"Minimalism is not a lack of something. It's simply the perfect amount of something." - Nicholas Burroughs

Minimalism is a new trend among millennials. It involves removing the unnecessary and focusing only on what matters to you. People often think that to be a minimalist, you have to own less than 100 items and live in a small house, but this is not the case. Minimalism is about finding what makes you happy and forgetting about everything else. Everyone's ideal idea of happiness will be different which is why minimalism is so unique.

For me, minimalism means:

1. Having more time.

Time is your most valuable possession; once it is gone, you cannot get it back. I now have more time to do what I love and what I am passionate about. Having less stuff also means not wasting time looking for lost items. I am able to spend more time with my family and trying new things.

2. Being present.

Spending my time wisely allows me to be present with friends and family. I can spend my weekend doing absolutely nothing and still feel guilt-free. My mind is not occupied with the millions of things that I have to accomplish later in the day.

3. Valuing quality over quantity.

I no longer buy cheap items just for the sake of it. Now, I research and buy the best quality items possible because they look better and last longer.

4. Having more freedom.

Clutter weighs you down externally and internally causes stress. Without the excess clutter, I have freedom to travel and not worry about my stuff. For instance, I have the freedom to move in and out of my dorm room in under 20 minutes.

5. Waking up satisfied.

I wake up in the morning feeling satisfied and content with what I have. I am grateful for the things that I own and do not compare myself to others. I am happy with what I have.

6. Saving more money.

I know what matters to me and what doesn't. For me, having a closet full of new clothes is less important than enjoying new experiences. Saving money also means having to work less.

7. Becoming more environmentally aware.

I am much more aware of my contributions to pollution and the environment. I use a refillable water bottle and take steps to decrease the extent of my environmental footprint.

8. Rethinking necessities.

I used to believe that I wanted it all - a nice car, a six-figure job and a big house - but now, I realize that those things are not what I really want. They are no longer a necessity to me. I am content with the choice I've made and my decision to own less.

9. Becoming healthier.

Health is an idea that has recently become important to me. I am striving to eat healthier and exercise more. This formula is simple and requires no limits or expectations. I hope to have a set plan in the future, but this works for me for now.

10. Editing, Editing, Editing.

Minimalism is a journey that never ends. You don’t simplify your life all of a sudden and go back to your other consumer ways. I have to constantly reevaluate what is important to me and edit my surroundings accordingly.

Becoming a minimalist has drastically changed my worldview and how I view my own "stuff." It has enabled me to have more time, be more productive and focus only on what I am passionate about.

I hope you all give the minimalist lifestyle a try. Let me know about your journey in the comments below. :)