When we think of minimalism, many of us have varying definitions and assumptions. I would like to define minimalism for the sake of this article as I have come to know it.
Minimalism is not owning less than 100 items. It is making conscious choices in all aspects of life. By evaluating and setting intention in the ways we live, relationships, material belongings, food we consume, money and the way we spend our time, we find new freedom for ourselves. What is Minimalism provides a more in-depth definition.
In the U.S., we are sold item after item. We are told we need more in order to find success and happiness. We wind up with so much that we move into larger houses and purchase storage sheds just because we could not recognize we did not actually need the item to begin with and now we do not know how to part with these items. Beautiful things are nice, but freedom is even better.
Giving into materialistic consumption does not just reduce the amount of space we have in our homes, it also makes a dent in our finances. A few years ago, I had a co-worker who was passionate about finances. He used to meet up with me and teach me about money management. I was worried he would tell me I needed a second job in order to pay off school debts and save money. But he opened my eyes when he told me it seemed I was working too much and spending too much. He challenged me to simplify my spending and, with a little self-control, I was able to meet my goals.
Minimalism in finances gets us to set intention for every dollar. It asks us to re-evaluate the way we live. So many people are trapped in debt, wishing they could somehow make more money. They always think about how they will one day get out of debt and finally be able to live how they want. They think that the struggle for money is just how life is. This is not true, even if you have a family to feed.
More money does not equal more happiness. When you need and want less, you work less and you have more. If you are interested in becoming free from financial burden in order to finally live the life you want, here is an article I highly recommend.
Often, we allow obligations to rule our lives and we forget that we are free beings. You do not have to go to work, you choose to. You do not have to spend time with family, friends or your spouse, you choose to. What if we decided to take a deeper look into those things we feel we have to do but do not actually want to do? What if we only do that which provides value to life?
I would like to end this article by challenging you to take a deeper look into your life. If you could live your dream life right now, what would it be and what is stopping you from doing so? How can you remove those limitations? If you are thinking there is no way you can find freedom in these ways, I challenge you to look even deeper. Take responsibility for your life and happiness because no one else will do it for you.
