Entry No 1.4

THOUGHTS

I have come across the idea of minimalism for quite some time now, through Youtube videos. Most videos showed how to become a minimalist through fashion. One should be wearing neutrals, blacks and grays, with only five to ten items in their closet. I thought it was a good idea, and decided to become a minimalist myself. I really wanted to become one, so I tried to get rid most of my clothes by selling them. But, as I went on, I realized that the more space I got in my closet; the more I want to buy new clothes. So I stopped.

Inherently, I searched through google what it really means and how far does it requires someone to be called a minimalist? Then, I stumbled upon theminimalists.com. Finally, I am somewhat enlightened about the idea.

Minimalism is more than just a fashion or a lifestyle. It is about living. The idea of minimalism revolves around the idea of having less so one can get MORE! To be a minimalist, one should remove the clutter of LIFE. One should sit down and think things through. What makes my life a mess?! For one, I have a lot of stuff in my life which I can leave without, not just the physical things, but, the internal baggage as well that I have been keeping within me and held me from moving on in life and becoming HAPPY.

But, first things first, being a minimalist, I have to leave behind my habit of buying things I do not actually need! Consumerism, as they call it, has entrapped me to the idea that happiness is equivalent to buying more – more things that does not add to my value as a person. So, I created a checklist of things I actually use on a daily basis, afterwards I eliminated from my monthly grocery list the things I can live without like excessive makeup. I do not wear eyeshadows on a daily basis, so I shouldn’t buy more! I only need few pairs of shoes, so I should not keep on buying more. I do not need more cute papers and craft supplies, so I should not get them. Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs proves that one should fulfill the basics before moving on to the next ladder to become satisfied and happy in life.

The second step I did was, I got rid of things in my room that I have not been touching for a long time. I gave away or threw the makeup items, clothes, shoes, wallets, bags and books I was not using or were expired and badly destroyed. I threw away stuff that I made plans for an art project, but never dealt with.

Third, I soul searched and pray to God to give me the courage to let go of the pain I felt in the past. I forgave people who have hurt me and I forgave myself for my imperfections.  I released the bad memories of my childhood. It felt good!

I am not that kind of person that one can easily say am a minimalist, because I do not look like one. My bag is still a mess if you look into it. But, I am in the process of embracing the idea because for the longest time, I yearn for true happiness beyond the material things, and I believe that minimalism is a good way to begin.