There is a true freedom not owning a ton of things. We have all noticed travelers in the airport with one carry-on bag, while others are lugging two large suitcases they can hardly manage.
There is something comforting about having exactly what you need with you, knowing where it is, not looking for more of it, while moving around easily.
Often I’ve been that traveler with one carry-on vacationing for two weeks with everything that I needed. Then I would go home to my apartment with a bunch of stuff. It only made me wish I was back in that zen hotel room. It was beautiful, comfortable, refreshing, and peaceful. It represented something I didn’t have at home. Simplicity.
At the end of 2009 I started doing something about it. I started tossing, selling, and donating everything that I didn’t love.
One room at a time the energy shifted and I noticed that I felt lighter. This new energy I was creating made me thrilled. Whenever I had free time I went through more items and I noticed more and more bags where being recycled, donated, sold, or trashed. As I’m continuing to do this, I am seeing more areas that can use a little more attention.
I was drawn to minimalism for a couple reasons:
1. More time to use as I desired.
2. Less things to want, more money to save.
3. A clutter-free beautiful home.
4. Freedom from consumerism.
5. More peace of mind.
(Image by D Sharon Pruitt)
*kevin* says
love it…
Tamara J. says
I am in love with your blog. I extremely enjoy the aspects of clutter-free living which is what I have been striving to do for years. I look forward to tackling one area or room to get this way of life. Clutter really does affect me emotionally. I will share my success once completed!
vasudha says
just love it….
vasudha says
i really want simple minimalist living…and looking forward 2 follow it.
Dawn Michelle says
The more I’ve been clearing out the lighter I feel. A minimalist lifestyle is more than just spring cleaning. It really is a lifestyle choice and will change how you think, feel, and spend your money. I’d also love to hear success stories as I continue to share my own!
csg99 says
I love this site and get so inspired reading it and everyone’s comments! I have been working on the minimalist approach and it truly is so freeing! Just this morning I got together four large bags for resale, two bags of trash and a bunch to recycle. It always amazes me how I can come back to an area I’ve gone through before and still find more!
Dawn Michelle says
Hi csg99,
I am so happy that Minimalist Beauty is inspiring you. I am truly in awe that you have cleared out so much stuff already! That’s so amazing! I know that you must feel so liberated. I am also in awe that you can still find more stuff to release. It is definitely a new minimalist perspective that allows you to continually let go of anything unused or no longer needed. Best wishes on your new minimalist journey!
Peace,
Dawn Michelle
Ro says
So as I walked out my apartment, i was thinking I have to get this place in order. I have so much “stuff” it drives me crazy. From hair products, shoes, to books, and stuff I didn’t even know I had. I know it’s a reason I came across your website. Think God is trying to tell me something! 🙂 minimalism is something I need to really incorporating in my life.
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Ro,
It’s a wonderful experience to release the things that no longer serve you. I’ve felt that decluttering has also made more space for abundance in my life. You may be interested in The 33 Days Declutter Project which I started right before the new year. It was a great task that I shared with Minimalist Beauty readers which helped me slowly get rid of the things that I didn’t like or used. It would be a perfect spring cleaning project too!
Best wishes!