My concept of minimalism hasn’t changed much over the years. I originally wrote this article in the fall of 2012. I do have less possessions now than before, and yes my wardrobe each season is currently around 33 items or less. But I only made those changes when I was ready to, and gradually at that. Learning to enjoy the processes of life versus compare and compete with others with similar interests is challenging at times. It is so important to define your life based on what is in your heart. That’s honestly the only thing that matters in life anyway!
When I first decided to live a more minimalist lifestyle, I was sure that I needed to own only 100 possessions to do it right. Even looking back a few months ago I was determined to count every possession so that I could come up with the exact number that would confirm that I was a true minimalist. Wow! How silly of me to limit myself and occupy my time with such nonsense.
Just as one may want more things to keep up with the next person, I was finding I was doing the very opposite to validate my minimalist life.
Today I spent a good amount of time cleaning up the apartment. It didn’t take too long as there really isn’t that much to organize. I was mainly giving the floors a good sweeping, mopping, and vacuuming as well as cleaning the kitchen and bathroom. While doing these chores, I had a moment where I thought that I shouldn’t have to move small items to clean. I should be that minimalist. “Should” is such a merciless word, yet I used it being unnecessarily hard on myself.
The definition of minimalist as an adjective is “being or offering no more than what is required or essential.”
What is required or essential for everyone in terms of possessions is going to be uniquely different. When I started counting my personal possessions, my dance related essentials alone added up to 37 things. At the beginning of this year I even had a goal to downsize my wardrobe to exactly what was on my My Wardrobe Checklist. My wardrobe checklist contained 50 items that did not encompass my new desire for color or enough dance attire to get me through a week of classes or rehearsals. Although I am content with my current wardrobe around 80 items, I am more clear that this numbers game can feel very restrictive.
When creating personal goals, I believe it is very important to be self nurturing in the process.
Whether your goal is to declutter your home, pay off your debt, or save for a much needed vacation, we can choose to be more patient with the process, and more rewarding for each little step we make that is closer to meeting our goal. Minimalism has served me well in so many areas of my life. To subject myself to numbers to prove my progress to others is pointless. It is nearly impossible to explain all aspects of the evolution that has occurred in my life over the past three years on this journey.
The true definition of a minimalist lifestyle is what serves you in the most effective and essential way. My preference is that this minimalist lifestyle also include low environmental impact.
We all need different things and have very specific goals that only pertain to our lives. Today is one of those days were I’m learning to become more flexible with myself as I continue this process of downsizing. I will not set any numerical goals, yet counting my personal possessions allows me to see how abundant my life is. I find it more than enjoyable and okay to live with less. I’m also leaving the word “should” out of the picture and becoming much more flexible with my ideals.
I will continue this minimalist lifestyle making decisions based on what serves me energetically not numerically. What does minimalism mean to you?
(Image by D Sharon Pruitt)
Michele says
This is so wise and true. I think when we start a new venture there’s a tendency to swing the pendulum all the way to one side, but over time a balanced approach prevails. This reminds me of the expression- ‘all things in moderation, including moderation’. Your lifestyle is inspiring to read about.
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Michele, Moderation is so important for finding balance in life. I think that as I continue to work towards meeting my goals approaching them from a place of restriction and stress doesn’t allow much space to create or flow. I like your pendulum analogy. I think that is important to move freely. In my case I was stuck on one side of the pendulum thinking it should only be one way. There are so many ways to get somewhere! I appreciate you sharing your thoughts.
Carolyn says
I have just spent the week on another purge.
Most decluttering advice talks about getting rid of the obvious – clothing, furniture and sentimenatl items.
But once these are done there is more to contend with and I find these things much more challenging to declutter. For me it is the small things lurking in the drawers and cupboards. The collection of nail polishes and makeup, the DVD’s, the different purses, sunglasses, small tools and the worst offender in my home at the moment – the mass of unused electrical/computer cables that we never seem to be able to get rid of.
For me, minimalism is about having a clear home to have a clear mind and the freedom from constant tidying up to do other things. One of my goas was to be able to have guests drop by at any minute without having to “panic tidy.”
I have achieved a lot but there seems to be always more which is stressful. I am beginning to think that decluttering is a bit of an addiction in itself – you just can’t stop !!!! LOL
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Carolyn,
I think that when you get past the place of decluttering the big items like you mentioned with clothing, furniture and sentimental items, it really is the small miscellaneous things that can make it feel overwhelming. I’ve noticed that it is also the small miscellaneous items that make moving such a hassle. I’ve been working on decluttering the miscellaneous this summer.
The clear home and clear mind is one of the greatest aspects of decluttering. I think that allowing this process to continue and unfold is the key. Once you really start, it is an continuous process which I’m certain is why it is a lifestyle. My ideal minimalist lifestyle is shifting, and I am grateful for the freedom that the shift has made. Just know that you are not the only one experiencing the miscellaneous decluttering craziness, and I completely understand where you are coming from. Congratulations on all the progress that you have made!
Best wishes!
Johanna says
The word “should” has become my nemesis. I’m so much more forgiving to others than I am to myself. This has lead to undue stress which leads to a severely cluttered house. Having a cluttered house causes more stress and the cycle continues. Minimalism, to me, means not only limiting possessions, but also learning to allow imperfections in myself. Those imperfections are part of the learning process in this journey we call life. Through this process I learn what I can and cannot allow in my life which clears out so much of the clutter and stress I unjustly put on myself.
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Johanna, We are perfectly imperfect and it can be extremely stressful when we are not in alignment with this. I love how your approach to minimalism begins from within. Beautifully said an thanks for sharing! Best wishes!
Donna Knutt says
Hi Dawn, I agree with you wholeheartedly. Minimalism, like you put it, is “being or offering no more than what is required or essential.” I try to incorporate this in everything from my web designs to how I dress. Less is sometimes more. Luv your hair btw! 🙂
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Donna,
Incorporating this minimalist perspective in every day life is freeing. I am in the midst of discovering more ways to incorporate more freedom in how I spend my time daily. I don’t have is mastered at all but this learning curve is life changing. Thanks for your comment and the compliment!
Best wishes!
Marie says
Hi, instead of counting items in my wardrobe, what I started doing is contemplating the type of container I would want to hold the items in if I were to move. For example, if I were to move, I would like all of my clothes to fit either in my 3 suitcases (1 big, 1 medium, 1 cabin size) or in my trunk (the one I used when I moved, that I still have in the house as storage at the moment. Right now, I have over 70 items in my wardrobe, but I don’t want to get rid of things just because so as long as it fits in the containers (and that’s the hardest part, trust me!!) I am ok with it.
Dawn Michelle says
This is a great idea Marie!
sandy says
Minimalism to me is the least effort and acquisitions that reflect my values and truth. Since I am forever changing, the definition changes as well. Once I put a definition on things the essence of it is lost. I know it when I feel it in my soul. That, for me is the best measurement. That all said, the measurement can be a guide for the beginning of the process. Your post reminds me that this process is non-judgmental. Lovely post.
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Sandy,
Being non-judgmental is important with all aspects of life. It’s a great reminder for myself just writing this. Thanks for sharing!
madamedummy says
thank you for a wonderful article as always ….
for me ‘minimalism’ means ‘editing …
madamedummy says
ps- & all black wardrobe …lol
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Madamedummy,
Yes editing is MAJOR! Lol on the all black wardrobe. Do what works for you and enjoy every moment of it!