In my quest for travel and adventure, I decided that the next step in my life would be to move toward minimalism. It made sense; what I was seeking was more “experiences” and less “stuff”.
So I started selling and donating what I saw I could live without. Goodbye television, farewell excess wardrobe, adiós bulky desktop computer. I purged and purged until I finally hit my stopping point. To become a true “minimalist” I felt that there were still a lot of items that had to go.
But the possessions I was left with, I realized, were ones that were of true value and importance to me. I was grateful for them. I felt that by discarding these items I would be saying, in a way, that I am ungrateful or unappreciative. And that’s when I realized, at this time in my life, I am not so much a minimalist, but a conscious consumer.
So What is the Difference?
In making the choice to become a minimalist, I started researching other blogs as well as reading books on the topic. What I took away was that a minimalist should basically be able to live out of a suitcase! Now that would be to the extreme of course, but their focus is to delete possessions and de-clutter their life, which allows them more freedom.
To an extent I lined up with all of their values, but I hit a point where I felt like I was sacrificing a certain level of my quality of life for the sake of freedom and adventure. I realized I could find the freedom I was looking for simply by being mindful and grateful for what possessions I currently had and allowed in my life.
So my take on the conscious consumer? They are mindful! They are very aware of their purchases, and make them with intent and purpose. They do research on their prospective product or consumer good. They are content with what the currently have, and take responsibility in making the choice to purchase items rather than allowing alluring marketing to make the choice for them. They focus on filtering items in and out of their life through mindfulness, and not always tossing everything out to the curb!
Okay, so which option is right for you? Where are you at? Where are you trying to end up? My advise would be if you are looking for extreme travel and freedom at this time in your life, then minimalism might be right for you! If it feels exciting and liberating, I say go with it!
I feel that if our ultimate goal is happiness and fulfillment, then the important thing is that we are looking in the right places. I know that empty mindless consuming can be just as sad as having nothing at all.
So whether you chose to live happily with very few possessions or you chose to fill your home with lots of things you love and cherish, the important thing is that you made the choice. Consciously. Mindfully. With intention and gratitude.
Thanks for reading. If you enjoyed this post please give it a thumbs up! And be sure to visit me on my blog and Instagram for more inspiration. ~Krissy
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I have been a minimalist for over 15 years now. It started on my first day in college. Really helps after a while. You will find yourself having a clearer mind and much more free time. You can't fathom the amount of clutter your mind collects when you are bombarded from materialistic crap left and right
I completely agree! I have seen so many benefits of having a mindful/minimalist lifestyle, including a greater sense of contentment and an appreciation for life's simple pleasures.
Me too, I downsized to a one bedroom cottage, husband and two dogs so not much room to be anything else. It's a bit like when I was back packing and had to chuck stuff out if I wanted new stuff. Don't forget ... the best things in life arn't things!
I strongly agree
"Best things in life arn't things"
It's always about the "Middle Way", the ascetics never had it right. Great post and good reminders!
Love this! Being mindful of what we consume can make a big difference in our lives.
When i started out in painting, i googled up the essential items to begin painting, when comes to colors there are only a few basic colors that you really need to mixed into all the other colors but as i ventured deeper into painting i also found there are several secondary colors which are always required, so my paint tubes collection starts to build up, it is not to say the secondary color cannot be achieved by mixing basic colors, it is just convenience not having to mix the secondary color every time it is required. I also unsubscribed my TV channels and if i need to watch something, i will find it in Youtube. But i still think there should be a balance between minimalism and practicality as we are also living in a ever more complex world
Absolutely. I still enjoy the little convinces that a "true minimalist" might go without. Which is why I found myself not taking minimalism to it's extreme, but finding a balance by becoming more aware of the material things I do allow in my life.