Every day I get closer to not even being inclined to buy just to buy, just as I’m no longer craving sugar and desserts now that I have cut them out of my diet. When I began my minimalist journey two years ago, I remember thinking that a minimalist lifestyle was for those who wanted to leave the life they were currently living and travel the world with no responsibility. Minimalism was for those who wanted to pay off debt and be financially independent. Minimalists lived in space filled clean homes with only the daily necessities. I wanted to be everything that minimalism represented. I wanted to be free.
Two years later I can say that I am free. I am free from defining myself in such a limited way with such a specific goal in terms of possessions, financial status, and travel. All of those experiences are wonderful and everything continues to unfold as it should perfectly. Yes I’ve decluttered, payed off debt, and have created more time and energy for my dreams. Yet there is no longer the rush to get it all done and my to-do list is now becoming my to-fun list.
This month I took my decluttering again one step further and took out all of the items in my closet that literally were hiding and not being used. At the time I wanted to write down all of my possessions so that I could give them a number and see where there was room for less. I put it all on the futon in the living room and began the process of sorting it through. “Finally the last pile!” I thought. Silly me this process is a lifestyle and has always been, not a finished goal.
Just as one can be insatiably shopping and wanting things, one can also be insatiably decluttering to achieve the minimalist goal of perfection. The truth is that perfection is right now just as it is. No matter how empty or how full of stuff your place is, how financially free or debt filled you are, whether you are looking for the perfect job or are booking gigs non-stop, right now in this moment is the perfection that is exactly what it needs to be. I’m beginning to really believe that no matter what is going on there really is an opportunity to embrace the moment and who you are no matter how perfect or crazy things may look.
Even if I had finished decluttering to the level of perfection that I envision, if I am not even present to take in the moment and appreciate it, where have I really gotten. I’m beginning the think that there is too much beauty, joy, and love in life to always be striving for something more. Even if it isn’t more material things that we may desire, it can be the desire for success, play, work, money, friends, travel etc. Everything comes in due time. What’s going on right now that you can truly enjoy?
(Image by D Sharon Pruitt)
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I am really enjoying your blog. Love it that you are focused on the “why” rather than just the “what.”
Thank you Cathy!