• Lifestyle
    • Faith
    • Minimalism
    • Zero Waste
    • Home
    • Motherhood & Family
    • Health & Wellness
    • Travel
  • Food
    • Raw Food
    • Vegetarian
    • Smoothies
    • Desserts
    • Clean Eating
    • What I Eat In A Day
  • DIY
    • Facial Cleanser
    • Facial Serum/Moisturizer
    • Facial Mask/Treatment
    • Eye Cream/Serum
    • Lip Balm
    • Hair Cleanser
    • Hair Rinse
    • Hair Leave-In/Styler
    • Beauty Oil/Butter
    • Beauty Mist/Toner
    • Natural Fragrance/Perfume
    • Deodorant
    • Nail Care
  • Beauty
    • Hair
    • Curly Hair Regimen
    • Healthy Hair Tips
    • Chemical-Free Series/Hair
    • Skin
    • Acne
    • Principles
    • Chemical-Free Series/Skin
  • Style
    • Modesty
    • Wardrobe Simplified
    • My Capsule Wardrobe
  • SHOP
  • About
    • Beauty Regimen
    • My Personal Testimony
    • My Minimalist Home
    • Testimonials

Minimalist Beauty

living simply with grace, discretion and faith

Minimalist Beauty

Free Yourself Of “Just In Case”-Let It Go!

May 6, 2016 by Dawn Michelle

You’re doing your very best to live with less, yet the possibility of a once in a blue moon occasion pops into your head.  How many items are you holding onto just in case you need them in the future?  I’ve found that the best way to enjoy the journey to living light is to stay in the present moment.  What do you actually use and love right now?  Here are four conscious living tips that help me release those “just in case” items and free myself of clutter.

Stop Romanticizing The Past

There are countless times where I briefly thought that it may have been nice to have had something that I gave away after decluttering.  This moment lasts for a minute or two before remembering why I had given it away in the first place.  Most of the time I was romanticizing the item not remembering that it was broken, made poorly, or that I really did not feel that good in it while wearing it.  Romanticizing the past is an ego based technique to simply distract you from the current moment.

Embody An Abundance Consciousness

If there is something that you need that you decluttered, know that you can always get it again.  When we keep things in fear that we don’t even use, we are unconsciously affirming lack in our lives.  An abundance consciousness is knowing that if you ever need anything all of your needs will be met even if you don’t know how.

In 2010 I donated a tripod that I wasn’t using.  Now six years later I realized that it would be beneficial to have one again.  I then remembered that I had $50 credit at a local camera supply store from a few years back that had no expiration date.

When I first got this credit I had no idea exactly what I would use it for.  The tripod that I have now is much better quality than my previous one.  There was actually no need to hold onto something I wasn’t using at the time just in case for six years later.

Live In The Present

I remember when I felt wearing leather wasn’t the best route for my environmental efforts, so I purchased vegan leather products and donated or sold every leather item I owned except one pair of boots.  Then after doing some research, I learned about the toxicity of PVC and vegan leather.  I then decided to focus on only purchasing second hand leather products.

There have been days when I think of all the amazing high quality leather shoes that I donated/sold that actually fit my narrow feet.  Then I wake up to the fact that most of those shoes where actually high heels.  I don’t even want to wear high heels anymore like I used to.  Our desires in life change as we grow and change.  Realizing what our present desires are should 100% coorelate with everything we decide to keep or donate when decluttering.

Define Minimalist Living For Yourself

Everyone embarks on the minimalist lifestyle for different reasons.  My initial goal was to pay off $20,000 of debt which I did, and I have remained debt-free with my conscious lifestyle conditioning.  Others choose this path to have the freedom to travel year round with minimal possessions.  Some desire to save for a tiny house and only have the true necessities to put in it.  Then there are those who just want to enjoy the beauty of a serene decluttered home.

No matter what your reason is, don’t compare your journey to others.  Minimalist living isn’t a race and it has absolutely nothing to do with what others show you on a screen.  Minimalist living should cater to your most innate dreams and goals and no one else’s.  Living with only what you love is the best way to get one step closer to the love filled life you want to live.

Free yourself of the notion of “just in case”!

(Image by Dawn Michelle)

Stay Connected with Minimalist Beauty & Subscribe with bloglovin’. Also Join the Community on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram. For more about Dawn Michelle go here!

Share

Facebook Google+ Twitter Pinterest Email

You might also like...

Comments Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  1. Anna says

    May 6, 2016 at 5:41 pm

    Hi Dawn, great post. “Just in case” can be a real hurdle to overcome when trying to declutter!
    I also struggle a bit with “donation regret” for a different reason – jealousy. I have some beautiful clothes that just don’t suit me or fit well, but I fear that if I give them away someone else will rock them and I’ll be envious. Isn’t that ridiculous?! I’m ashamed to admit it. It’s almost a case of “if I can’t look good in it, no one can!” when really I should be happy that my clothes are getting used to their full potential, and that someone else is finding joy in wearing them.

    Reply
    • Dawn Michelle says

      May 8, 2016 at 4:18 pm

      Thanks Anna!
      How awesome that you are able to pinpoint this emotion. Once discovered it is always much easier to release it. If you don’t feel good in clothing you are donating, you are making room for the items that will make you feel amazing. You will also get one step closer to cultivating your personal style and curating your wardrobe. Thanks so much for taking the time to share your thoughts on this!

      Reply
  2. margo says

    May 7, 2016 at 2:23 pm

    Thank you for some great tips, “The life changing magic of tidying up ” is a wonderful help, the advice of “only keep things that spark joy” is such a good guide. …..there is no just in case.

    Reply
    • Dawn Michelle says

      May 8, 2016 at 4:20 pm

      Hi Margo,
      That book is one of my absolute favorites! It is definitely the BEST decluttering methods I’ve ever come across! There definitely is no “just in case” when you are only keeping what sparks joy in your life.

      Reply
  3. Sandy says

    May 7, 2016 at 8:53 pm

    Great ideas once again.

    I just got rid of 1/2 closet worth of stuff. First, I put the questionable things in a dark colored bag over a month period. By the time the Goodwill truck arrived, I was confident I could get rid of the whole bag. I tied the bag up without looking at its content.
    To this day, I can’t itemize what was in that bag. I can’t and don’t care to remember. But now I have such a good feeling about my closet. The best lesson from this: it’s so much easier for me to let go of things.
    Thanks so much Dawn for talking about this topic. All your many blog posts on this topic has helped me so much.

    Reply
    • Dawn Michelle says

      May 8, 2016 at 4:23 pm

      Hi Sandy,
      Thanks so much! Sounds like you really downsized your wardrobe immensely. Congrats!!! With everything that we own having its own energy, it feels so much better to only have what we feel good about around us. I’m so glad the decluttering articles have been helpful to you too!

      Reply
  4. Anna says

    May 15, 2016 at 2:45 am

    Hi Dawn

    Thanks for your reply. I like your way of thinking about it – it’s true that being self-aware is essential to self-development!

    On another note, I wish the replies in your comments section would ‘nest’ under the original comment to make them easier to follow. Otherwise, I love the layout of your blog : )

    Reply
    • Dawn Michelle says

      May 17, 2016 at 11:10 am

      Hi Anna,
      Thanks for your comment and I do know what you mean about the layout of the comments. Although I’ve designed my site, I’m not sure how to modify the comment section at this time. Right now I have been working with it as provided by the theme. Have a great day!

      Reply
  5. Mo C says

    June 18, 2016 at 11:02 pm

    Thank You <3

    Reply
    • Dawn Michelle says

      June 21, 2016 at 10:26 am

      Hi Mo C,
      Thanks for stopping by and I’m glad this resonated with you. Best wishes!

      Reply
Previous
Next
  • Bloglovin
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter

living simply with grace, discretion and faith

I met a woman the other day who openly shared some I met a woman the other day who openly shared some of her challenges with motherhood.  Motherhood is intensely challenging, beyond humbling, and at times you just want the day to be over then realizing that you’ll be back at it the next day.  It never ends and there isn’t much reprive.  It’s been on my heart to share some encouragement to any mother who will read this.  I pray this will bless you in some way.  The link is in my profile!
🌻 #motherhood #encouragement #humility #minimalistbeauty
Fenugreek seeds, also called methi seeds, have a m Fenugreek seeds, also called methi seeds, have a multitude of medicinal properties along with being a prominent spice in many cultural dishes.  For starters, fenugreek seeds are packed with protein for strengthening strands, mucilage for moisturizing and soothing the scalp while detangling the hair, and most importantly nicotinic acid which may minimize hair shedding while soothing scalp issues.  Fenugreek seeds are also anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal which is beneficial for soothing a dry irritated scalp as well as high in iron. 🍂

These little seeds are a win win for natural hair care and can be used in various ways.  I’ve used fenugreek seeds in my beauty regimen on and off for years.  Today I wanted to share four easy ways you can incorporate fenugreek in your hair regimen to promote healthy hair growth.  The link is in the profile. 🍂

#diyhaircare #naturalhair #minimalistbeauty #sponsored @mountainroseherbs
God is so good! We move on FRIDAY. This picture God is so good!  We move on FRIDAY.  This picture was taken before they removed the bricking which was VERY NOISY to say the least.  We haven’t been completely able to avoid the beginning of the construction process, but I honestly think it’s a good thing.  This way we can remain GRATEFUL throughout the entire process.  GRATITUDE during LIFE’S IMPERFECTION develops CONTENTMENT.  That is one thing I work on daily.  If you missed our “We’re Moving Again” testimony it’s on the blog. 🌿🍁🍃

 #testimony #sharewhatisgood #godisgood #godisfaithful #godmakesaway #minimalistbeauty #simpleliving
Friday mornings are my busiest mornings of the wee Friday mornings are my busiest mornings of the week.  I make muffins for Saturday’s breakfast (either corn bread, pumpkin, or banana bread muffins) to have with fruit, a big crockpot dinner for the weekend (beans & rice bowls, lentils and sweet potato stews, or a big veggie and red potato stew) to serve with bread, tortillas, grains, and/or salad depending on the dish, and I’m usually putting orders together to go out for @iamazuha today too.  All the while I’m also making other food for the day. 🍂🥧🍁

Friday’s are crazy because of the usual responsibilities, but mainly because I really want to relax a bit over the weekend.  Over this past year I’ve worked really hard to create systems to make working from home and being a homemaker easier.  Homemaking really is like running a small boutique bed and breakfast hotel.  It takes planning ahead, having a solid system, financial planning, commitment, and a lot of love.  I’ve been learning to really enjoy this process.  Just like everybody else I’ve been baking more this year than ever.  Very rewarding. 🍂🥧🍁

Wishing all of you a beautiful and blessed weekend! 
💞Dawn Michelle
We’re MOVING again! With everything going on wi We’re MOVING again!  With everything going on with the world wide pandemic, I’m seeing the importance of sharing anything good that the Lord is doing in your life with others.  We need HOPE.  We need to share the JOY of walking with God.  The testimonies of glorifying God would just add encouragement that I know I need.  I LOVE hearing of God making ways out of no way, giving us more hope and FAITH. 🌿🍂🍃

I was initially praying to God for ways to endure what we were about to go through while somehow someway making it nice for my family during the process.  But God was already orchestrating a new way for us to not even have to endure it at all.  Read my testimony on Minimalist Beauty... (link in profile) 🌿🍂🍃

If God has done ANYTHING in your life no matter how small PLEASE share it in the comments below.  We all need to hear what’s good!  The news shares otherwise, but we can create a space here of good testimonies.  Please share below and I pray you are having a blessed day. 🌿🍂🍃

Much love!
#testimony #sharewhatsgood #godisgood #godisfaithful #godmakesaway #minimalistbeauty #simpleliving
We could all use an IMMUNE BOOST right now.  Here’s a simple juice recipe that I make for just that.  I call it SPICY APPLE JUICE and my three (almost four) year old drinks it up no problem! 🍎 

I simply juice 2 WHOLE medium/large APPLES (3 small apples pictured) + 3 CLOVES of GARLIC in a slow masticating juicer for one immune boosting serving.  Yes I do include the core as it has many health benefits. 🍎 

After having my 1st official winter back on the east coast last year, RAW GARLIC was how I made it through without getting sick at all while caring for sick family members. 🍎 

Since then I juice garlic in many of my juice recipes or mince up multiple cloves as dinner toppings for chickpea pasta, beans and rice bowls, and stews.  What I LOVE most of all is hearing my son say, “More Juice?” Proud Mama!!!! 🍎

#immuneboost #juicing #juicerecipe #simplenutrition #healthyliving #minimalistbeauty #minimalistbeautyeats
I started wearing linen clothing because it’s ex I started wearing linen clothing because it’s extremely practical.  Linen is one of the most environmentally friendly fabrics on the market.  Linen is also considered the world’s strongest natural fabric.  After tiring of purchasing new clothing every season for my heavily worn small capsule wardrobe, it just made sense to look for mid and heavy weight linen garments that could be worn year round and layered that actually lasted. 
🍃

Linen clothing can last up to 2-3 decades if properly cared for.  I’ve made some mistakes along the way, but have finally found a simple method for caring for my linen garments. (Link in profile.)
🍃
#linenlover #minimalistbeauty #sponsored @mountainroseherbs
I stopped using henna, I tossed my comb and brush, I stopped using henna, I tossed my comb and brush, I wear hair buns 95% of the time, and my hair care routine only got simpler with only two “products”. All the details plus why I really cut my hair last spring on the blog.  Much love!  #minimalistbeauty #curlyhairroutine #naturalhaircare
This error message is only visible to WordPress admins

Copyright 2021 Minimalist Beauty | Site design handcrafted by Station Seven