I desired to repost this article today since it shares exactly how I’m feeling in this moment. No matter where you are right now in your life, this is exactly where you need to be. Things can always improve, yet it is so valuable to see where you’ve been and how far you’ve come so far. Life is too precious to be insatiable. This article was originally shared January 2012.
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 in 2010, 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 also for those who wanted to pay off debt and be financially independent. Minimalists lived in beautifully decluttered homes with only the daily necessities. I wanted to be everything that minimalism represented. I wanted to be free.
Two years later (now actually six) 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, paid 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 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 couch 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 artistic 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 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 in the future. 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 Dawn Michelle)
Cathy_H says
I am really enjoying your blog. Love it that you are focused on the “why” rather than just the “what.”
Dawn Michelle says
Thank you Cathy!
Gabrielle says
Love your blog ! Love the combi of beauty and minimalism. I am from Holland, so forgive me if i write something wrong. But keep up the great work! Much respect for you and the way you see thing. This world be so more beautifull if there where more people like you.
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Gabrielle,
Thank you so very much! I’ve only seen Amsterdam in Holland and I loved that city. I hope that I will be able to go back again. I really appreciate your kind words. I hope that you have an amazing holiday season!
Jennifer says
This is such a great article! !!!!!!!
Describes how I need to think more. You’re an inspiration.
Dawn Michelle says
Thank you so much Jennifer! Hope all is well and have a beautiful day!
Gaëlle says
Dawn, Dawn, Dawn… I do not know how you do it but your last two posts have been the exact reflection of what I needed to read and the little light at the end of my process.Receiving clothes that I had left away and took real pleasure rediscovering and giving away has shown how far I have come indeed.
I guess this is what happens when we let things be just that and only consider the pleasure of wearing them in the moment instead of imagining a future, a life or a person we are not. Letting go or decluttering, to me, equals serenity. It is a way to fully accept who we are and what our life is and continue living in the moment without forgetting our goals. But then again, that may just be my own definition of minimalism.
By the way and because I am profoundly silly, I just wanted to let you know that I am making progress on the shoes front 😉
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Gaëlle,
Decluttering always brings serenity after the process is complete. I also love your definition of minimalism. I’m super excited about your progress in the shoe department too. That is never a silly topic in my book! 😉 Be well!
Sandy says
I agree Dawn. It’s important to realize that the appreciation and joy of what you have now is the “goal.” Sometimes you can get so carried away with planning and seeking, that you forget what you have.
I think your blog has struck a balance between setting new goals and showing the beauty, in what already exists.
Thank you.
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Sandy,
Thanks so much for your comment. Balance always is the goal. It really is very easy to get carried away with planning and seeking. The NOW is what matters most though. Have a wonderful day!