I have entirely too much stuff. Stuff meaning: books, towels, emails, clothes, makeup, Facebook friends, 5 different hairbrushes. Not only is my tiny apartment actually overflowing with stuff, but so is my computer, my phone, my brain. I mean, honestly, why do I have an entire drawer full of dried flowers? Who do I think I am, Anne Of Green Gables? (I wish), but no, I’m not. So, because of all of the above, and more, I’m going to try and take baby steps that could lead to a more minimalist lifestyle.
But first things first, let’s clear up what that actually means. Practicing minimalism, or living a minimalist lifestyle, may mean different things to different people. Some may say it means getting rid of your car, your phone, even saying no to those silly-buddy colored mules in your shopping cart. For me, I don’t believe that there is anything wrong with material possessions — if those shoes are important to you, then that’s wonderful. With that being said, I also believe that balance is key. Moderation is our friend. A minimalist lifestyle is personal to each and every one of us, and we can all set our own rules on how big or little we would like to practice it.
“Minimalism is a tool to rid yourself of life’s excess in favor of focusing on what’s important—so you can find happiness, fulfillment and freedom.” – The Minimalists
Stepping back and looking at where I am in life, and how stuff is creating a few more butterflies in my chest that I’d like, I’m going to be practicing a minimalist act each day of the week, and share them with you. If you are feeling like your life is a bit dizzying, take a look deeper and see how much stuff you are carrying on a day-to-day basis, and join me.
At the beginning of each week, I will be posting 7 days’ worth of minimalist practices with hopes of finding and maintaining some clarity.
Week Two:
Monday: Evaluate Commitments. I’m the queen of overcommitting. It can be both a good and bad thing, but typically, it’s overwhelming. Take a step back at all of your commitments, and narrow them down. Cut out anything that may be adding stress. With that, don’t sell yourself short. You are capable of doing everything — just not at once. If it’s important enough to you, you’ll eventually get it done.
Tuesday: Bare Faced. Go the entire day without any makeup. There is some sort of power that comes with exposing your true and natural self to the world with complete confidence. Not only will you feel that power, but your skin will enjoy the break as well. :)
Wednesday: Unfollow + Unfriend. I have 2,000+ friends on Facebook. What the heck. I couldn’t even name 100 friends off the top of my head. I’m constantly exposed to content on my social media feeds that may make me feel negative, and yet I just scroll past. Sometimes I see posts from people that I don’t even know. Unfriend anyone who doesn’t add to your life’s conversation.
Thursday: No Spending. Not even a nickel! Take a break today from pulling out your wallet. Use up all of those groceries that you have and get creative. Going a day each week without spending anything is completely freeing, and will help you reflect on what is important enough for your hard earned cash.
Friday: Prune The Garden. Go snip all the dead and old out of your garden. Cutting back on blooms helps new ones grow, and the fresh cuts will add some minimal decor into your space. Place a single stem in each jar, and enjoy the beauty of single digits.
Saturday: Donate 10 Pieces of Clothing. I have jeans in my closet that don’t fit me, like, at all, and yet I refuse to part ways with them. Pick 10 items out of your closet that either you no longer fit into or simplydon’t like anymore, and donate them. You’ll feel great about the space that opens up, and even better that someone else will get the chance to love and enjoy them. Think about if you did this once every few months!
Sunday: Solitude. Spend the day with yourself. Go for a hike, read on the porch, or create something. Feel the joy that comes with the quietness of solitude.
+ Good luck this week! If you are joining in on this challenge, let me know in the comments!
I’ll definitely cut back on my commitment this week. I’ve actually only got two lined up – one for midweek and one for the weekend. I’m going to keep it that way and use one of the days in the weekend to refresh!
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
I love the whole “bare face” step; there is definitely something freeing when you don’t have makeup on. You’d think it’d make you have less confidence, but it’s exactly the opposite! You feel more empowered.
And plus you don’t have to worry about makeup running down your face when it’s hot outside!
Kayla | onyx + quartz
These are really good things to try throughout the week. My life could use less clutter.
I love making a list of what I want to accomplish within the week and then I get real with myself and scratch off what isn’t really important and what I can do later. Then, I replace it with relaxing activities or working out. Find your priorities to balance your healthy lifestyle.
I’m already practicing minimalism so there is no way I could get rid of 10 items in my closet. I buy a few things I really love that will take me through each season and then just repeat them with different accessories or shoes.
I don’t have a lot of decorations in my house, it kind of has a Pottery Barn catalog look. Everything is put away and everything has a place.
I enjoyed reading your ideas though.
I’m currently packing my life into boxes, so this post kinda hit home!
I have those jeans, too. Mine are from when I gained (and lost) the freshman 15 in college; they are not stylish, they don’t fit, and they smell like dining hall pizza. But I still have them. I PACKED them. And now I’m going to go open that box and put them in the goodwill pile. If I gain some weight, I will get a new pair of pants that I don’t find ugly or smelly.