Minimalism has been lifestyle for me before I even knew the existence of the word, I can still vividly remember feeling myself drowning in what some might feel was an advantage, I love my mama and I know she feels same, even more, and one of the ways she showed me was always wanting me to have new dresses, and overtime, I got overly much, the funny thing or weird thing as some of my friends would call it was that out of these possessions, I only valued the simplest of clothing, I knew what I wanted, it was comfort, maybe warm sometimes depending on the weather and not extravagant like mama loved, till date, a simple top and a pair of pant is flexible and comfortable for me to most outdoor occasions.
Wanting less doesn't make me any lesser, instead it helps me in creating space for what truly matters, the same goes with having friends, there was a time I felt suffocated because I wanted to fit in and make everyone happy, but often times, I get heart broken and exhausted, going out of my way to please others at the detriment of my health and sanity sometimes, but with intentionality, I realized that having a few sincere friend whom I can rely on and them me, even if it was just one, was more than giving away all of my energy trying to impress many. Having few special friends made me happier and feel more fulfilled .
We can't deny the many distractions in the world right now, preaching about more, for instance, I have a working smart phone which serves me well and recently, a colleague with same device asked me if I saw the advert and would join her in buying the newly released spec, which cost double the price we got our current one just for show off and I can't help but give her a second look, can I afford it, yes, if I want to, but does it matter, no! then why should I splurge.
Constantly trying to feel your space with what will make others feel good and not yourself doesn't make you live a better life, it's more like you are existing to please people and not yourself.
Minimalism is about living with intention, with purpose, and with a deep appreciation for the things that truly matter, by exploring the power of simplicity and intention in our lives only then are we living a better life. I'm being intentional with my choices and living more mindfully and happily.
All images are mine
