What Does Minimalism Mean to Me?

If you had asked me this question several years ago, what I thought it meant to be a minimalist, I would’ve answered with some of the following:

·      Never buying new things

·      Having very few possessions

·      Not spending money to go out

·      Buying only sustainable household items

·      Driving a hybrid (which I wish I had by the way; more on that later)

·      Wearing a bland, muted-color wardrobe (lots of black, white, and beige)

These are common misconceptions about minimalism. So let me tell you what minimalism means to me. It is living a more intentional life with less clutter and more freedom. It means having the things that mean something to you. Let’s break that down a little more.

Make the conscious decision to have certain physical items in my life.

Which items am I allowing in my home? Which items will I buy on my next grocery trip? Do we really need another set of markers or crayons? All of these decisions should be intentional decisions and not last-minute grabs as you run through your nearest store checkout line. What happens when you make mindless purchases? You end up with over 70 markers for your child who didn't really need them; usually, 5 of each color. Or you have three extra tubes of toothpaste, and you don’t know why. It’s unnecessary and creates clutter that takes up space in your house and your mind. Be mindful of what you actually need. And NEVER shop without a list. Leave the clutter at the store.

Monitor how much stuff (photos, videos, apps, files) I have on my phone or computer.

Whether you work from your computer or phone, digital clutter can have just as much of an impact on your peace of mind as physical clutter. I know the idea of starting a digital declutter may feel overwhelming, but don’t let that stop you! Start small and delete five to ten photos or videos each day. For example, while you’re having lunch, take a few minutes to go through your photos and get rid of the ones you don’t need. Keep in mind, your phone is a major time drain, and the less you have on it, the less time you’ll spend scrolling. In fact, many of us spend more time on our phones than we do having meaningful conversations with the people around us. It’s time to break that cycle! While phones can be great tools for productivity, they should never replace real, personal connections. Take action today to minimize your phone use and reclaim your peace.

Events or obligations I will make time for and those I will not.

Being intentional with your life starts with deciding what’s truly worth your time and what isn’t. When I was younger, I had a bad habit of people-pleasing and saying yes to every request that came my way. Naturally, that led to burnout in nearly every area of my life. Now, I take the time to thoughtfully consider each request and ask myself whether it fits into my schedule without taking away from my personal joy. What’s been surprising is how understanding most people are when you say no. I used to stress over turning down invitations or requests. Why did I waste so much energy worrying about it? I think we’re conditioned to say yes to everything. In your twenties, that might mean attending a wedding or baby shower every weekend. In your thirties, it turns into business events, kids’ birthday parties, and sports games. Now, in my forties, I’ve finally learned the power of “no” and realized that my time is valuable and needs to be protected. I’ve trained myself to respond with, “I’ll check my calendar and get back to you.” This allows me to give every request proper thought instead of saying yes out of guilt. As a result, I no longer find myself double-booked, rushing from one event to another, or dreading the schedule I’ve created for myself. Start working on your “no” today! It’s a game-changer!

Choosing my mood.

Our moods are shaped by many factors, often stemming from unintentional choices that lead to regret or frustration. A key part of living intentionally is taking control of our mood. By reducing both physical and digital clutter, we free ourselves to make more mindful decisions with our time, which in turn helps create a more positive state of mind. The areas mentioned here play a crucial role in shaping how we feel. When we slow down, eliminate the excess that’s causing stress, and create space for what truly matters, we’ll start to see a real shift in our mood.

As you can imagine, each of these areas is interconnected, with one affecting the other. When I realized that something as simple as organizing my kitchen could make me feel so relieved and less anxious, it ignited a fire in me to improve the other areas of my home and life. I hope you, too, can see the benefits of getting rid of clutter and living more fully.

Minimalism simply means living with only the things that bring your life calm and joy. It is a lifestyle choice. So, start today. Find your calm and joy! Happy decluttering!