Questioning My Minimalist Identity

My perception of minimalism was challenged when a friend visited my home. Upon seeing my collection of over 15 plants, various decorative items, and walls adorned with pictures, she quipped, "Are you really a minimalist?" I initially wanted to deflect blame onto my partner, who had purchased most of the items, but I couldn't deny my appreciation for home decor. It brings me joy and creates a welcoming atmosphere in my living space.

This revelation led me to investigate what minimalism genuinely means and how it can be defined.

How Minimalists Define Minimalism

Joshua Becker, the acclaimed author of “Simplify & Living With Less,” describes minimalism as “the deliberate emphasis on what we value most by removing distractions.” Meanwhile, Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus, who produced the celebrated Netflix documentary “Minimalism: A Documentary About the Important Things,” articulate it as “a lifestyle that encourages individuals to examine what truly adds value to their lives.”

Blogger Michael Ofei from theminimalistvegan.com adds that “a minimalist lifestyle is about pinpointing what is essential in your life and having the resolve to eliminate the rest.”

Interestingly, none of these definitions mention “decluttering your home,” “living in a sparsely furnished room,” or “detaching from material possessions.” Yet, minimalism is often equated with owning fewer items. Why is that?

Minimalism and Material Possessions

In today's consumer-driven society, we often derive our self-worth and happiness from our possessions. Driving an expensive car can make us feel significant, and acquiring the latest smartphone or gadget can provide a fleeting sense of prestige. This rampant consumerism has led to a societal need for a movement to counter its adverse effects. Minimalism offers a solution, encouraging us to identify and eliminate what hinders us from achieving our best selves.

Ultimately, minimalism is about removing barriers to a happier and more fulfilling life. It can be interpreted differently by individuals, as it is a versatile lifestyle applicable to various aspects of life beyond just shopping.

Creating Your Own Minimalist Philosophy

You can adopt a minimalist mindset in numerous areas, including goal setting, habits, relationships, and even creative pursuits like art and music. The key is to ask yourself whether you can comfortably live without a particular person or thing.

For instance, I practice minimalism when shopping. Before acquiring anything new, I reflect: Will this enhance my life significantly? Do I genuinely need it? Will I still appreciate this purchase a decade from now? Most often, the answers are negative, leading to a greater satisfaction in resisting unnecessary purchases.

My minimalist approach extends to:

• Travel: When packing, I ask, “Is this essential?” After 41 weeks of travel across multiple countries, I found that everything I needed fit into a medium-sized backpack.
• Social Relationships: I consider, “Does this person contribute positively to my happiness?” This helps me maintain a small circle of fulfilling friendships.
• Teaching: I evaluate whether I can achieve my lesson goals without relying on textbooks or complex tools. Most times, I can.
• Writing: I constantly question if each word or idea serves a purpose, removing anything extraneous.

However, I acknowledge areas where I struggle with minimalism, such as managing too many goals and an overwhelming to-do list.

In Conclusion

Minimalism does not dictate how many items you should possess or how your home should appear. Instead, it provides a framework for removing distractions so you can focus on what genuinely matters in your life. A minimalist perspective is simply one of many tools to help you lead a happier existence.

When my friend questioned my minimalist status upon seeing my cluttered living room, I affirmed that I am indeed a minimalist. I embody minimalism whenever I take the time to evaluate what enriches my life and act to eliminate what does not.

Interested in delving deeper into this topic? Here are three insightful books I recommend:

• The Story of Stuff: How Our Obsession with Stuff Is Trashing the Planet, Our Communities, and Our Health-and a Vision for Change
• Hell Yeah or No: What’s Worth Doing
• Digital Minimalism: Choosing a Focused Life in a Noisy World