There are very few aspects of daily life that get me excited. Making a plan would be one. A to-do list. Whatever it is that would mandate me, at least for a while, to follow something judiciously. It doesn’t matter if I do not stick to them till the very end. I simply love the idea of setting things aside to do, no matter how seemingly insignificant it could be to the next person.
I appreciate the idea of standards. No, not societal standards as that, in my opinion, should be the singular bane of our society today. But when it comes to personal standards. Standards we live by. Standards we require before we let people into our lives and personal space, I love those kinds of standards, and have a few I strive to live by regardless of the situation. So, if I were to set up a minimalist plan, I’d set it for the world like I was setting it for myself. And I already have five choice standards that I believe must be incorporated into the plan.
Rule 1: Live Purposefully and Intentionally For You
Now, this is my first rule because everything we do, from waking breath till we sleep, is done for our benefit. I included living intentionally because how else would you want to live? There’s a lot I see each day. From modification of our bodies, to modification of our personalities. And while I do not have big issues with any of these, I find myself constantly saying, “I hope he is doing this for him. I hope, she thought about this and at the core of her being, she believes it will make her happy. I hope this step is one that leaves him with satisfaction and fulfilment, in however way it counts.” Because that’s what’s important, you see. Having at the forefront of our minds, that we are doing all we can to be at peace with ourselves. For ourselves.
Rule 2: Stay True To You and Your Truth
Why would you ever feel that letting go of your dreams or principles, or altering them to fit into an environment to make a group of people like you or have a shallow sense of respect for you, will give you that sense of belonging you crave in the long run? I want to always remind myself of these even on the few times the lines blur and it feels like I’m losing sight of what matters. I added this standard to my air-tight minimalist plan, because I know how often we may doubt ourselves or be caught in the web of people-pleasing even when it's at our detriment. This rule is a reminder to you and I to never stop staying true to ourselves and our truth.
Rule 3: Be Mindfully Aware of Every Moment
This rule caters to the times we hold onto the past, knowingly or unknowingly. Because whether you believe it or not, each space the past occupies in our minds or hearts is one less space where we can see and appreciate our present. This rule tells us to be mindfully aware of each moment, and cherish it because it’s one that can never be recovered. It tells us to take a pause and breathe deeply. Savour the moment. See the people around us and appreciate them. How many times have we lost sight of, or barely noticed the people who would go the extra mile for us because we’re attached to relationships and moments of the past? Mindfully aware of each moment. That’s the cure.
Rule 4: Be It With Possessions or With People, Keep It Simple and Meaningful
Don’t be afraid to let go. Don’t be afraid to declutter. Don’t be afraid to cut off. Whether it’s with that bag you hardly use but never discard, even with the painful memories it may hold, or that person you know robs you of your peace, and has you constantly second guessing yourself or losing esteem in their presence. It’s never about quantity but quality. So, the people in your life could be as little as two, but you know you are the very best version of yourself in their midst. Same with those possessions. Keep it simple. Keep it worthwhile.
And finally,
Rule 5: In All Things, We Stay Grateful
What better way to end our power-packed minimalist plan than with gratitude. Notice I didn’t say being grateful this time, but staying so. I’ve been going through it these past couple of weeks. Only those who know me on a personal level know just how it’s been. But I told myself that I wouldn’t be devastated when with how the occurrence of these events are supposed to rob me of my peace. Someone made a comment in class today of how no one would ever believe if I said anything was wrong with me because of how I always have a smile at the ready, glowing face and all.
With the murmurs of agreement from everyone there, of course, I couldn’t start enumerating how trying the last weeks had been. So, I gave a winning smile, and simply said. “Well, I’m grateful. Thank you.” No, I do not feel joyous every time. If anything, I’ve shed far too many tears already this year for comfort. That, however, doesn’t stop me from being thankful. If we all incorporated this into our lives. Even if it’s a fake it till you make it situation, you’d be surprised how lighter you’d feel afterwards.
So, there you go. I made this minimalist-plan with myself in mind. But I believe it covers tenets we would want to live by as true, practicing minimalists. What do you think? Feasible enough?
Images are mine.
