Minimalism is quite a common concept that many people understand as owning few possessions, but it is more than that. If you are familiar with my post, you should know I do talk about how minimalism naturally comes to me, but understanding and fully embracing it, was an entirely different thing.
Initially, I didn’t embrace my minimalist life because I was scared of not following trends. This was one mindset I had to change when I started applying minimalism. I had to cut off the fear of being perceived as odd or different, which was not an easy task.
I often felt like I was going in the wrong direction while others were moving differently. This has led me to question myself frequently. However, as I delved deeper into minimalism, I realized that it wasn’t about being weird or different but about doing things simply and at my own pace.
Not following trends doesn’t mean avoiding any new items or clothes in vogue, but rather not feeling compelled to acquire them unless they are genuinely needed. If I like a piece of clothing or an item, I assess whether I truly need it. If it is necessary, I will get it—not just because it is in vogue but because it serves a purpose. It is not just a matter of clothes or fashion.
The world is moving quite fast, and I have always tried to keep up, to “be among”, and if I wasn’t racing at the pace of the world, then I felt like I was missing out. Chasing after the majority’s wave was exhausting and often left me feeling like I couldn’t catch up.
I couldn’t appreciate the present or even the needful thing I had at hand. They don’t seem enough, even though I knew I didn’t need more. I could hardly tell what was truly important. The trend never seems to end, there is always more. This took a big toll on my mental health, sometimes, I felt that was how life was supposed to be.
I struggled to appreciate the present and the necessary things I had at hand. They never seemed enough, even though I knew I didn’t need more. I could hardly tell what was truly important. The trends never seem to end, there is always more, it took a toll on my mental health, making me believe that this endless chase was how life was supposed to be.
I was wrong.
This was one habit I changed when I started embracing minimalism, and it took a new turn in my minimalist lifestyle. It also affected many areas of my minimalist approach.
I became mindful of my purchases, only getting what I truly needed. This led to a more clutter-free space as I stopped accumulating unnecessary items. I now focus on what truly matters and live at my own pace. Most importantly, living and appreciating the present moment.
Another habit I changed is minimizing and organizing my digital life. Funny how I rarely talk about this, but I become more intentional with my online consumption. I unfollowed accounts that didn’t add value to my life or align with my goals, and I got rid of digital clutter. This practice has also improved my mental health.
Embracing minimalism has been transformative. Letting go of the need to follow trends and creating a more intentional life. Also, decluttering my physical and digital space, improves my mental well-being. Minimalism isn’t about being deprived but finding clarity in simplicity.
•
All images are mine. Thumbnail designed using canva.
