I have always been a keeper of things, both essential and non-essential. This habit comes from the way I tie my memories to every object in my possession, with the belief that they all should mean something. But this year, I realized that not everything deserved space in my life. Not everything was necessary to fill a void or make an impression in my room. So I made a conscious decision to remove the extras and keep only the things that supported my peace and well-being.
One of the things I choose to keep is the comfortable arm chair in my room. After taking the other wooden chairs out, my space immediately felt more free, and the purpose of this single arm chair became clear to me. It is one of the first things I see when I open my door everyday. When I return home tired and do not want to lie on my bed just yet, I sit there to rest. I also sit there to laugh, to write, and to daydream. Having this one intentional seating option has proven to be more peaceful than having many.
Next are my shoes. I used to have a strong appetite for footwear, and this fueled the habit of consumerism in my life. Thankfully, at some point, I realized that many of the shoes I bought solely for their aesthetic beauty did not serve me well. Some hurt my toes, while others were uncomfortable to walk in, and a few required extra effort to clean because of their intricate designs. Eventually, I chose comfort over excess. I decluttered them and I now own fewer shoes, most of which are flats and casual sandals. When I look at my shoe rack now, I feel peace. There is no visual chaos, no decision fatigue, and my comfort is guaranteed.
The third essential is my journal. I did not fully understand the importance of journaling until I started writing again this year. My journal has now become a safe space for my thoughts, especially on days when speaking feels too demanding. Seeing it in my room reassures me that I do not have to carry everything in my head. I can release my thoughts through writing and give my mind room to breathe.
The fourth item that remained after stripping away the tinsel are my earpods. I am a huge lover of music, and during my tough times, they help me control the noise and focus on calm, peaceful melodies. My earpods are small and lightweight, yet their presence brings comfort. Once I put them on and connect them to my phone, the music I hear brings a postive shift to my mood, unlike the loud music box I once owned and have since decluttered.
Finally, the last essential item in my space is a mug I got from my mom. Replacing the packs of bottled water I used to keep beside my bed with with a single mug has been a game changer. The mug has become a quiet companion. It holds tea, water, or fruit juice for my consumption and each sip feels like a pat on the back when I'm alone. It also supports me to feel grounded throughout the day, especially when I am working on something important.
Now, the one mental noise I am ready to let go of is the need to be everything at once. I have many interests as a young person, and I am lucky to be doing well in the ones I have explored so far. Still, seeing people online who juggle many roles often fills me with pressure. It pushes me to rush through multiple online courses and try to learn everything at the same time. I am now choosing to release that pressure. I want to move slowly with intentionality, explore these interests at my own pace, and allow myself to be fully present with one thing at a time.
Essentially, stripping away the tinsel and keeping only what matters to my peace and identity has supported my minimalist journey. It has guided me into having a peaceful space and given me clarity on what is not needed to make an impression in life. Now, my focus is on the small things that are instrumental to my growth and the intentional living of my life.
This writing content is 100% mine.
Photographs are personal selfies taken with my mobile phone.
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