upon but never got around to doing.
My heart and my head played games with me. However, that was the time for me to make practical decisions to part with such items.
The options of selling on eBay and Etsy, yard sale, donating to secondhand shops, swapping for other items, were all viable, but my main objective was to downsize and clear without delay.
My thorough evaluation saw me create a 3-part list:
1)essential items,
2)maybe items, and
3)don't need items.
With a short time frame, I carefully sorted all my possessions and narrowed the list down, parting with all non-essential items, which felt like a cleansing of my soul.
Identifying items in use and the essentials to your daily life is another important step.
Mindful Shopping
Practicality and consciousness became vital to my shopping attitude and practices.
My husband and I downsized to live on this tiny 28ft/8.5m narrowboat above. Storage space on a boat this size was a challenge, as there's no space for excess baggage.
Some old items from storage were also donated and discarded, and a few items of clothing were kept as I had to consider the change of seasons.
I meticulously made a list of items I needed for the boat that I did not have in possession. Consciousness flowed into my decision-making for new purchases. I did not go on a spending spree immediately; Instead, I gave myself a few months of trying to see what I needed to get by.
Over time, I kept reviewing that list and made adjustments accordingly, as duality and new ways were found to use items.
When living in a small space, it's important for everything to have a home, to avoid clutter.
When I do go into a store, if an item is not on my essential list, I have the discipline to admire and move on.
Becoming more conscious and responsible in my consumption habits.
Stripped Down
Sparse decor, or living a frugal life is not all that defines minimalistic living.
Minimalism is having fewer possessions and applying practicality to my life without the desire or yearning for more. Having less physical items offers better mental clarity and space to let my mind flow creatively.
My idiotic idea of living happily in a tree did not transpire; Instead, a feasible off-grid home has given me a nomadic life that's free to experience the world and to create memories.
Have you ever had a nagging feeling to downsize and declutter but just cannot seem to find the courage?
Please take a moment to check out the new The Minimalist community, as you might have something to share, or might discover ways to help motivate you to embark on a minimalist journey.
Here's a link to the Community's Introduction Post.
Thank you for reading my first post to this community.
I would like to hear about your minimalistic journey.
All Images taken by me
this is inspiring!!🙌🏻 i’m in the process of sorting my things now (before 2022 kicks in), this is a big help as i wanted to have a simpler but meaningful life.Only having things that adds value, and only things i need.
Thank you!
It's a big step to take but the rewards are definitely worth it.
It might take you sometime, but the good thing is that you have the desire:)
You'll get there!
Manual selection by @qwerrie.
Oh wow!
Thank you SO MUCH @qwerrie and @cccf I appreciate this very much 😊
Hi @millycf1976,
Thank you for participating in the #teamuk curated tag. We have upvoted your quality content.
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Very inspiring, thank you very much for the lesson of life that I could make a lesson for me that is still at a young age
Ah, that's such a nice message.
Starting young could do the world of good later in life.
Thanks for stopping by:)
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@millycf1976, this is very timely read for me! Now that this year's about to end would love to try (for real) a minimalistic approach in living my life (all aspects of it). Although my life hasn't been that grand and have always kept it low key, I believe there's so much to improve by following the steps you've mentioned. It's kind of scary to start but I do have about 7 days off work to get started especially that sorting and organizing part. This is exciting! 😊💯
Hi @patsitivity, Thank you for your thoughtful feedback.
Yes, the initial decision can feel daunting because there are so many elements and reasons to why we hoard aka have sentiments to things.
Yes, I agree that this community is timely with the new year coming; for fresh beginnings and all.
I do hope you will get the motivation to push on.
Persons like @discoveringarni is a minimalist with many good practices to minimalism, so I'm sure we should see some great contribution in the community :)
We can do this✊
I am guilty of this! I've been keeping a lot of stuff like my first notebook/note pads in Kindergarten, an empty wrapper of snacks (that my crush gave to me in highschool) and a magic wand (a weird gift of a friend in college). Omg, this is not even half of my 'collection'. There's a lot to rethink for next year.
I saw someone else on here writing about a longboat :) Are they only in the UK? It sounds like a fun way to travel :) ...
I can imagine that every bit of space is important, like you said, fewer things are better in such a situation. What was the hardest thing to get rid of?
As far as I know, the longboat, officially called narrowboat was built to fit the narrow canals of the UK. There are similar boats in The Netherlands, France, and even America, don't remember the state now (would have to ask my husband, who might have been the person you saw talking about the narrowboats).
I think the hardest things for me to part with was a lot of my clothes that were gifted to me by my best friend that passed away. The decision was easier though because I knew how rewarding it was for her to give clothes and other gifts to unfortunate and some poorer persons in communities. I held on to many items in memory of her.
I thought letting go of was a tricycle that I had in the Philippines would have been difficult, because I had such fond memories of it. However, for the 7 years I was there, I only had 1 accident a few months before leaving and I damaged the fork. I used that as a sign and happily parted with it.
What I do miss most (and regret parting with), is my knee high socks. The first ever winter pairs of socks that I bought:)
Why on Earth would you part with those, when you are out in the weather so much in the winter??? Not your best choice in making extra room 😂
Haha! I parted with those socks when I was relocating from the Philippines back to the UK.
Bad decision!!!!
Just saw your comment :)
🤣 you must have forgotten how cold it could get! I'm sure you found some good replacements though :) ...
Yes, Found some thick replacement socks, but still need to pop into a town to buy some knee high ones :)
Are you still stuck behind the padlock??? I hope you can get everything you need soon :)
I remember your story about running away with a backpack. I salute you both for doing this. I am grateful to be able to witness how you purged your belongings in preparation for your new life on the boat. I still have some of the books you've passed on and I have finished reading the macrobiotic book.
There are lots of emotions that resurface when downsizing and in your case, that was a major purge so it definitely wasn't easy.
😊 For a long time I lived that minimal life and was always seen with that bag on my back (in my last post). It was the very first leather bag I bought when I was 19 years old. I parted ways with it in Philippines.
I still have more plurging to do I believe. A bit challenging with the seasonal change of clothes, but I'm going to find a way.
I'm happy you could enjoy those books especially the macrobiotic (vegan?) way of cooking.
Clearing was emotionally draining indeed, but I'm glad I did. it was the only way really.
I had no idea you had the backpack with you in the Philippines. It must have been tough to say goodbye to that one, it had a lot of history.
Yes, the macrobiotic way of cooking, I didn't realize that one was vegetarian/vegan. Yes, there's no other way but just doing it.
Yes, it was hard, but I just had to ditch it 😊
I was introduced to macrobiotic cooking through an old friend who swore it helped cure his cancer.
In recent years vegan became prominent. I believe, but would like someone who knows more to correct me if I'm wrong, that vegan and macrobiotic is the same, different from vegetarian.
Me too. Always been happier with less. Living as a new traveller in the UK, travelling, living in a bus... happy places as they necessitate LESS.
Well said! Having less is an electrifying feeling that feels natural, and sparks positive energy within me.
I bet you've done some adventurous stuff :)
I have had that nagging feeling but never found the courage to downsize and declutter my home.
Some years ago, I wanted to do it, and I read a lot about the process of living a minimalist life. And then the crisis in Venezuela exploded, and my husband, who is much more attached to things than me, every time he saw me ready to give something away, told me not to throw it away or give it away because with the crisis in the country we didn't know when we would need it. Time passed, and the situation continued, although less severe, and I still have a house full of things that I don't use and that I don't think I will ever use. I lack the courage to get rid of it. And your article is quite inspiring, I don't know if I could live permanently in a space as small as a narrowboat, but it's a good exercise to ask myself what I would bring with me if I move to one.
Hello @coquicoin, I totally get what your husband expresses about the "what if's". I think it's a smart question, and sometimes you just have to bite the bullet and do it. It's takes a lot of courage so don't be too hard on yourself.
I think it became easier for me because I was always uprooting to go live in different countries.
When you start to travel possessions weight you down more and become obstacles; That forces you to make practical decisions.
Scaling down to this size was not easy, but maybe you could start with a little at a time.
Set yourself goals: maybe test few items to see if you use them for 6 months, and then after 6 months, move them to another location (like an archive, so to speak), and then if not used for a year, then find someone dear to you to give the item to.
Thank you for your nice feedback:)
I think one day you'll find the entire thing easier.
'less is more' and 'little restrictions generate a solid complexity' are among my all time fave quotes which I arm myself in life. mostly in design... but this is hardly applicable to me when it comes to my own living space... pretty sadly. but I am not living a consumeristic life, dont take it so! I just... love old things, even junk, feel attached to it and cant part, haha! Am I allowed to be a part of your new community, then??
😎
Hey Qwerrie, I totally relate to you feeling an attachment to old stuff, I am the same. Collecting those items does not mean you are not a minimalist; As long as you use the collected items then that's ok.
Of course, I would love for you to join the community, and whenever you get the time to do the photo for me, I'll be happy to update it:)
I hope you are doing well😊
I do remember about that, sure.
Hahaha! I know you are always busy with Hive and other jobs, so no pressure 😊
I just wanted to get the ball rolling, before a similar community popped up:)
haha. a big part of what I collect / keep / hoard are useless oldpapers... books, photos... (I would also love to collect jezzwas, you know, especially vintage - in this case I would surely use them). but at least I touch and watch those papers, a part of them, from time to time, I dont collect just to keep them intact. (But impossible to give time to all of it - so, I interact only with a part of it). Anyway. TNX for a welcoming and letting me in!! 🤸🙏