Why Pursue Minimalism in All Aspects of Life
Getting organized and decluttering my life has been on my to-do list for a while recently. Decluttering my physical space was not a problem as much as my mental space; it was more of an effort than a habit. As I grew, I felt the urge to clear my physical and mental space to feel more authentic and intentional. More importantly, I wanted more stability and control over my life.
In recent years I have seen a rise in the popularity of minimalist lifestyles, which can take on various forms. The importance of what we have and own and how we prioritize them may differ from one individual to another and change over time, but being mindful and intentional about what we have and own is an excellent starting point.
Minimalism entails removing unnecessary physical and mental clutter; it is fundamentally about eliminating things that don't add value to your life. We usually think cluttering only comes in a physical, something tangible around us, but it appears to appear in every aspect of our lives. It exposes a much deeper problem than you can see. It's the result of unmade decisions. At first, it may seem minor, but later on, even simple things can overwhelm, cause anxiety, and defeats you.
When it comes to being a minimalist, one of the most important things is to look inwards just as much as what's around you. Decluttering your life won't happen overnight; procrastination will make it even harder. You must declutter one zone at a time; start with your most problematic area first. Then making it a habit takes time to form, so change slowly.
Why should we pursue minimalism in every aspect of life?
During my journey toward a simpler lifestyle, I encountered several factors that influenced my interest in minimalism; I have listed them as follows.
Identity revealed. People tend to find their identity in objects rather than in themselves; this is more evident in women than in men. We care so much about our materials that they can influence our self-worth, mood, and even relationships. Once that item is gone or lost, a person may suffer a mild identity crisis. With minimalism, you’ll find your true self.
Mental clarity. You gain powerful focus when you have less on your plate, which also helps strengthen your confidence. You’ll have more headspace to focus on what’s more important to you.
Greater purpose. If you eliminate unnecessary things and activities, your life will become simpler and more fulfilling. You're motivated to accomplish your goals because your direction is clear. If you have a few commitments, you can take them seriously. Surprising events occur, and a sense of purpose returns with clarity.
Less stress. Minimalism allows you to put your mind at ease by focusing less mental energy on unpleasant things. You don't always think about all the chores you need to do and maintain. You feel less anxious as you feel more comfortable and focus on what you love.
More grateful. A minimalist tends to be more thankful for the simple things in life. They have enough, and they appreciate it. They often place more value on experiences than possessions that bring long-lasting memories and happiness.
Free life. Everyone needs a carefree life with fewer responsibilities to enjoy life and its opportunities more. Freedom and minimalism come hand in hand; by removing clutter, commitments, and constraints, you put yourself into a position that will increase your freedom.
These are some of the most notable benefits I experienced when I started my minimalism journey. There is so much in letting go of the things we don’t need in our life. If you’re toying with the idea of shifting your life to less is more, remember you don’t have to make major changes all at once. Sometimes, a few minor changes are all you need to notice a difference. Choosing to live a minimalist lifestyle is a choice, but I can assure you that you'll gain a lot from it. Try it.
